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 71 through 80 of 350.00

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  Great but with surprises! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mmw0627 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Everything is great for this only-1,300- mile car EXCEPT: 1. Grinding noise when turning the steerling wheel (getting louder and louder everyday) 2. Brake with squeezing noise 3. maybe more noises in the future I am quite disappointed with Passats initial quality.

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  Should be recalled - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By W8in for it to Godot - December 21 - 10:10 am

  Apparently, almost every W8 suffers from a cam adjuster problem that costs approx $10K, and takes a month, to fix. The part has a design flaw, which VW of America has fixed, but they will not offer any warranty help, or support their dealers, who often cant fix these cars.Between the cost of the parts and the constant problems, a W8 cost more than a Porsche to run. Not a car for real world applications.

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  Miss My Smaller Cars - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By appraiser - August 25 - 9:10 pm

  I bought the VW Passat 4-Motion because I drive 35,000 - 45,000 miles per year, at times in poor weather conditions. The 1.8T engine has adequate power, and accelerates well after a brief turbo lag. The ride is relatively sedate. The car does not repsond quickly in turns, and is less fun than expected on twisty roads. In a recent ice storm that paralyzed Raleigh the 4-Motion worked perfectly. I was even able to stop and start on a steep, ice-covered street without incident. It performs as intended-a comfortable work car that is safe and gets 27 mpg combined. Other vehicles that I considered were the Volkswagen GTI or Acura RSX. I chose the bigger car for the better ride quality. I should have gotten a car that is more fun to drive.

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  outstanding value for its class - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ron skotleski - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Why spend the money on a Audi Quattro when you can have the same thing for less. Good ride, good looks, affordable..

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  A sedan with performance - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lobowil - June 23 - 2:00 am

  This is my seventh vw,all I can say is that I really enjoy my vws. The car is great to drive, you can hug corners,quick acc. great when turbo kicks in..a performance sedan.. And dont be afraid to run it, takes rpms up to 5 without any hesitation. Has a great look..(with size 18 tires), great value of a car for what you get.....

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  Disaster - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank forintos - May 5 - 12:46 pm

  I grew up in Europe and all i heard while growing up that German cars are great. May be they were 20 years ago, but not nowadays. I lost all my confidence. I had problems with my ignition coils 4 times. They replaced them 4 times. Finally VW did a recall on it. I had several other issues with the car. Now my car is 6 years old, and i had it with this car. I am purchasing a Japanese car a Nissan Altima this week. Germans are not building cars the way they used to!!! What can i say i am very disappointed. I spent 3000 dollars on repair this year already.

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  Coundnt Passat it up - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ADV-1 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Great car. I have owned 11 VWs. I am getting between 31-34 mpg. The turbo gives a great kick but has a lag you have to get used to. The 1.8T has all the power I need on the highway. I run it on regular fuel and dont find a difference in performance

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  GA$$ GUZZLIN - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mrstr8up - February 8 - 4:16 pm

  Nice car overall, very nice handling will impress and compare with the best, but the gas mileage is so bad my wife and I both prefer to drive out Acura MDX. The mpg is better. Thats bad when a SUV has better gas mileage. Other than that, nice riding car. Very nice

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  70k and still good - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jeffbaynard - January 23 - 8:06 am

  Just turned 70k mostly highway on this excellent V6 car. I fully plan to keep it; it feels like it has a long way to go maybe 200k. Reliability has been excellent, no check engine lights and no repairs needed. I do plan a major preventative maintenance at 80k consisting of timing belt, water pump, roller, atf flush, new brakes, new battery. I already did plugs, oil changes 502.11 synthetic only, cabin/air/ fuel filters myself. Tires replaced at 50k. I do have the harsh downshift into 1st sometimes but it never amounted to much (so far). Hope this helps. I do recommend this car but check the records and keep up with the maintenance.