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 61 through 70 of 350.00

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  Fun, Comfortable, Unreliable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - July 25 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car as a certified Volkswagen. I loved the look and the style. It handle and drove as you would expect a German car. Very peppy and responsive. Shortly after the purchase I started having electrical problems, windows stopped working, censors were going bad. The warranty covered all the work, although the dealerships were not easy to work with. At around 80,000 miles the car broke down on the road. Found out there was a recall on the motor that the dealership didnt notify us about. The whole motor was replaced under warranty because of an oil pump problem. After that the alternator went dead causing three more breakdowns. After many headaches the car is running fine, for now.

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  3rd time is a charm - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Suzanne - July 24 - 10:33 pm

  This is my 3rd VW Passat. I previously owned a 1999 & 2002 V6 GLS. With all of the VW incentives, I upgraded to a 2004 4motion GLX. This car is fully loaded and lots of fun to drive. The mpg has gone down due to the allwheeldrive. It corners nicely, driving is good in the snow. I had to "reflash" the software due to the 4- motion clunk. It fixed my problem, but have read about complaints from others. The power leather seats are way more comfortable than the manual cloth. This is the first vehicle I have owned with a moonroof, it takes some getting used to hearing all of the sounds from the outside. Sometimes it is startling otherwise great to get some fresh air.

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  Watch out for transmission problems - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Will - June 30 - 7:26 pm

  We purchased a this car new in 2004. We noticed transmission problems immediately driving at low speeds or coming to a stop: the downshifting was sometimes violent. The dealership was poor to respond and later acknowledged that there was a software update which they installed. The problem was solved for a couple of years. One day while taking off from our house, a special dash symbol light came on indicating that the transmission was in the safe mode, meaning it could be limped to a dealer. This was in Dec 2007. The repair bill for rebuilding the transmission module was $2300. In short, expensive upkeep cost, poor dealership response. Next car might be American made.

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  Fun to drive, but poor reliability - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rad97 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Positives: Fun to drive, handles rain & snow well, excellent interior design, good brakes, 18 mpg city/24 mpg hwy, steering is responsive and right on. Negatives: Unreliable! this car has been in the shop many times! Dead battery, malfunctioning fuel gauge, check engine light too many times to count, broken sunroof cable etc. The gearing of the transmission needs to be adjusted to improve acceleration from a stopped position. Midrange acceleration is excellent, however. Stereo sound is very average, middle armrest is a joke, suspension is too soft for aggressive driving, tires too small.

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  Solid car, but poor built quality - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Xorehtno - May 5 - 2:00 am

  Leased the basic Passat model in May of 2004. Great price for this class of vehicle! It has a solid feel, much better than my previous Camry and Accord. I did not really buy it for this reason, but Passat has an image a notch above the ubiquitos Japanese sedans. Conservative yet stylish choice. Now the big con: POOR BUILD QUALITY. I had to take my Passat to the dealership twice in the first 6 months with problems (wrong relay in wiper control, AC was not working right, glove compartment door was not closing right), plus a manufacturers recall. Right now have yet another problem with the AC, the manual transmission is getting jerky, and the tires are losing pressure way too fast.

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  I will be a repeat buyer - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By joyone - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I had several great vehicles before this one but my Passat outshines them all. I have had no problems and the maintanance has been much less than I expected. The employees at the dealership that I got the car from are extremely friendly and always helpful. I know that my next car will be a Volkswagen. I dont have any complaints about this car.

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  Save your money - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fun to Ride - April 11 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I bought into all the hype of how great the Passat was. I am still kicking myself for buying it. I am not a large man (59) but I felt I was really cramped up in the drivers seat. My larger friends had a heck of a time getting comfortable in the back. The 1.8 turbo is fun and this car win get out of the gate quickly, but the 13 gallon tank will make you think twice about getting on it. Options on this care are nice but VW will make you pay big time for it.

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  W8 Passat Review - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rob Kerian - October 23 - 9:26 am

  I would only take the time to write a review if a car was exceptionally good or a piece of junk. Well, the Passat W8 is by far the best car I have ever owned. The 8 cylinder engine is silky smooth, as is the 5sp tranny - all wheel drive. I believe the interior build quality and materials is better than a new Lexus I bought for my wife (she picked it out!). I bought it because I refuse to drive a Statement Car. You know the car makes Im talking about. Admittedly, this was a relatively expensive car new, but it has been a wonderful car that I intend to keep for some time.

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  Overall Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dale - February 17 - 6:36 pm

  My 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T runs very well and the overall quality is good. I expected a little higher quality than the car actually has, however I think it still beats any other car Japanese or American in its class. The only real problem I have with it is the trunk. It is very cumbersome to open and close. The dealer said that this problem cannot be fixed. This is almost inexcuseable because Ive seen the $12K Ford Contour that operates easier with or without the remote control. Overall Im pleased with the purchase.

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  No support from VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mststeve - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Car got great milage, good power and comfort. Regrettebaly, I had to trade it in because VW would not stand behind the product. Shortly before the warranty ran out, the car ran out of gas, although the gauge showed some in it. 6 months later, the gauge went bezerk, and VW would not cover it under warranty, even though it obviously had a problem when it was in warranty. This subsequently cost me $605 for a sending unit and the body control module (which they said must be replaced in conjunction with the sending unit). The gauge in my 40 year old Ford still works for Christ sake. I am very happy with the Mazda 6S. It handles so much better, and the quality is as good.