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 51 through 60 of 350.00
  • German engineering at its best - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    If you want basically and AUDI A4 with more interior room and about $6000 to $8000 less sticker price, this is your car. This is my second VW and by far the best. The Passat class is not prone to all the little bugs and recalls of the jettas and the new beetles. Its basically a mid-size german sports sedan for less than $25,000. Who could ask for more?

  • the best kept secret - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Bought a 2003 - with only 10,000kms (not miles for) 35,000 Canadian or 25,000 American (not sure of the excahnge but in comparison the same as a 6cl Camry - no contets - this car is a rocket, its classy and its rare. there as many BMW out there as anything else, I love this sleeper.

  • Love my Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    this car has been very reliable. It gets decent gas mileage and is fun to drive. The 1.8 turbo engine provides power when needed.

  • 67,000 miles - Still love the car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I drive a lot! 40k miles / year. I have had two mass-air flow sensors fail (in hard rain) but no other problems with the car itself. Dealer service shop doesnt know how to use a torque wrench (on lug nuts or oil drain plugs) but the car is a blast to drive and very comfortable on the highway.

  • Great car so far... - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is my second Passat and my 10th VW. I used to drive 50k miles per year commuting between Huntsville, AL and my job in Atlanta, GA and have found the Jettas and Passats to be great cars. The Passat is fun to drive. The car is sleek and stylish. I had no problems with my second Passat except several "weird" repairs which were needed after 90,000 miles (oil in my coolant system cost about $350 to repair; fixing of an oil leak due to a faulty gasket was about $150). I went out an priced BMWs today and decided I would keep my VW and just drive it until the wheels fall off (hopefully I have another 100k). Overall, Im pleased with the car. Would love to hear from 100k plus owners!

  • Makes you look real smart! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    First drove one as a Volvo service loaner and liked the firm handling. Excellent engine response and good turbo kick. Found 1.8L had sufficient pick up. The cool styling sedan is definitely a head turner on the road and the metallic blue finish (better than the other 4 shades of grey/silver) is a real knock out. Simple, sleek looking alloy wheels. The front leather seats are comfortable and the steering wheel has a sporty but rich feels. Monsoon CD sounds great. A very smart German buy as opposed to wasting $ on a locally assembled 3 series, which is inferior in terms of ride, comfort and handling.

  • Passat Wagon what are you waiting for - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Weve had our Passat wagon for a year now. We drive about 25,000 miles in a year and we are very pleased with the performance, gas mileage and the fact that my wife feels very safe driving. Its exact tracking even at high speeds and crisp maneveurs and its solid feel (like driving a vault0 make the Passat an excellent choice for a family wagon. We have the 1.8T turbo 4 cylinder and never want for power to pass or to merge. The faster the engines revs the more power you feel. I am totally and completely satisfied.

  • Good, but could be better - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    With my Passat I feel VW did well in some areas, but lack in others. I like the 5spd man, but a 6th gear would be better. The seats are great, but the dash is boring. The 1.8T is too small for the Passat for any one who is inclined to zippiness. I have not been able to find a balance of power with my Passat. I either give too little gas and the car does not move or I give too much gas and the wheels spin. The V6 add some zip and smooth power band but one sacrifices a lot of mileage and spends several thousands more for the upgrade. Overall I feel the Passat is a good value, but value is not "everything you want."

  • Piece of junk! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    2004 Volkswagon Passat. Bought used at dealership. Oil blew, coolant blew, destroyed the thermostat. Dealership could not tell me why. They were clueless. Sounds to me like the oil sludge problem but wont openly admit it. Cost 2000 grand to fix. headlights went out. dealership wont change them without charging me 150 becuz they claim you have to pull off the bumper. I will never again buy a Volkswagen!

  • SAFETY ISSUE BE AWARE - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    i hate a car in front of me which caused other 2 cars ahead to be involved in the accident. the damage was severe as the whole front of the car was crashed including the engine and the passenger was fatally injured, he had a shoulder dislocation. what surprised me are the airbags, they never deployed even though i was driving 60 mph. after few days volkswagen of America sent an engineer to inspect the car. After he left i noticed the seatbelts are loose and the bottom cover is opened, it seems like he did it in purpose. before he came the seat belts were fine. what most surprised me is his decision that the airbags cant deployed in this case. iIshowed him the bottom of the car where is the chassis, it was bent from the direct impact of the forces that came through the bumper which also cause the front beam to twist, but never gave me a satisfied explanation. People who try to buy this car and have kids please be aware of this safety issue, my family was blessed to get out of this accident just with a shoulder dislocation, which could be worst. My next step is lawsuit against VW.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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