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 71 through 80 of 350.00

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  Overall, a Great Pick - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By cknudsen - December 23 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car as an economical AWD car with great features. My only disappointment with it has been the gas poor mileage. Over two years the best mileage that I have gotten has been 24.5 mpg and the worst was 20 mpg and I am averaging around 22-23. Since I traded in my previous car in hopes of the 28 mpg on the sticker, this is a disappointment. It has great pickup for a 4-cylinder vehicle. The interior is very nice with comfortable seats. This car has only been in the shop for routine service (24,000 miles and counting). Note: some places (Walmart, etc.) will not do oil changes on this car.

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bruynje - December 21 - 4:00 pm

  Buying the diesel was the best thing that i could do. I have a dodge ram with a Hemi with $ 800 per month fuel bills. now i spend about 200 USd per month. The car is for my wife but its really the only vehicle we use. m consistant fuel miles are averageing 32-33 MPG city and highway. at 85 mph i get about 32 mpg. If you keep it to 75-78 mpg you will get 38-39 mpg with the AC running. The engine noise is strong in the first 2000 miles but then it really smoothens out. Diesels are meant to be driven, so if you keep it in the garage, buy a gas engine. There is a big of a turbo lag below 1500 RPM but once you pass the lag the power is great.

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  GLS TDI - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By anchor5072 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately the TDI model has not yet been recognized by Edmunds, so I am using the closest fit. I am comparing to my Audi A6, which is not fair, but considering it cost about $15K less the Passat does quite well. Very pleased with the Turbo, not only the mileage but the performance is great. I drove through a very heavy rain storm a couple of days ago, many cars sitting it out on the side of the road, but the Passat felt secure and handled quite well. Overall I highly recommend the TDI, if you can find one. Color selection has been limited, but I lucked out and got a Blue Silver with Black leather. A real beauty.

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  Still W8ing - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gille1 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car as my 7th Passat and 20th VW and was looking forward to a fast and sporty ride. The car is neither. Acceeleration lag from stand still is down right dangerous and then you jump like a frog! Gas mileage is horrendous ( 12 miles in City?). Back brakes warped & replaced at 20K. Tried to sell and realized one dealer offered all remaining 2003 W8s at $8K disocunt! W8ing for a better Audi or Lexus.

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  Passat GLS 1.8T Manual - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Travieso - November 4 - 10:00 am

  the car is very elegantly desinged especially with the leather interior. the interrior is very roomy and comfortable. the car has many good features such as the sunroof and esp, it is a very classy car and for under 24,000 it is a steal

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  A week old - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jody - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Have the V6 only a week but I love it Smooth engine, great features, nice styling. cant tell you about reliability yet.

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  Ahhhh! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bakwalker - October 29 - 10:00 am

  This will be a very short happy review: After 6 months driving this vehicle I am still in love. Simple, elegant, fun to drive, solid as a rock, comfortable. I am looking forward to an ongoing affair with this car.

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  VW HAS A DEFINITE COIL PROBLEM - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jerry - October 3 - 9:30 pm

  I have been down the coil road with VW. They will not admit that it is a major problem with their car. I have almost been stranded twice with the coil problem. Once I was at the dealer & they told me I would have to wait until the following week to get it fixed. It is a really simple thing to replace . I called a friend (Mechanic) & he knew right away & told me to buy a coil at the dealer & he talked me through changing it. It was a trial & error method because I didnt know which one of the 4 was bad. It turned out to be #1 coil. 2 weeks later # 2 died. I replaced it & the other 2 & have solved my problem. I hope the new ones are more reliable! Also had to replace a front axle

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  consistency - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By stefi - October 2 - 2:00 am

  First fell in love with Passat overseas. This is my first brand new Passat, but even two different used Passats were so well built and reliable, I had to have a new one. I never worry about this car leaving me stranded with mechanical problems. Besides routine maintenance, I have not seen a mechanic in years! Buying a Volkswagen is a perfect way to enjoy smart,solid German engineering without the prices of Mercedes and BMW!

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  VWPassat GLX Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By J.Haidar - October 2 - 2:00 am

  If you have not bought one, please do and you better go for the best,GLX.