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 1 through 10 of 350.00

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  Silverstone Gray - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By chefjefe - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Ours is one of the first GLS 4Motion Passats in the area. This car is an Audi for thousands less - Tiptronic transmission, leather interior with wood accents, heated seats, excellent materials. The interior has the spaciousness we were seeking, and the features of this midlevel GLS are many. It has enough power to get out of its own way, nice tossability for a car of its size, and great highway manners. Cant wait to take it to Tahoe.

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  My Volkswagen Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Helen Adornato - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We purchased our vehicle in Sept. 2002 and are so very happy with our decision. In all the years we have both driven, we feel we have finally made the right choice. We find the vehicle to be safe and reliable. We are proud to be owners. \

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  Passat W8 Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By flyt34planes - November 27 - 11:23 am

  Overall our W8 is awesome. It rides and handles as if it is on rails. The scary part is that the faster you go, the car doesnt get louder. Our family feels very safe and secure in the W8. It is still under warranty - nothing major yet has gone wrong, but a few annoying little things. The worst "feature" is that the hatch requires a separate action to open, even if all of the doors are unlocked.

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  VW buyer for life - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BArcher - November 16 - 2:00 am

  The performance of this vehicle is unmatched. There is such an improvement with having the ESP turned on when driving on slick/wet roads.

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  A drivers car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By physics dude - November 5 - 10:00 am

  Its a great car. Much more fun to drive than the Accord or Camry (I test drove both). The engine is more powerful than the 4-cyl in either of those cars (horsepower does not tell the whole story), and the car is more solid and has better build quality as well. I have about 10K on the car and have had no reliability problems whatsoever. Its a car you can feel good about owning- more than just trasportation, more fun to own than a Japanese car.

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  Test Drive Carefully and Completely - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By FastFred - November 3 - 7:33 pm

  Ive driven the VW for one year and I am unhappy with it. The dashboard instruments cannot be seen in the daylight! AC display panel is a joke, dark and almost illegible. The Monsoon radio on AM cannot be tuned in clearly. The dealer says: Thats typical of VW radios! My cars gas mileage is quite low for a V6. I am averaging 13-15 mpg around town, 20-23 mpg on thehighway. Overall, consider a Honda or a Toyota for the same or less money.

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  Passat bests more expensive rivals - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bbhall - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought a Passat GLX after comparing with Audi A4, Volvo S60, and Infiniti G35. The S60 is a stodgy drive, the rear seat not roomy enough to regularly hold 2-3 adults comfortably, and service costs are high. The Audi provided a similar driving experience but felt cramped, especially in the back, and the CVT made the car lurch and surge. The Infiniti is all about acceleration and handling, but ride is a bit rough and interior not up to the VW standard, and styling is a little kitschy. I paid more for the Passat, but I got the better car. Passat competes well with entry luxury brands and functions better as a family car.

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  Could improve in everyway - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pierre B - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I liked the exterior design of the car, and thats what fooled me in to buying this one, first of all, it seems like it does not have a windshield, it is very noisy, and it kills gas, I get around 170 miles to the tank in the city and about 230 miles on highway, these are the real numbers, dont be fooled with 21 city 30 highway, if your grandma drives the car, you can save gas but if you try to keep up with everyday traffic you will consume around 12 mpg in city and 18mpg on highway.The trunk leaked water in the first month. And dashboard creaks from every point when its cold out and rattles when its warm, this maybe a lemon.

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  I will NEVER buy another VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By snowylmh - October 1 - 3:24 am

  Bought my car as a certified used in 2008. Of all the vehicles Ive ever owned... this one has left me stranded on the side of the road the most. It doesnt even matter if its not a major issue, it costs a TON to fix. It cost me $960 to put in a fuel pump! Six days after I gave birth to my son, it left us both stranded on the side of the road when leaving his dr appt due to the ignition coils... a recall that happened years before I bought it certified used-- but they didnt bother to replace it before selling it to me. I have spent far more than this vehicle is worth on the constant repairs. Cant wait to sell it! Never will buy another VW. Specialized everything... total hassle!

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  German precision - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RussRamz - September 30 - 10:00 am

  A silky smooth cruiser with a virtually silent W8 powerplant coupled with the finest 6 speed stock transmission I have ever driven (I dont like automatics much anyway). The clutch takes some getting used to, but it only takes about 15 minutes in traffic to become proficient. Once you do, youll likely understand why most europeans prefer them over automatics.