Overview & Reviews
The big news for 2004 is the addition of a 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder engine to the lineup late in the model year. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is a delayed option on 1.8T-equipped GLS models. Also note that the 2.8-liter V6 is no longer available on GLS models. The premium Monsoon stereo and Homelink are now standard on all GLS models, while wood trim has been added to the optional Leather Package. The ESP stability control system is now standard on the GLX. Rounding out the changes are restyled 15- and 16-inch wheels and new side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
- Fun to drive, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
- Expensive upper-level models, less rear-seat room than some competitors, some confusing interior controls.
User Reviews:
Showing 211 through 220 of 350.00-
A Great Driving Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Dickie - August 18 - 12:40 pmThis is my second VW in forty years of car ownership. The first was a new 1968 Beetle bought from the same dealership. What a difference in 38 years! Despite all the nostalgia about VW Beetles, they were noisy, underpowered and freezing cold in Canadian winters (even with the gas heater). The Passat is the exact opposite, it is quiet, has great handling and feels very luxurious to someone who owned fifteen American, Russian and Japanese cars in the years between 1974 (when the Beetle died) and 2005. We have really enjoyed the Passat on long trips of 800 km. per day, commuting back and forth for two hours per day and just puttering around town. It has lots of space and is very reliable.
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Best compromise for $15k - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By 04passatvariant - August 7 - 10:30 pmWanted an A4 Avant but too expensive and Quattro slaughters gas mileage - I recently bought an 04 1.8T wagon 5 speed - all I can say is FUN. Came from a 05 Grand Cherokee at 14 mpg, the Passat has more room, is SO much fun to drive, and returns 23/30 mpg.
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passat hater - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By passat hater - August 5 - 10:00 amI havent even had this car for a year and I hate it! bought it used and I was so happy, Low mileage (47,000) and great looking but it wasnt long before the check engine light came on. Got that fixed now its on again. The enterior is peeling and the knobs are falling off. They must have been on a strict budget building this one. Just looking forward to the day I can trade it in for a toyota!!! And the Premium gas and Oil stinks too.
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A lot of BANG for the buck! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By jmschweizer - July 31 - 2:00 amI am in no way going to tell you this is the best vehicle ever but I will say it is the most bang for the buck. I swore I would A. never buy a VW and B. buy a 4 cylinder. I was proven wrong on both points. Dont forget that the Passat is built in Germany. The Jettas are too small & built in Mexico (I have heard horror stories about the Jettas "nickle-diming" people to death). This car is solid, feels solid at speed (80mph), and is comfortable. The 4 cylinder turbo is all that you will need in power. You must drive this vehicle if you are considering a sedan. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPPOINTED!
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70,000 miles without problem - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Curtson - July 12 - 7:30 pmMost writers seem to have complaints but that is not my experience. I wrote about this car at 42,000 miles and am doing a follow-up. I still like this car as much as I did then. Ive had to replace the headlight bulbs, a couple relay switches, and the rear lights. The timing belt replacement ($600) is usually done at 90,000 miles but Im doing it at 80,000 to be on the safe side. Ive replaced it in other cars so dont see this as an unusual expense. Slightly more expensive total repairs than my wifes 2005 Camry but its a lot more fun - we always take this car.
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A winner! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By emma - June 19 - 2:00 amsmooth! everything clearly marked. great design inside and out. car is very responsive and holds the road well.FUN to drive!
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8 cylinders & AWD in a VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By ebmaxse - June 8 - 10:00 amI bought the W8 Sedan 4Motion w/Sport Pkg. The Sport Package in 2003 was a wise offering after the 2002 intro of the W8, due to the additional weight of the engine. This version of the Passat is not an off-the-line dragster, its forte is at-speed highway touring. Its autobahn pedigree comes out when accelerating on the hwy. The torque from the W8 is impressive. Still from a standing start, 60mph takes only 6.5 seconds, fast for a family sedan. No other import sedan with 8 cylinders, awd, and the amenities in the Passat can be had for under $40k. Mine is white w/two-toned black & beige interior,...nice!
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Not all its racked up to be. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By ALE - May 27 - 9:33 amI love my car, if it would just keep working!! I have owned 3 VWs. But my 3rd is making me look like a fool. I love the way it drives, it corners like it is on rails. Very comfortable interior, awesome sound system. Other people dont understand why I still have it. I have now been stranded 2 times and have only owned it for 15 months, with 76,ooo miles. This car is well cared for. The coils have failed, CV boots replaced, and now oil cooler failed. I hate to get rid of it, but at this point I could owe a Lexus for what it has cost me to fix this one.
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Fooled Three Times - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Boogalosi - May 4 - 2:00 amI owned a VW Scirocco back in the early 90s and it was an unbelievable piece of $#%@. Literally, every three months it had to go in the shop. Several years later I thought I would give VW another chance and bought a Jetta. I thought the Scirocco was a piece of $#$%. This car made the Scirocco look reliable. I told myself I would never buy VW again. Well my daughter last year kept bugging and bugging me to buy her a Passat. Jeeze, I didnt think it was possible but this car was worse than my first two VWs. Ive only owned three VWs in my life and they were ALL terrible. Please take my advice...DO NOT BUY ONE!
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Fun, but huge waste of money! Listed Repairs. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By karmann11 - April 30 - 6:18 pmThe car is fun to drive, AWD 4motion is amazing, and it does deliver fantastic MPG vs other models released the same year. Heres the issue. Read all other reviews, Its a maintenance lemon! Below Ive listed the problems occurred after owning my car for 3 years (2009 - 2012, 54k - 96k miles) 1) Timing belt replaced - $320 2) 2 Coil packs - $240 3) Oil sludge recall - covered fortunately 4) 3 CV boots - $750 5) Oil Cooler failure - $1,600 6) 2 front axles - $360 7) 2 Cylinder Oxygen Sensors - $400 8) Clutch - $800 9) Fuel pump - $800 10) 4 tires - $450 11) 4 brake pads, calipers, rotors - $600 Total repair costs = $6,320 not including routine oil change, tire balancing, etc: $400/year
