2004 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Volkswagen expanded its Passat lineup for 2004 and added a turbocharged diesel to the engine options. The four trim packages available to...
Volkswagen expanded its Passat lineup for 2004 and added a turbocharged diesel to the engine options. The four trim packages available to drivers in 2004 included the entry-level GL (available with either a standard 1.8-liter, 170-hp 4-cylinder gas engine or the new 2.0-liter, 134-hp 4-cylinder diesel); the GLS (also available with either the 4-cylinder gas or the 4-cylinder diesel engine); the GLX, which came with a 2.8-liter, 190-hp V6 engine; and the top-of-the-line W8, which was powered by Volkswagen's impressive 4.0-liter, 270-hp 8-cylinder engine. What's more, the Passat was available in both four-door sedan and wagon versions.
Three transmissions were also available. A five-speed manual was standard in the GL and GLS gas engine Passats as well as in the GLX, while a five-speed automatic was matched with the GL and GLS diesels as well as with the W8. Rounding out the list was a six-speed manual transmission, available as an option with the W8.
As you might expect, with all those trim packages, drivers had a lot of standard and optional features to sort through. The basic GL package came with such standard features as air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, traction control, front and side airbags, and an audio system with cassette and CD players. The GLS added a sunroof and alloy wheels. The GLX and W8 added leather seats, which were heated in the front, among other features. The W8 was also available in a sport package with a tighter suspension, and VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system was available on certain models.
Many of the quality-control problems that seemed to plaque Passats in previous years seemed to have been fixed by the time the 2004 models rolled off the assembly lines, at least according to drivers. Instead of complaining about frequent trips to the repair shop, drivers found favor with the Passat's styling, handling, comfort, and safety features, and even commented on its affordability.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat have a strong appreciation for its performance and handling, particularly in winter conditions, thanks to features like AWD. Many drivers also enjoy its comfortable interior and excellent fuel economy. However, some have reported issues with maintenance costs and electrical problems, which seem to dampen their enthusiasm."
Superb gas mileage, manual transmission is a joy to swap cogs with, precise (if somewhat numb and slightly heavy) steering, exceptionally dampened ride without feeling at all float, though it does roll a bit in more aggressive maneuvers. Acceleration from 2500rpm onwards is very good; with close to 200hp, though, the limitations of FWD become quite apparent under hard acceleration . Quiet around town, with some road and wind noise at speed. Maintenance is quite expensive.
October 30, 2009I absolutely love my VW - we have 3 in our household. It is the 2nd brand new car I've purchased - ever, I've had it 3 1/2 years and every time I get in it - it's like the first time. I bought a brand new Saturn Ion just before the VW - drove it for 6 months and after driving a VW Golf, I was thoroughly convinced I had to dump the Saturn and get myself a VW. I originally leased this car, and ended up buying out the lease early because I loved the car so much. I am not sold on the styling change after 04, they look more like Japanese cars to me now....but nothing beats the engineering of a VW.
November 29, 2007Great handling and adequate power. Maintenance can be very expensive.
April 7, 2021What owners say
Superb gas mileage, manual transmission is a joy to swap cogs with, precise (if somewhat numb and slightly heavy) steering, exceptionally dampened ride without feeling at all float, though it does roll a bit in more aggressive maneuvers. Acceleration from 2500rpm onwards is very good; with close to 200hp, though, the limitations of FWD become quite apparent under hard acceleration . Quiet around town, with some road and wind noise at speed. Maintenance is quite expensive.
October 30, 2009I absolutely love my VW - we have 3 in our household. It is the 2nd brand new car I've purchased - ever, I've had it 3 1/2 years and every time I get in it - it's like the first time. I bought a brand new Saturn Ion just before the VW - drove it for 6 months and after driving a VW Golf, I was thoroughly convinced I had to dump the Saturn and get myself a VW. I originally leased this car, and ended up buying out the lease early because I loved the car so much. I am not sold on the styling change after 04, they look more like Japanese cars to me now....but nothing beats the engineering of a VW.
November 29, 2007Great handling and adequate power. Maintenance can be very expensive.
April 7, 2021I love VW Passat 4 motion. It is great car that gives all the luxuries of more expensive cars live Volvo and Benz but with much more reasonable price tag. German engineered cars are legendary for their performance and reliability. You can not go wrong with VW passat. depending on your driving you can get 22/27 MPG.
June 12, 2011great interior space and quality - 4Motion is excellent in winter driving - can easily accelerate so easy to pass other cars - good styling with side mirrors signal lights. great sound system
January 6, 2008Great car for speed and handling as well as safety. I didn't have to worry about my families safety when in this car. I would suggest this car to anyone with a family. Plenty of room for long trips and comfort.
November 12, 20124Motion awd is great, have passed all the 4x4's in the snow. Super comfortable to drive, The turbo engine is spectacular, peppy and great on gas! Had to replace the water pump at 90,000Kms, they shouldn't use plastic parts, but otherwise have given me no problems! Would buy again!
May 8, 2010I traded my Passat for the Jetta TDI with only around 20,000 miles on it due to horrible electrical system problems. The car got excellent mileage (38 MPG combined city/highway!) and had 247 lb*ft of torque! The torsion bar suspension left something to be desired.
December 16, 2007This car is Good on gas if you can keep it out of the boost. The stock handling and brakeing were great but i found myself wanting more so i upgraded. The car is a little sluggish off the line but it gets up their. The cars fit and finish is supurb compared to asian and american cars in its class. Its almost 7 years old with 85,000 on the clock . The only repairs it has needed was from my own negligence other than coil packs (they were recalled) The look of the car is simple yet very classy .nothing overly dramatic with random body lines
September 1, 2010great mpg, 40+ avg city and hwy, brakes could be a bit stronger, acceleration is good... very peppy at low ends w/ turbo help, eng loud outside of car but hardly noticeable inside, good stereo system
March 29, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $23,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $39,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 270 hp W8 | Cargo Capacity 10.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $33,180 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $34,180 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $22,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,635 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,635 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $24,955 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 134 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 28 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $40,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.0L 270 hp W8 | Cargo Capacity 36.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,955 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 15.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $31,355 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 190 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 39.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
