2004 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$22,355 to $40,235

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(28 reviews)
2004 Volkswagen Passat Preview summaryImage

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.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2004 Volkswagen Passat

Write a review
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 07, 2021
Great handling and adequate power. Maintenance can be very expensive.Apr 07, 2021
by Lester M
Dec 05, 2014
We owned this car for about 5 years, just enough to pay it off. It was a fine car, but had some quality issues (I thought). The CV boots never lasted very long. The transmission (4 speed automatic) would not unlock correctly when you came to a stop and there was nothing they could do about it (they said-the Dealer), short of a $4500.00 replacement. No way. It was great other than the trans and the cv boots until the Generator packed it in at about 56,000 miles. The non-dealer garage that replaced it made a mess of it and we had to have it all done again, this time at the dealer, after a year of it. It was costly, but it seemed the issues were mostly fixed. Too bad about it's bad points, because we liked the car otherwise.Dec 05, 2014
by Tony K
Jan 21, 2014
Very competent stealth wagon with lots of cargo and people space/ trips in bad weather to PA are secure on roads that are untreated in winter/ basically an AUDI all wheel drive system that VW discontinued because it was really a bargain/ very reliable if maintained Brakes were good for 80 K miles before replacement in rear, 90K in front, needs front pads with the wear sensor. Timing belt replaced at ten year mark and performance is still good with 26 mpg on platinum plugs, even the Autolite plugs work as well as the OEM Audi NGK, Bosch not so muchJan 21, 2014

2004 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,355 to $40,235
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Telematics

Satellite communications: OnStar

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

See all trims (14)