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 21 through 30 of 350.00

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  Safety at the right price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By fischer - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have 30,000 miles on my 03 and have no major prolems. Handles very well in the snow and the ride is very good on rough roads. Gas milage on the highway is 30 mpg or better. I have a manual and get 20 mpg or better in city driving. If you drive the car hard and fast you will not get good gas mileage something like 18/24. The Passat runs better on premium, enough that I feel it.

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  So Bad We are Selling It After 15,000 Miles - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave Melichar - December 15 - 12:20 pm

  We have had this car for a bit over two years and it has been in the shop five times. The windows have stopped working twice, ocassionally the sunroof will refuse to close, there are pieces falling off in the engine compartment, the dash squeeks (the dealer refuses to even acknowlege it is an issue), the console cover would not close completely and the radio has been replaced twice. We have a two year old who when playing with the vents was able to break the vent louvers with one finger. You would think a car designed for a family would be robust enough to survive the two year old one finger inspection. All this in 15,000 miles. This is not what I would call a well designed car.

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  I wish someone warned me about the water - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw driver - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Jetta, now a passat. I loved it until the water began to leak in under the front and rear floor carpet. When I researched this issue it seems it is a long known defect/issue for these cars. I know two people who had the same problem, and found hundreds of others on line. My new car now smells like a old wet rug. Other than that love the car, but that is quite an issue to get by. VW claims not to know of it but replace pollon filter to address the issue.

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  GREAT for tall folks - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Burke - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Im dont agree with what some others have said. I am 68" and 260 lbs. and I fit in the passat with ease. i actually could move the seat up and still be comfortable. The head room (without the sun roof) is amazing. incredibly fun to drive, and the 4 cylinder turbo is great. no need for the V-6. This engine has plenty of power and better gas mileage. and I love driving the manual. However, I did have to take the car into the shop with a small computer problem, but I was in and out in a very short time.

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  Big Disappointment - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RAL - March 17 - 11:06 am

  The dealer has been fantastic! The first 30K miles I owned this car I thought it was the best vehicle I have purchased new! (my used 1990 Miata with 200K miles beats anything!!) Since the 30K mark it has been all down hill! All of the ignition coils have failed. Only after the "sludge problem" stopped the car dead was I informed by the dealer that VW sent out clarification in late 04 about the need for synthetic oil! I bought in 2005 & had no notice of this! Now with 60K I am told one axle needs to be replaced & the boot on the other is leaking! (Not warrantied!)($1000) I cant tell you how many service issues, recalls! seat heaters, shock bolts, on & on & on!

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  An OK car, quite good for the money - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lackluster - March 4 - 10:00 am

  After having owned the car for a week, my initial excitement is wearing off. The car seems slow to take-off, it seems you really need to mash the accelerator. The car feels large and sluggish, and the Monsoon sound system has far too much low-quality bass. In addition, the exterior mirrors produce an inordinate amount of wind noise at speeds in excess of 55 mph.

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  Still satisfied after 4 years - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By JAC - January 15 - 7:03 pm

  We purchased our wagon new about 4.5 years ago. We have been very satisfied with it. It has run well the entire time and the only time there was a problem that was not a recall was when we got bad gas, which isnt the cars fault! Its been driven 1/2 way across the country a couple of times and the gas mileage is pretty ok, averaging 30+ MPG on the highway.

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  04 GLX Wagon V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bonobo - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car for one week now, but WOW! Got it for my wife (30th birthday gift) and we couldnt be more pleased. Great ride, great features, and that famous VW fit & finish. For a "mommamobile" it doesnt get any better than this, and I find myself envious of her ride! Its simply the most classy, well-refined, and user- friendly wagon for under $40k. Looking forward to many years of happiness in owning this vehicle. We hope the reliabilty is better than what weve been reading about, however. On the upside, it cant be any worse than the horrendous car she previously had, a 1999 Pontiac Grand- Am GT. GM should have paid ME to take delivery of THAT car. Go for the VW wagon, yall.

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  Fast, Comfortable & Useful - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bob Swain - November 25 - 6:20 pm

  Purchased new. Not driven hard except for an Audi Quattro Club weekend at Road America where it held its own at 110 mph plus. Several long trips were very comfortable. A very useful hauler of all kinds of stuff. Sound system: Excellent & I have lots of cassettes and CDs to play. I prefer the front end styling to the later chrome; understated, not glitzy. The engine is wonderful: strong, powerful, smooth and gets remarkably good mileage for an eight; 25 mpg plus at 65-70 mph. Major complaint: Car delivered with OnStar and salesman knew it was important. Two years later (and three years short of the new car warranty) VW canceled the service. VWs response to my complaint. Too bad.

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  BYG Review8 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bygkid - November 25 - 7:20 am

  To own a W8 is love. I cant wait to turn the key, crank the stereo and shift into fun! The W8 is a marvel of auto-feats, 4Motion keeps all four tires grounded like no other! The 6 spd manual is effortless and has a powerband that is limitless.