2004 Volkswagen GolfFuel Economy & MPG Ratings
Diesel Compact CarsFront-Wheel Drive
City
32
MPG
Highway
42
MPG
Combined
36
MPG
Real-World MPG
Based on 13 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov
43.2MPG average+19.9% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 36 MPG · Owner reported avg: 43.2 MPG
Range: 37–50 MPG
Driving mix: City 28% / Highway 72%
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.
Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 43.2 real world MPG based on 13 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 36 MPG.
Trim Comparison
Manual 5-spd
Diesel Diesel
City
32
Hwy
42
Comb
36
Fuel cost: $2,350/yr
Automatic (S5)
Diesel Diesel
City
28
Hwy
39
Comb
32
Fuel cost: $2,650/yr
Automatic 4-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
Manual 5-spd
Regular
City
21
Hwy
28
Comb
24
Fuel cost: $2,800/yr
| Trim | Engine | City | Hwy | Combined | Fuel Cost/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-spd | Diesel Diesel | 32 | 42 | 36 | $2,350 |
| Automatic (S5) | Diesel Diesel | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,650 |
| Automatic 4-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Manual 5-spd | Regular | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,350
Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year
5-Year Fuel Savings
$250
vs. average new vehicle
EPA Fuel Economy Score: -1/10
GHG Score: -1/10
Environment
- CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
- 283 g/mile
- Annual Petroleum Consumption
- 9.9 barrels
Specifications
- Engine
- 2L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- 5-speed Manual
- Drivetrain
- FWD
- Body Style
- Sedan
- GVWR
- Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)
Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.
Engine & Efficiency Details
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
- Engine Size
- 1.9L, 4-cylinder
- Fuel Type
- Diesel
Related
Volkswagen Golf MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year