2004 Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.38/5 Average
350 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Fun to drive, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
Cons:
  • Expensive upper-level models, less rear-seat room than some competitors, some confusing interior controls.

User Reviews:

Showing 241 through 250 of 350.00
  • Please do not make a mistake of buying a VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Worst car experience ever. Bought a 2004 passat wagon 1/1/2010. Had 60K miles. Every month or two, I had to put it in the shop. Brakes, belts, engine coils, thermostat, both front axels, airflow sensor, a/c unit, etc... all had to be replaced over the 10 months I owned it. Thank goodness I was able to get rid of it before the other well known things go wrong. I got rid of it at 74K miles... heard about the turbos in these cars going out, timing belt, etc.... never again.

  • Great Wagon - Fun to Drive - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The GLX has probably more features than we really needed, but boy what fun it is to drive this car. Great engine, all the safety features you would ask for, and the 4WD was really nice in the winter. Appealing style from the outside with the 17" wheels, and IMO much better looking than the Audi solution on the same basis. Now if only the mileage would be better - so far only getting ~16MPG in mixed city/highway driving.

  • Will not buy another VW any time soon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My wife and I love the styling and comfort of the car, but have been extremely disappointed with the massive number of electrical component problems on our Passat. In my family, VW always had a reputation for quality, at least as long as I can remember. However, this car has not lived up to the VW rep. The day after we purchased the car, the fuel gauge sensor failed. Since then its been an uphill climb. The remote trunk opener failed, a break sensor failed that caused the ABS and Airbags to disable - another service call. Heated seats burned through the leather on the drivers side and actually caused 1st degree burns on my wifes leg <-- This resulted in a recall later. Etc., etc., etc

  • A really fine automobile - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Original owner of a 2004 Passat GLS 1.8T, this has been one great car. Exceptional performance, handling and fuel economy. The VW/Audi 4 cylinder turbo engine is one of the most sophisticated production engines being built, and is easy to modify for even better performance and driveability. Mated with the automatic transmission, a reprogrammed VW turbo provides amazing low-end torque and acceleration. You can easily out accelerate a V8 powered machine off the line. I also have a 5 series BMW and honestly, this car is more fun to drive - more road feel, lighter, easier to put it where you want it on the road. But dont skimp on maintenance - this car requires regular, skilled car.

  • Not satisfied - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We got the 2004 passat with a special lease called the drivers option. Weve had the car for 4 years and averaged about 11,000 miles a year. There is very little room for your personal things such as a wallet, sun glasses, water, cds etc. The car must have had 8 recalls (seat heaters, fuel leaks etc.). The car spent about 6 weeks in repair shops and everything was under warranty but our lease is up and well NEVER buy another Volkswagen as long as we live. Now that the lease is up Volkswagen sent out their inspector to go over the car and charge us as much as possible for any scratch or nick they can find. Ive leased a lot of vehicles but Ive never been nit- picked like this. Beware!

  • great Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    You cant go wrong with this baby. That turbo kicks in and hold on. You get a lot for your money with features that some expensive cars dont have.

  • Love this car but more power please - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Outstanding ride for the price, great handling luxurious interior

  • marandas review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    i love my .v.w. its so fun to drive and the price is so afordable and me my husband and 3 kids fit so thats what i call my type of car thanks toyota

  • Great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is the third Passat I have owned. It is a great car.....fun to drive and very stylish. It is a good value since it is a similar car to the Audi A4 yet is is priced lower.

  • Fun, Comfortable, Unreliable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I bought this car as a certified Volkswagen. I loved the look and the style. It handle and drove as you would expect a German car. Very peppy and responsive. Shortly after the purchase I started having electrical problems, windows stopped working, censors were going bad. The warranty covered all the work, although the dealerships were not easy to work with. At around 80,000 miles the car broke down on the road. Found out there was a recall on the motor that the dealership didnt notify us about. The whole motor was replaced under warranty because of an oil pump problem. After that the alternator went dead causing three more breakdowns. After many headaches the car is running fine, for now.

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