 2004 Volkswagen Jetta TDI PD. Click image to enlarge |
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Volkswagen’s water-cooled small car legacy is long in North America, having started back in the 1970s with the tiny Rabbit. Needless to say, the Rabbit – which became the Golf in about 1985 and was recently rechristened the Rabbit for 2007 – has come a long way, and it brought a few friends with it.
The GTI started out as a performance variant of the Rabbit, while the Jetta was basically a Rabbit with a trunk, comparisons that carry on to this day. What’s changed is the cars’ target markets: where early models competed with Civics and Corollas, VW started to move these cars upmarket in the 1990s. When the fourth-generation versions – referred to as MK4 (say “mark four”) – debuted late in that decade, they had essentially become compact cars that carried many of the hallmarks of much more expensive European cars.
The drive was wonderful, with responsive handling, even in basic versions, and a comfortable ride. The look was lovely too, inside and out. Interior space was good as well, though the rear seat in the Golf and Jetta seemed tighter than in previous versions.
 2004 Volkswagen New Beetle. Click image to enlarge |
Then there’s the New Beetle, the ultimate retromobile that joined the MK4 Golf and Jetta for 1999, though it arrived in showrooms a few months earlier than those cars. Its throwback styling, coupled with the same on-road feel as its platform mates, made it a big hit and certainly caused countless sore arms (red punchbuggy, no punchbacks!).
If the price-tags attached to the MK4 models were unconventional for the compact segment, so was the variety available in the powertrain department. Base models carried on with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder that powered third-generation cars. Dubbed the “two-point-slow” by VW enthusiasts, this motor produced a rather average 115 horsepower throughout the MK4’s model run.
Another carryover motor was the VR6 engine that made its debut in the third-generation GTI and top-line Jetta and was found in the corresponding fourth-gen cars. In the MK4, the VR6 began as a 12-valve engine making 174 horsepower; in 2003, it got a 24-valve cylinder head and 26 more horsepower, for an even 200.
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at 8:23 am
A very fair and unbiased account of these cars. I had a Jetta myself, and know all too well the grief that can go along with them.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – if VW could make a reliable vehicle, they’d own the North American market in no time. When they run, they run well, and they’re comfortable, fun to drive and look great.
As it is, though, far too many of us who’ve been unable to enjoy use of their windshield wipers during a torrential downpour on the 401, or unable to open the hood to check the oil and top up fluids, are a little soured on the VW experience.
at 9:59 am
I love Volkswagens for their ride, handling, and ambience. In fact, I’ve had four of them. However, I’ve had 4 Honda’s since my last VW. Why? Because VW’s are unreliable and parts are too expensive. If they produced a dependable car I would be wooed back in a flash. Why VW has been perennially unable to resolve this given their oft quoted “German Engineering” truly represents a lost opportunity.
at 10:56 am
Unreliable, yes. Also, just lousy engineering.
Ever replaced a t’stat in any non-VW car? Go to top of block, remove t’stat housing, replace with new $15 part, good-to-go. Half-hour, maximum./
On our 2001 Beetle? It involves dropping the p/s pump and removing the water pump- because the t’stat is embedded in the water pump. And then, to add insult to injury, the t’stat costs ~$50.
This is our last VW. Period.
at 3:23 pm
I love my VW for the way it looks and the MPG the TDI gets but I will never purchase another VW again. The technology pushed forward by VW is too fragile (remember the G60 super charger anyone?), and they are loath to admit when something they make isn’t working properly. Case in point, their DSG transmission. The unit in my TDI failed and its replacement will cost a cool $3,500.00! What is frustrating is that VW has no explanation for the unit’s failure, my part takes weeks to get from Germany, and such is the secrecy of these failures, my falied unit is sent to Germany for examination and I won’t get it back. I have looked at many VW forums and seen that DSG failure isn’t uncommon, and there is no rhyme or reason to the failures. What is most troublesome is that when the part fails the transmission defaults into a “limp-home” mode where my first gear was summarily engaged at 60kph along with a solid jolt throughout the car. My question to VW was, what would have happened at highway speed, 100-120kph, if the unit failed and tried to go into 1st gear? Their answer was that they couldn’t comment on the specifics of event’s and that VW would take 10% off the price of the replacement unit. I love the look, smell, mpg of my TDI VW, but I will be going back to a Honda for the rock solid reliability, and peace of mind that I, or my transmission, arent’ going to be ejected from my car if the DSG unit decides to quit again.
at 3:36 pm
It’s ironic. Maybe I am one of the exceptions but I have owned 4 VWs (86 GolF Diesel, 92 Jetta GTX, 96 Jetta Trek, 97 Jetta Trek) and other than just having to replace the water pump on the 96, after 280 000kms I have never had any major service issues. Combined on all four I have exceeded 750 000 kms with only one major issue – Guess I’m the lucky one!
at 3:44 pm
^^^ David, that’s because you didn’t own any mk4’s…
at 4:02 pm
I agree with this review. I have a 2003 VW GTI, and there is usually one issue every year to repair.
One thing to note, 2003+ have improved window clips, maf, oxygen sensors, and with the updated coils which seem to last between timing belt changes. All in all they fixed a lot of common issues from the earlier years, so if anyone is looking get a VW golf/jetta, get a 2003+ model year for a more reliable vehicle.
Waterpumps are notorious for failing, this is another major problem to watch out for. Mine failed and so did my brothers at approx 45000km for both of us.
at 4:42 pm
I’m one of those MKIV owners who has honestly had very little trouble with my 2004 Jetta. It’s a 2.0 GLS 5M and currently has 91,500 miles (not KM’s, I’m in the US)and it has actually been the most reliable car I’ve ever owned. The seat heaters and brake light switch were replaced with recalls and the radio and battery were replaced under warranty. The only out-of-pocket expense I’ve had other than maintenance was to repalce an AC control module at about 60,000 miles. I still have all four original brake pads, the original clutch, and every power accessory including the sunroom still work perfectly with their original motors. The leather on the driver’s seat bolster is worn and the driver’s door handle has the dreaded “scratches”, but othewise the car looks and drive pretty much like new. And I still really like the smooth ride and great steering and braking feel of this car. I’ll be replacing it with another VW when I decided to trade.
at 6:41 pm
Just pure Junk.
I loved driving at night, and having one side of my dash board lights go out, and the other side working fine.
I also especially enjoyed not being able to put down the rear windows, or the fact it would never start on a really damp day, unless you pulled the spark plug wires out, and sprayed half a can of WD/40 on the spark plugs.
Ohh, least I forget the outrageous cost of just having a diagnostic test done, and the 1300 dollar break job!
Any one who defends these cars, either has disposable money, or short term memory loss!
I would have been better off, investing my 30k in GM or Chrysler stock!
at 8:35 pm
Anyone who spends $1300 for a brake job and sprays their spark plugs with WD40 has disposable income. Someone who spends $240 for a brake job and gets the spark plugs changed every 65k for $80 doesn’t have disposable income but owns a VW.
at 8:41 pm
Yeah, a $1,300 brake job seems a bit, um, extraordinary.
@ onearmed: thanks for the info about the improved parts in newer models.
@ David: More, the poster below you, is right: the MKIII cars are much better than the MKIVs for overall reliability.
at 8:45 pm
I’ve had three VW’s (old Beetle, Golf Mk2, Golf Mk3) and never had any significant troubles. I think one of the main reasons people have troubles is that they don’t follow the manufacturer’s service schedule rigorously. In Europe this goes without saying, and people generally have better experience with VW’s, as I did in England. But if you just drive them till something breaks, it probably will.
at 9:05 pm
It’s always like this on the VW threads. You know…generalized expressions of regret having purchased the brand…followed by counterclaims of unparalleled reliability…finalized by someone laying the blame at the feet of the apparently negligent owner.
It doesn’t seem to go like this in Toyonda discussions. I guess they just have a better marketing department.
at 9:32 pm
VW needs to take the people who are in charge of making the cars feel really nice, and make them in charge of gluing trim on and running wires, the people who do that now are very unqualified. I have never figured out how a company who makes cars that feel as solid as tanks, can’t make them stay together. As far as owners not following the maintenance schedule, since when was replacing dash bulbs and wiper motors part of routine maintenance, or for that matter, applying extra glue to the trim during oil changes to keep it from falling off. The comment about them having a huge chunk of the North American market if they could only make their cars reliable is very true. Right now their market is people who like the look and feel of the product, and can put up with the hassle and convince themselves there are no problems.
at 9:56 pm
Onearmed says”I agree with this review. I have a 2003 VW GTI, and there is usually one issue every year to repair.
“One thing to note, 2003+ have improved window clips, maf, oxygen sensors, and with the updated coils which seem to last between timing belt changes.
Waterpumps are notorious for failing, this is another major problem to watch out for. Mine failed and so did my brothers at approx 45000km for both of us.”
Sorry for editing, and I am not trying to bash, but this is typical of VW owners, this list is unacceptable for things that needed improving, they make cool that are fun to drive, and their fans are willing to put up with sub standard reliability. It’s like MG owners, some people get it, some don’t, but don’t act like nothing is wrong.
I have owned Hondas, Toyotas, Lexus’ and Subarus over the last 20 years, none of these parts mentioned have ever caused me a problem.
at 10:47 am
My 2002 1.8T Jetta (30k +++ new) was the worst car I have ever owned. I will never ever consider a VW again – I just cant do it. I could list all the troubles but it would bring back bad memories. At the last point, 6 years and almost 200k later – I stopped driving my car altogether, left it in the driveway, went down the street and leased a chrysler 300 (which for a fleet queen is amazingly fantatsic compared with the Jetta). My Jetta sat for 6 months before I found a buyer. This guy said he was going to lower it and put rims on it, while I am thinking he will be pouring money into sensors and other stuff that I dont care goes into making a car work… (the best part) the day after I sold it, the buyer called me and said “the engine light turned on in your car” to which I replied: “NO, the engine light turned on in YOUR car”. every time I see a VW driver I think: “Loser. Glad thats not me anymore”.
at 7:37 am
I had a 2000 1.8T Jetta for 7 years. It had pretty much every common MK IV problem. In additition, it was the only car I ever had to get towed in to the dealer dur to a cracked circuit board that allowed the security system to immobilize itself. But, when working correctly, the car drove very well , looked great, and was fun to drive.
Sold the car privately for 10K . Resale value was very good. Replaced the car with a used 2007 GTI. The GTI was rock solid until May when the AC compressor and blower switch was replaced under warranty. All in all though, the Mk V series seem more reliable.
at 7:58 am
See what I mean, even with experiences that would send most people running, VW can still sell cars. They are nice to drive when they work, and people are willing to put up with inexcusable problems if they are fans. Imagine if they made cars that actually worked properly?
at 10:13 am
I’ve had two MK4 Jettas, a 99.5 GLS TDI, and a 2002 GLS TDI. The 99.5 was a nightmare for things going wrong. I had always told myself I’d never buy the first year of a new model (let alone in a new plant in Mexico), but I did it that time as I was just starting to commute a fair distance. I must say, almost everything that went was fixed under warranty, but it was a huge hassle taking to dealer so often. When the water pump exploded and took out the timing belt (within months of having the timing belt job done), I traded it on the 2002.
Looking back I guess I was a glutton for punishment, but again it was the fuel economy pulling me in. Fortunately, the 2002 has been fabulous, with only window clips and seat heater issues to deal with. I’m averaging 5.1 L/100km and hope to keep this car for another few years.
Would I buy another? Absolutely maybe. The interior fit and finish is still leagues above what I see in other cars in the same class, and the TDI engines give great real-world economy. However if the reliability ratings are poor, I will stay away this time.
at 7:26 pm
CR is a pathetic and unreliable source for automotive information. They’re the people who cheered years ago when they managed to role a Suzuki. The window issue was fixed years ago by new clips, and so no MKIV has that issue anymore. This article is poorly written and inaccurate.
at 10:23 pm
Bob, forget the CR, real people are talking about the problems they’ve experienced. Everything written here is exactly the same as the people I know who own/have owned VW’s
at 10:14 am
Yeah, that’s true SJP.
I shouldn’t have criticized the article. I know that VW has issues, especially with electrical problems.
at 2:41 pm
It’s just too bad, because they feel bullet proof to drive, seem like they would last forever, but alas…..
at 11:12 pm
The VW Jetta does not hold a candle to the Toyota Corolla. VW ran into serious problems when they tried to go upmarket but the cars the public bought were not generally reliable. VW does not know their target market for the Jetta and want the panache of a more expensive brand just look at the Phaeton – a failed project altogether. Sometimes you got to eat humble pie and know where you belong and your customer base – Toyota knows their market, VW is still trying to catch up.
at 11:23 pm
I have owned VWs all my life – bought them all used and for a good price from side of the road used car salesmen and the cars generally ran like tanks … until I bought a New Beetle.
I wanted a New Beetle for so long and I finally forked over $17,000 for a four year old used one from a Volks Dealer. I’ve had it for 18 months and have had nothing but grief. It’s left me on the side of the road four times – and it’s still under the ‘VW Certified’ used car warrenty. Apparently, this warrently doesn’t cover much that actually goes wrong.
I am heart broken over this car. Now, it’s not running and that’s after paying two different dealers $1000 EACH to fix it and do the recommended maintanance. (Yes, I took to back. It’s there now). All I want to do is trade in my ‘dream’ car and cut my losses. After 15 years, I think I’m done with VWs. Never thought I’d say that. Wonder what GM has got?
at 11:32 pm
(Sorry, that’s warranty)
at 9:20 am
Bought my daughter a 2001 Golf last year. Perfect for her needs, only 151,000 kms on the clock and she loved the car. So far no problems after 12,000 kms. Will get timing belt done soon but that is it. Drives great, good gas mileage and only routine maintenance. Can a car company have such wide differences in reliability coming off the same line?
at 10:29 am
Hi, I’ve been reading some of the praises/complaints and wanted to put in my 2 cents worth.
I own a 2001 Jetta TDI bought new (aug 2000)
To date, it has just over 831000km (516000 miles)..yes that’s right, over 3/4 of a million km. This car has been great. It still looks great..the interior is like brand new..runs great! I’ve had minor problems, but so far it still has the complete original exhaust system, original engine (no major repairs other than scheduled service..timimg belt etc), original electrical equipment..clutch has been replaced once (at approx 620000km)…one wheel bearing has been replaced (the other 3 are original) and the glow plugs have been replaced twice. Also it has never failed to start in the winter & has never let me down (knock-on-wood). It must have been a good day when they built it (in Mexico)and am I ever glad it was.
at 3:01 pm
I think the article is fair. Bottom line is that VW is not Toyota or Honda, and that many many people (myself included) have their eyes wide open when they buy a VW. We will likely spend more on maintenance, have more trips to the shop, and will enjoy driving more when we drive.
To each their own. I tell lots of people (who know I drive a VW) that if you just want a reliable & economical car, look elsewhere. Meanwhile, I’ll keep buying these cars b/c for me the alternatives that offer comparable driveability are far more expensive cars than Toyota and Honda. And I’m willing to pay for the driving experience.