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 111 through 120 of 350.00

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  Smooth and comfortable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By fcarre2 - June 20 - 10:36 am

  I came across a used W8 with low miles and decided to make the purchase. I have been very impressed with the smoothness of the engine, the rock solid feel (far better than my wifes Lexus or my old g35) and the overall comfort of the vehicle. I have the sport package which tightens up the suspension a bit. After 10,000 miles I dont think I could go back to Lexus or Infiniti - they just dont have the so-solid feel. I have had no problems to date and on the highway I run 24 mpg. Mixed city driving gives me 19.5 mpg. Lastly, the sport suspension with the BBS wheels certainly draws plenty of nice comments from others.

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  Dream Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rhonda Cooley - June 14 - 1:16 pm

  This beautiful car is so nice to drive I often have the urge to pass my house and keep driving! Truly, it handles better than any other car Ive driven, and I look forward to my next long road trip!

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  Passat Rating - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Markopat - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car...I only have one small complaint. The 1.8 Turbo has a slight delay when you step on the gas hard. When the tubo kicks in, it grabs pretty good. Gas milage has been approx 23- 24/gallon...not bad with gas prices at $2.20 a gallon. I highly reccomend this car and the Scottsdale, AZ Camelback Dealership.

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  Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - April 23 - 9:50 am

  This is fine car at a good price. It fits my 63" height well. The handling is outstanding, comparable to our BMW 5-Series. After much consideration, we decided to go with the 1.8T four cylinder - and dont regret it. The engine warms quickly and starts pumping out power as the turbo spins up. There is a slight turbo lag that I have learned to work with. The gas mileage appears to be about 33 mpg on the highway. The Tiptronic transmission does an outstanding job of maintaining constant torque and allows you to keep the engine in the power range and extract huge performance. The interior is in the euro style with little of the bling and junk that turn me off the Japanese cars.

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  I wish someone warned me about the water - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw driver - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Jetta, now a passat. I loved it until the water began to leak in under the front and rear floor carpet. When I researched this issue it seems it is a long known defect/issue for these cars. I know two people who had the same problem, and found hundreds of others on line. My new car now smells like a old wet rug. Other than that love the car, but that is quite an issue to get by. VW claims not to know of it but replace pollon filter to address the issue.

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  GREAT for tall folks - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Burke - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Im dont agree with what some others have said. I am 68" and 260 lbs. and I fit in the passat with ease. i actually could move the seat up and still be comfortable. The head room (without the sun roof) is amazing. incredibly fun to drive, and the 4 cylinder turbo is great. no need for the V-6. This engine has plenty of power and better gas mileage. and I love driving the manual. However, I did have to take the car into the shop with a small computer problem, but I was in and out in a very short time.

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  Sold, thank god! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - Atlanta - April 2 - 4:26 pm

  This car is junk. I have been waiting to sell/trade the car so I could write this. Do not buy one unless you like going to the repair shop. Also, since the car breaks frequently, they have taken loaner cars away. Please note that I work on cars and took immaculate care of this vehicle. These items broke due to poor build: Antilock computer system, front emblem fell off (700 miles), heated seats, door lining, radio, 2 rear speakers, brake lights, cv axles, cat. converter, fuel pump, seats wore. Also this car has a timing chain, do not buy around 100K since you will be out 700-1400 $$$$. Buy something else for your own good. Also, be leery of the VW dealers around Atlanta - Scammers!

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  Big Disappointment - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RAL - March 17 - 11:06 am

  The dealer has been fantastic! The first 30K miles I owned this car I thought it was the best vehicle I have purchased new! (my used 1990 Miata with 200K miles beats anything!!) Since the 30K mark it has been all down hill! All of the ignition coils have failed. Only after the "sludge problem" stopped the car dead was I informed by the dealer that VW sent out clarification in late 04 about the need for synthetic oil! I bought in 2005 & had no notice of this! Now with 60K I am told one axle needs to be replaced & the boot on the other is leaking! (Not warrantied!)($1000) I cant tell you how many service issues, recalls! seat heaters, shock bolts, on & on & on!

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  04 Passat GLX 2.8 V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWlover222 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I initially started with a 2000 VW Passat GLS V6, which had a continual "no start" problem. VWOA bought the car back from me and offered a great incentive to purchasing another VW. I decided on the 04 VW Passat GLX. I only have about 1,000 miles on the car but I love it. Many said I was crazy going for another VW after my experiance, but I think they are great cars. Fun to drive, comfortable, powerful and stylish

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  An OK car, quite good for the money - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lackluster - March 4 - 10:00 am

  After having owned the car for a week, my initial excitement is wearing off. The car seems slow to take-off, it seems you really need to mash the accelerator. The car feels large and sluggish, and the Monsoon sound system has far too much low-quality bass. In addition, the exterior mirrors produce an inordinate amount of wind noise at speeds in excess of 55 mph.