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 1 through 10 of 350.00

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  I will NEVER buy another VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By snowylmh - October 1 - 3:24 am

  Bought my car as a certified used in 2008. Of all the vehicles Ive ever owned... this one has left me stranded on the side of the road the most. It doesnt even matter if its not a major issue, it costs a TON to fix. It cost me $960 to put in a fuel pump! Six days after I gave birth to my son, it left us both stranded on the side of the road when leaving his dr appt due to the ignition coils... a recall that happened years before I bought it certified used-- but they didnt bother to replace it before selling it to me. I have spent far more than this vehicle is worth on the constant repairs. Cant wait to sell it! Never will buy another VW. Specialized everything... total hassle!

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  SAFETY ISSUE BE AWARE - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By simoghize - April 19 - 6:27 pm

  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.

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  Despised VW Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By despisedvw - December 20 - 6:16 am

  My car a VW Passat, its the worst experience Ive ever made. Had 36K miles when I brought it after 42k the oil was mixing with G12 fluid causing it to over heat. Fix thanx to warranty $4000. Every year Im replacing CV Joints. any little thing to fix or change cost an arm and a leg...............I hate hate VW

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  Passat Major Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stan Starzyk - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Passat has a major engine defect where the oil turns to sludge and cause major engine damage. If you dont have receipts for service. Theyll leave you high and dry. Beware! Stay away.

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  Not worth it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By j4ora - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 4 months and every month something breaks. Door wont open, window wont go down. AC fails intermittently. Lastly, oil was leaking from unknown location. But dealer said it was my mechanic. When my mechanic removed bottom cover, it was already full of oil marks. Dealer will sell you lemon vehicles without notifying you. Over-all experience BAD.

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  Please do not make a mistake of buying a VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mandydj - September 28 - 8:01 am

  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.

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  Not satisfied - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By unhappy - August 25 - 12:23 am

  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!

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  Rattlebox - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lemonbuyer - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new.. dashboard started rattling 1 week after we took delivery. Has been in shop 11 times for that problem alone. Trim moldings come unstuck, we just stick them back on. VW couldnt care less. Consulted a lemon lawyer - not defined as a lemon cause rattle is not considered a defect. What a sad joke. We tried to trade this car in on a Toyota and the best trade price we were offered was $13,500. Pathetic resale and now I know why. Its a heap of junk! I dont know how we are going to sell it privately with a loud rattle in the dashboard! Were going to cut our substantial losses and kiss VW goodbye.

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  Piece of junk - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By susan - April 24 - 1:36 am

  This is the absolute biggest piece of junk we have ever owned. Car broke down on the highway at 70K, engine needed to be rebuilt ( all oil changes up to date ) The interior is falling apart; slats for heat, all outlets to charge cell phones are blown, console between seats never shuts. Just got the car back yesterday and it was dead again by the time I went to pick my daughter up at school. NEVER will buy another VW - I am going to send them all of my bills so they can see what a nightmare this has been. Selling the car - just bought a FORD

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  Lack of Product Integrity - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Wes - March 3 - 10:56 am

  Volkswagen should be more than a little embarrassed. The grade of plastic specified for use in a German designed sun visor should be UV resistant. That it broke down and became brittle in 5 years, with less than normal use (and no abuse) is unacceptable to me as a customer, and definitely to me as an engineer (I understand mechanics of materials very well!). I believe that a defective or knock-off part installed on my vehicle at the time of manufacture, should be replaced at no cost to me and chalked up to quality parts control.. and lets have a lessons learned here.