5 Star Reviews for 2004 Volkswagen Passat

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.38/5 Average
350 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Fun to drive, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
Cons:
  • Expensive upper-level models, less rear-seat room than some competitors, some confusing interior controls.

User Reviews:

Showing 61 through 70 of 350.00
  • BMW, but half the cost - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    great car for a great price

  • My first car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My Father has owned 7 VWs in his lifetime. When it was time for me to get my licence my dad gave me his passat. I got it with 170,000 miles on it and absolutely no problems. This car was bought new and driven everywhere. I have driven many cars and this was by far my favorite. Its a Luxury Experience with superb handling and performance for its size. Only a short year after getting the car i was hit by a drunk driver. i was driven of the road, went airborne, and ended up in the woods. All of the airbags went off and i was able to walk away completely unscathed. The care was totaled but needless to say this car saved my life. Just yesterday i bought another one. I cant live without my VW.

  • Comfort, Torque, Fuel Economy WOW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I was looking for a vehicle that was: 1. comfortable 2. had the cargo and passenger space of my SUV (2001 Nissan Pathfinder) 3. wasnt anemic when it came to acceleration 4. had decent fuel economy. I found all of that and more in this VW Passat TDI. I typically get 29 mpg city and 38-40 mpg highway. With a little technique called venting, I can exceed 600 highway miles between fill ups. This is the first vehicle I have ever owned that has not disappointed me in some way. Now if VW could just make an all wheel drive version..., the 247 ft.lbs. of torque could probably handle 4-motion.

  • Solid German Built Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I love this car, its my second VW, and after coming out of a GTI with the same motor, it did feel a little doggish, but the car weighs more, and also has an auto tranny. But its great, very comfortable cruising at any speed, and extremely smooth. Anyone looking at a 3 series needs to get over the brand hype. This is similar in size to a 5 series, but for a much reduced price, and you dont sacrifice too much by way of features. I wouldnt choose anything else.

  • Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I admit that I am a VW fan and after anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Passat TDI, I can positively confirm that I still am a VW fan. I absolutely love this car, it handles great, the power is amazing (I live in Duluth, MN with lots of hills and climbing the hills is no problem at all), and the performance in mileage has been wonderful (32mpg in city, 42mpg highway). The cabin is very comfortable and the seats are made for long drives with lots of support. Plus the stereo system is totally awesome!

  • Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I love the car! First time I have ever bought a diesel engine or German car. Love the mileage I am getting, well over 30 mpg and that includes around town driving. The car handles very well, tight steering, monsoon sound system is awesome. No problems so far with diesel in cold weather. Diesel engine is no louder than a regular gas engine.

  • 1ST TIME VOLSWAGEN OWNER - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I GOT INTO THIS CAR AFTER HAVING A SUV FOR MANY YEARS. BIG ADJUSTMENT BUT I LOVE THE NEW CAR. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CD PLAYER BUT THEY FIXED IT IMMEDIATELY. JUST A LOOSE WIRE. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. ITS AGREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE.

  • still going strong - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    It has held up well through the years. It still looks stylish and is more attractive than the new iteration. It is heavy but very solid without rattles. The sport package with a six speed turns it into a sports sedan. No mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. There are not many of these on the road and I suspect even fewer with a stick shift. The seats have held up well and show very little wear. The radio and cd player are still working well which is something that I couldnt say about my 91 passat. I see no reason why I cant keep this car for 10 more years since I only have 50,000 original miles on it.

  • Feels good to be in a new Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My previous 99 GLS V6 Passat was the victim of a rear-end collision - this GLX replaces that car. In intervening five years, VW has added a lot of amenities - too numerous to mention. The car has the right balance of performance and practicality. The V6 is smooth, quiet, and very responsive. OnStar is an interesting addition to the Passat. Time will tell if this is a valuable feature. Overall, I was pleased with the purchase - $26K plus tax and 1.9% financing. This is pretty good considering MSRP is $31,430.

  • First Class Automobile - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I owned this car for one year, and would never drive anything else. The car is built very well, and drives very well. The 1.8T engine is great. It is smooth and very quiet with little turbo lag. I get 27 mpg around town with a manual transmision. The car makes very little road noise, I have hade people fall asleep driving 90+ mph not knowing or feeling the speed whatsoever. No car on the market can compare to the Passats fit and finish and quality componets in that price range. The car also gives you more room than a 3 series BMW, C class Benz, S 40 Volvo, and Audi A4.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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