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 11 through 20 of 350.00

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  the best kept secret - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Opolicious - August 24 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  67,000 miles - Still love the car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmkatz01 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Good, but could be better - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By gtcollison - June 11 - 10:00 am

  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."

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  STAY AWAY!!! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By niqui - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Stay away from the volkswagen passat!! Bought a 2001 vw passat, in & out of the shop for 3yrs. Engine light constantly coming on!! After 3 years it needed a BRAND NEW ENGINE!! Everytime went into the shop someone else had the passat(2001-04) in the shop for engine light & constant engine & electrical problems similar to mine. Pay the extra money & get a honda or a toyota, BUT stay away from the passat. If your heart is set on it please, please, please get the extended warrant. You pay a surcharge but it save me thousands of dollars. Lemon law would not cover me because the problem was not similar, but it was all engine problems. Do your research!

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  In shop 15 to 20 times (bought new) - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephanie - April 4 - 11:40 am

  Bought Passat in Sept. 04 and has been in the shop every week to two weeks for engine light cutting on and has a gas smell when driving more than 1-2 hours. After going in shop so much, called VW of America and they dont seem to care that I am having so many problems. I have told them I want another car or my money back and they just want to keep fixing it. After six months of the car being in and out of the shop VW of America should say enough is enough. The dealer I have bought it from has been great in getting the car in to look at it, But they have even said they are not sure whats wrong with it. VW of America is supposed to send a field Tech out to look at the car.

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  VW HAS A DEFINITE COIL PROBLEM - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jerry - October 3 - 9:30 pm

  I have been down the coil road with VW. They will not admit that it is a major problem with their car. I have almost been stranded twice with the coil problem. Once I was at the dealer & they told me I would have to wait until the following week to get it fixed. It is a really simple thing to replace . I called a friend (Mechanic) & he knew right away & told me to buy a coil at the dealer & he talked me through changing it. It was a trial & error method because I didnt know which one of the 4 was bad. It turned out to be #1 coil. 2 weeks later # 2 died. I replaced it & the other 2 & have solved my problem. I hope the new ones are more reliable! Also had to replace a front axle

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  2004 Passat GLX 5-Speed - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mladen - July 13 - 1:33 pm

  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...

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  Pretty Good except for CLUNK - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ejmurph - June 22 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  Whats with the side chrome moldings - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Go2guy - April 23 - 4:30 pm

  Looked and drove the Highlander Limited, this Passat, and a Camry XLE. This Passat impressed us the most. I just bought the car and when I went to pick up the new car. It turns out both of the passenger side doors had badly damaged chrome strips. I refused to take the car until they were replaced. The manager said the problem with the chrome strips happens in about one in 20 Passat Wagons...he said the manufacture published a bulletin warning dealers about the problem. Im worried the car might have structural damage and the dealer is pulling my leg. Does anybody out there know anything about this problem? I pick up the car in two days. Sure would like to hear about the door issue.

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  Great car for my money! Feature loaded. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RMccauley - March 13 - 12:26 pm

  Definately a poor mans BMW due to similar handling characteristics, features, and styling. The 1.8T GLS- auto is more powerful than one would expect from a 4-cyl engine. Although a 4-cyl, it drives and feels as smooth and potent as any V6 Ive ever driven, especially in Tiptronic mode. The car is downshift-happy in auto mode, which is why Tiptronic is the only way to go for gas-mileage savings and smoothness. Gas-mileage is good, but could be better for a 4-banger. Ive had the car for almost 2-years now...been in for unscheduled service 3 times (blown speaker, air- conditioning odor, trunk not staying up). Build quality is OK, but what do you expect for an almost fully-loaded $24k car?!?