I can definitely agree with the Jetta IV's being great driving cars and can also testify to the fact that they can be reliable. I've owned two: a 2002 Wagon and a 2004 Sedan. Actually, I leased the sedan, but decided to purchase it three months ago when the lease expired because I drove a Jetta V from the dealership for three days and found my IV rode much more smoothly, had much more attractive styling, and due to a lower beltline and taller windows, had much better visibility. My 2004 has the 2.0 (5M) as did the 2002 (4A) and, yes, it is not the most powerful engine on the market but it provides more than sufficient acceleration (particularly with the manual). I had a little trouble with the 2002 including three brake light switches and a failed transmission at 38,000 miles which was replaced under warranty. The 2004 currently has 65,000 miles and it has been the most trouble-free car I've ever owned. The battery was replaced under warranty, the brake light switch and seat heater had recalls and that's all that's gone wrong. After I bought my 2002, I read that the 2.0 uses oil, but I've never added oil between 5,000 mile changes on either car. A long-time VW salesman told me that the 2003 and 2004 Jetta IV's are much more reliable than the earlier ones.
