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 251 through 260 of 350.00

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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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  VW passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By SHAWN CAMPBELL - July 4 - 1:00 am

  I have had no problems with my passat it is well made and looks great! Every one tells me what an awesome car it is and whey would love to own one! I just sold my 2004 and it sold for 1000 less than i paid for it!!!!! Now thats great......... I now have a 2005 passat and it as awsome as the 2004 keep up the great work v.W.

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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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  Slightly Different Than the Rest - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mykul - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Before buying the Passat, I looked at the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. There was just enough about the VW that was different than all the rest. Volkswagens ad for "Drivers Wanted" - is appropriate. For me, its a poor mans BMW:tight handling, German simplicity, comfortable and NOT like all the rest. You owe it to yourself to take a Passat on a test drive - I bet you feel the difference too.

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  Fool me once - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Teri - June 20 - 9:30 am

  As I write this my VW is dead, dead, dead. We were so excited the day we bought our passat. We loved driving it, loved the luxury of the features. What we dont love are all of the repairs. It is constantly in need of something and everything (and I do mean everything) is at least $500 on a VW. We just got it back 3 days ago, spent $1000 after having at the dealership and our mechanics for over 2 weeks and the hunk of safe, solid steel is just as dead and just as broken as it was when we towed it in the first time. VW suggested we let them take it and they would get us into a new one. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice and it would be another story. No thanks, VW.

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  engine needs to be replaced - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ron - June 4 - 3:46 pm

  hoped to keep the car a long time. now have paid $900 to have oil leaks in engine repaired. found out vw acknowledges engine problems but has not called for a recall. my mechanic advised to get rid of asap which I plan to do as soon as I can get the oil light to stop going off. have also replaced front axle, headlights, trunk hinge, coolant leak, dip stick replaced twice. car looks great, too bad all this has happened, but it is my last VW.

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  Great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Povvy - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. It is a complete joy, peppy, and reliable, easy to steer with no play in the wheel. Ir turns corners at almost 90 degrees and brakes beautifully.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the car.

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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.