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 81 through 90 of 350.00
  • Passat Silver Wagon 4 motion - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is the best car I ever bought! period! the 4 motion is like glue in the snow & rain. every option you can think of is included. the ride and power are unmatched for this class. This is a true sports Wagon in every way.

  • No wonder these are all over the place! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We traded in our 2001 Passat wagon for the 2004 Passat wagon. We shopped around & narrowed the field to this wagon & the Volvo 70 wagon. The Passat won out as it was $5000 less expensive, with all the bells and whistles included, felt roomier in the front driver & passenger area, had a nicer looking rear-end, and saved us money on auto insurance due to the on board On-Star.

  • My wife and I fight over who drives - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive had several Acura sedans and a VW GTI but none of them compare to the Passat Wagon. I got it after the GTI was totaled and never expected it to have such spirited performance. I have to admit Ive driven it over 125 mph and it felt like a sports car. It was absolutely smooth and solid. Ive never been so impressed with a car. My wife loves it. Our other car is a late model Toyota Land Cruiser, which is nice, but for driving, nothing beats the Passat. Its roomy, smooth and fast. Its the only car Ive driven where I dont feel exhausted after 400 mile trips. It has had a few problems, thankfully all covered by waranty.

  • moneys worth - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    i am a previous vw owner, 01 jetta diesel, auto trans.. this is my 5th vw. i wanted a passat as soon as i read they were coming out with the diesel. the car is all i had expected & more, very comfortable, quick, economical 40.7 mpg @ average speed of 74 mph on the interstate. wife loves it!!!!!

  • Passat 1.8T gl - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have owned 17 cars since starting to drive and I can honestly say that this is the best car I have owned. I actually look forward to driving it to work each day. I would buy the same car again without hesitating one moment. Considering the available competition, that says alot!

  • A lotta car for the money. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have now had this car for 3,000 miles and it has been a lot of fun to drive. Interior fit and finish are first rate and the exterior styling turns heads. Huge amounts of cargo room in the wagon. The 1.8L turbo engine is quick and the handling is solid. It has been reccomended to me by several other 1.8 owners that if I upgrade the engine management chip for $500, the car becomes a rocket. Benefits of a turbo charged engine. I test drove a Subaru with the 4cyl. engine and found the acceleration sluggish compared to the VW. This car acts far above its retail price. Great value.

  • 2004 Passat GLX 5-Speed - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive owned this VW for almost 3 months and about 5,000 miles. It is a very pleasant automobile with balanced and predictable handling and a neat, well designed cabin. I dont care much for the exterior design. I worried a bit about reliability after reading too many horror stories, but so far it has been a flawless performer. I bought it because it just was a deal I could not pass on: a loaded car with 20,000 miles and almost perfect cosmetically. It seemed that nobody wanted it because manual shifter. I paid $17,000 for it and feel that I got a great car that has years of use left in it. The 5-speed is just fine, and it doesnt bother me even in heavy city trafic. I like this car and intend to keep it forever...

  • BMW, but half the cost - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    great car for a great price

  • Pretty Good except for CLUNK - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Took delivery $29900 of Blue Silver w/ black from Patrick VW/Saab in Auburn,Ma. Good to deal with.Wish the drivers seat was larger - the lower bolster digs into my thigh. Acceleration has to be mangaged with a deft toe feel versus just booting it from a dead stop...otherwise, it just lags and can be scary if youre darting into local traffic. The ride is terrific, not quite as good as my 02 Saab 9-5 but very fun and reassuring. Gas mi. is 21.5 mpg in mixed driving. Unfortunately, Ive experienced the dreaded low-speed clunk. Fortunately, with help from the forum, the dealer pursued the factory on this and has scheduled a visit to correct the Trans. Control Unit.

  • My first car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My Father has owned 7 VWs in his lifetime. When it was time for me to get my licence my dad gave me his passat. I got it with 170,000 miles on it and absolutely no problems. This car was bought new and driven everywhere. I have driven many cars and this was by far my favorite. Its a Luxury Experience with superb handling and performance for its size. Only a short year after getting the car i was hit by a drunk driver. i was driven of the road, went airborne, and ended up in the woods. All of the airbags went off and i was able to walk away completely unscathed. The care was totaled but needless to say this car saved my life. Just yesterday i bought another one. I cant live without my VW.

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