2004 Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

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 191 through 200 of 350.00
  • Great Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is my second Passat Wagonused for business has more room than most Message centermidsize SUVs

  • Be careful with 4motion GLX - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This car is great except for one problem that VW cannot fix - the 4motion clunk. Heres what happensÂ… Say Im driving at a speed over 25 mph, and then slow down to around 10-15mph. If I press the accelerator (no stopping), the car jerks really hard into gear. It feels like Ive been hit from behind. VW is aware of the problem and expects a fix within a couple of months. I am not the only person with this issue. http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.p hp?t=70416&highlight=4motion http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread? id=1274244

  • Most problematic VW Ive owned - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is my 4th VW. I had two 87 Jettas (one was replaced after having been totaled), and a 1999 Passat wagon that I bought used. The 99 was the BEST, lowest maintenance car that I have ever owned. I bought the 2004 Passat Wagon because they were offering 0% interest. I thought I was doing right to get a brand new car for a lower payment. I regret it now. In 2010, I spent close to $3,000 on this car for crazy repairs, along with other repairs that were under warranty or recalls, but still required the inconvenience of taking it in. Right now it is in the shop again to the tune of $1,000. Ive filed a claim with VW Customer Care. Its a lemon!

  • J-J-JETTA! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This car is sporty and fun to drive. The car sold itself, and I have had no complaints. For such a small looking car there is tons of room in the trunk and backseat. Stock stereo sounds nice too. Interior controls are functional and easily understood.

  • bought gls tdi one month ago - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    In the one month that I have been driving my new TDI. I have been getting 3o miles to the gallon driving around town. The car is fun to drive, quick and responsive. I cant wait till I can get it on the road for a trip.

  • Happy with this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I bought this car after having 4 SUVs in a row. At first hesitant about owning a car, but very glad I bought it. The handling is great, I feel very safe in it and styling is classy. I have had it for 6 months and have not had any problems at all. You get a lot for your money with the Passat and I would purchase one again.

  • Great Compromise - Performance and Comfort - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Wonderful car (wagon)! Comfortable and fun to drive with real performance when you want it. As a wagon the space is there if you need it and rear passengers have always been comfortable. Why VW stopped making this car is a question Ill never be able to answer.

  • Four Year Follow-Up - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We are 4 years and 50K miles into our Passat. Overall, it has been reliable and a supremely comfortable highway car. Have has some service niggles: front under spoiler has fallen off a few times, roof gutter came loose, and most recently, drivers side seat heater burned a hole in the seat. Besides this, the feature set of the 2004 now seems a little limited. Despite all this, though, the Passat still proves to be reasonable fun to drive transport for my family.

  • w8 passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I considered Audi A6 4.2 (V8) or A6 2.7T-Sport (V6 twin turbo). But, I was having a hard time justifying the price once Id compared them both with the V.W. Passat W8. They matched up quite nicely: power, performance, interior and looks. GET THE SPORT PKG.!!! Youll get 17" alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension and with the six speed youll cut the 0-60 time from over 7 seconds with the tiptronic transmission to under 6 seconds with the six speed. 4Motion AWD with ESP traction control IS Audi Quattro. IT SIMPLY DOES NOT SLIP.

  • My Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I adore my Passat. I had VWs when I was younger. The new Passat is amazing. The old Beetles and Ghias are fun, but my Passat has so much more power, comfort and ease of shifting the 5 speed manual. The Turbo is extra kicky! The stereo is great but could have had an amplifier. All in all, I love my car and will be a VW lifer. If I could afford the new Pheaton, I would graduate to that. But, at $64,600.00 base, the Phaeton may have to be on my wish list.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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