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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  Passat W8 Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By flyt34planes - November 27 - 11:23 am

  Overall our W8 is awesome. It rides and handles as if it is on rails. The scary part is that the faster you go, the car doesnt get louder. Our family feels very safe and secure in the W8. It is still under warranty - nothing major yet has gone wrong, but a few annoying little things. The worst "feature" is that the hatch requires a separate action to open, even if all of the doors are unlocked.

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  Could improve in everyway - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pierre B - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I liked the exterior design of the car, and thats what fooled me in to buying this one, first of all, it seems like it does not have a windshield, it is very noisy, and it kills gas, I get around 170 miles to the tank in the city and about 230 miles on highway, these are the real numbers, dont be fooled with 21 city 30 highway, if your grandma drives the car, you can save gas but if you try to keep up with everyday traffic you will consume around 12 mpg in city and 18mpg on highway.The trunk leaked water in the first month. And dashboard creaks from every point when its cold out and rattles when its warm, this maybe a lemon.

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  Passat Diesel - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter - August 16 - 12:33 am

  I bought my 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI for the size and comfort as well as the great fuel economybut it went downhill from there. I live in an area where it can snow 5 - 10 inches deep overnight. Even with front drive, traction control, and four studded winter tires I had a hard time driving in it. The ground clearence is only 4 inches so I was pushing the deep snow instead of driving over it. The temperature went down to -25 C for over a week and I could not get the car started. When it did start, it took a long time to get warmed up. My local VW dealer said thier garage was full with these cars as people couldnt get them started. This car has left me straded numerous times. I got rid of it and bought a Subaru.

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  Styled and well built German sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jorge - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Purchased in 2006 from a private party. I have previously owned a Mercedes 230S, Audi 80 and Volvo 240, V70, S80s and a VW Sirocco. I would consider this a well behaved, fairly high quality, fuel efficient mid-sized sedan. I looked at Camry and Accords before I purchased it. I liked the styling and performance on the VW better, plus the Toyotas and Accords looked "blah", and had little driving personality. No problems in three years of ownership, regular maintenance and two VW recalls serviced at the dealer. Gets 31 MPG+ on a 27 mile highway trip to work. VW is the master of small engines: Hits 100 mph+ effortlessly on a 1.8L. Currently costs $35 to fill the tank. Upgraded tires to Yokohama

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  To early to tell - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimbopa - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first non American car, overall I like the car, the v6 is has adequate power. The car is firm and noise is very low. Build quality seems good as well. The sound system is fine and most of the controls are placed well. Tranny issue-factory fix is to reflash the software-why not do it before you give me the car, now a rep needs to come in special and it take an hour and half-told this will fix. It occurs when the car is driving under 10mph then given gas, a loud bang into gear is what is heard

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  pretty good car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By john101 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Have had several recalls over the year Ive owned it. I dont like the turbo "lag" in hard acceleration but gas mileage is good as is performance.

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  A Problem - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By abettinger2 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for my wife. Ignition coil problems, instruments turn out hard to read in bright sunshine with sunglasses on, seat velour wearing, drivers door handle wearing and seats to short for my legs.

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  noticeable turbo lag - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Biochemist - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month now and have to agree with some of the previous comments about the turbo lag. Also the car does not corner as well as my previous vehicles- maybe due to the rear torsion beam suspension setup. VW service is a hit or miss- so search carefully for a good VW service dept. My selling dealer could not align my car and after 2 tries, went to another VW dealer to have it corrected. Otherwise, interior and exterior is beautiful to look at.

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  Ive lost faith - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter - December 12 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car in July of 2004. The car was great until the winter came and it got cold. When it got below -20 C the car would not start. VW had such confidence it would start at this and colder temperatures that at the time it did not make a block heater for the car. Big mistake. The car was unreliable and has left me stranded several days in a row when it was cold and would not start. I since got rid of it and bought a Subaru. I will never buy a diesel car again in an area where it gets below - 20 C. This car is for only 3 seasons and not four. I have since read that VW has had numerous complaints about cold temperature starting problems.There now is a recall in effect for the fuel pump.

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  W8 in Arizona - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jackson - October 26 - 12:20 pm

  I purchased my 2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion new after owning 2001.5 Passat wagon. I get about 20 mpg around town (about 3 mpg less than the fuel usage computer reads, however). I expected exciting performance with the W8 engine; but the Tiptronic transmission takes away all the fun. Also, the car will bog down badly (dangerously) if you try to accelerate quickly after braking to a stop (say after coming down a freeway exit). Also, the A/C randomly fails to come on, and the car has to be shut off and restarted to reset. The dealer apparently has no answers for either issue. The OAT readout is 6 to 9 degrees F high. This cars depreciation has been fierce. My wife dislikes the door that come back on her when she pushes it open to get out.