Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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VW HAS A DEFINITE COIL PROBLEM
I have been down the coil road with VW. They will not admit that it is a major problem with their car. I have almost been stranded twice with the coil problem. Once I was at the dealer & they told me I would have to wait until the following week to get it fixed. It is a really simple thing to replace . I called a friend (Mechanic) & he knew right away & told me to buy a coil at the dealer & he talked me through changing it. It was a trial & error method because I didn't know which one of the 4 was bad. It turned out to be #1 coil. 2 weeks later # 2 died. I replaced it & the other 2 & have solved my problem. I hope the new ones are more reliable! Also had to replace a front axle
Passat Rating
I LOVE this car...I only have one small complaint. The 1.8 Turbo has a slight delay when you step on the gas hard. When the tubo kicks in, it grabs pretty good. Gas milage has been approx 23- 24/gallon...not bad with gas prices at $2.20 a gallon. I highly reccomend this car and the Scottsdale, AZ Camelback Dealership.
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $5,000176 mi away
- GL 1.8T SedanMSRP: $6,997197 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,500236 mi away
Nice Start, No Finish
WARNING!!! VW does not like to honor its powertrain warning and will do whatever it can to get out of it. My car has less than 75k (regular servicing), and the oil pump has failed, and the camshaft just went. Each time VW has given me hassle after hassle - not to mention the sheer fact that the engine has failed twice!
Trade your sedan for this wagon!
This is my 2nd Passat Wagon and I would buy a 3rd; my 1st one still felt like a new car at 3 years and 80,000 miles. Great fit and finish, very good utility without sacrificing comfort, handling or styling.
Great Car for the Price
After seeing a promotional add offering rebates, I checked out the Passat, and I'm glad I did. Having had the car for only several weeks, I cannot comment on the long-term reliability, but my initial impressions are very positive. The car handles extremely well, and the interior noise level is quite low in both city and highway driving. The styling is a bit bland, but the build quality appears to be very good. I'm 6' and had no problem in finding a comfortable seating position with excellent headroom. Controls are clearly marked, well-lit at night, sturdy and very intuitive.
great value
This wagon is fun to drive, looks great is well designed and built. No problems except for an a/c vent that makes a thump sound when it opens. This is to be fixed. This VW is very similar to the Audi A6 and is priced much less. For sure, this is a car that must be evaluated before you buy another if you are in the market for a wagon.
Unbeatable Car
Even with the base model so much is included as standard, the only extra I got was the winter package - heated seats, mirrors and washers. Reliable safe and a pleasure to drive. Pleanty of space in the passenger compartment - I'm 6'4" and fit with ease - not something I can say about many bigger cars including SUVs. The 1.8T has never felt underpowered and is very economical. Some lag on the Turbo - but you soon get used to it and it doesn't detract from the drive. Build is solid. Trunk is huge for a car in this class. If I had to do it all over, I'd buy exactly the same car.
Passat Wagon GLS
All around best new vehicle purchased. Very satisfied. Makes driving in traffic less stressfull. A good solid ride and feel. No question best options for the price.
so far so good
Only 6500 miles and I love this car. I traded in my second Accord to give German Engineering another chance (my 88 Jetta was a lemon). I'm optimistic and very happy with my choice thus far. I wish it got better gas mileage- avg 23 mpg - and had a more functional center console, but aside from those minor complaints I'm satisfied.
Excellent Car
This is the first car we got that wasn't a 6-cylinder (previous Accura, Mazda, Saturn were all 6 cylinder). We were plesantly surprised to see how smooth and powerful 4 cylinder Turbo can be. Decide not to pay extra $3000 for V6 and don't regret it. Excellent leather interior and thoughtul layout. AC even circulates through the globe compartment to keep things cool inside. Automatic transmission with Tiptronics offer the best of both worlds. Excellent safety and with ESP, the car felt solid in the snow storm we recently had here. It's fun driving the car again.
Great but with surprises!
Everything is great for this only-1,300- mile car EXCEPT: 1. Grinding noise when turning the steerling wheel (getting louder and louder everyday) 2. Brake with squeezing noise 3. maybe more noises in the future I am quite disappointed with Passat's initial quality.
CAR MUST OWN
FUN TO DRIVE, ALL I HAVE TO PROVIDE IS GASOLIN. A/C WORK WELL AND PLENTY OF COOL AIR FAST.I DO NOT KNOW WHY PEOPLE GAVE A WORST REVIEW FOR THIS CAR ? THIS IS A CAR THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE.
Brendan's review
Good Car it has very good traction contrel it is also good in the snow
No support from VW
Car got great milage, good power and comfort. Regrettebaly, I had to trade it in because VW would not stand behind the product. Shortly before the warranty ran out, the car ran out of gas, although the gauge showed some in it. 6 months later, the gauge went bezerk, and VW would not cover it under warranty, even though it obviously had a problem when it was in warranty. This subsequently cost me $605 for a sending unit and the body control module (which they said must be replaced in conjunction with the sending unit). The gauge in my 40 year old Ford still works for Christ sake. I am very happy with the Mazda 6S. It handles so much better, and the quality is as good.
Lemon
Owning a Passat has been one major headache. The car spent over 40 days in the shop during the first year of ownership. I hope to sell the car before the warranty expires. I will never buy another VW.
Very happy with my Passat
I wrote a review back in 2006 - now I see I was unfair to this vehicle... 3 1/2 years later and 35000 miles later I like it even more... It has been a stellar performer and a fun car to have. I am planning on a major service in about 6 months (timing belt) and expect to drive it another 6-7 years. What a jewel...
Miss My Smaller Cars
I bought the VW Passat 4-Motion because I drive 35,000 - 45,000 miles per year, at times in poor weather conditions. The 1.8T engine has adequate power, and accelerates well after a brief turbo lag. The ride is relatively sedate. The car does not repsond quickly in turns, and is less fun than expected on twisty roads. In a recent ice storm that paralyzed Raleigh the 4-Motion worked perfectly. I was even able to stop and start on a steep, ice-covered street without incident. It performs as intended-a comfortable work car that is safe and gets 27 mpg combined. Other vehicles that I considered were the Volkswagen GTI or Acura RSX. I chose the bigger car for the better ride quality. I should have gotten a car that is more fun to drive.
Drive it
Perfect car it drives and handles excellent it is a smooth driving car with just the classy look to go with it.
Surprisingly Good Car
I've had the car for less than 2 months and 2100 miles but it is one of the best cars I've ever had. Peppy engine, great handling, lots of room inside, clean outside style, lots of safety features. I've been very surprised about how much I like driving this car...I never expected to. Much more fun than my wife's 2003 Accord EX, although less features for the money. The Accord has more "toys" but the Passat has more "heart"...I'll take heart every time!
BMW, but half the cost
great car for a great price
Fun car
Excellent vehicle. Best I've ever driven.
Pretty Good except for CLUNK
Took delivery $29900 of Blue Silver w/ black from Patrick VW/Saab in Auburn,Ma. Good to deal with.Wish the driver's seat was larger - the lower bolster digs into my thigh. Acceleration has to be mangaged with a deft toe feel versus just booting it from a dead stop...otherwise, it just lags and can be scary if you're darting into local traffic. The ride is terrific, not quite as good as my '02 Saab 9-5 but very fun and reassuring. Gas mi. is 21.5 mpg in mixed driving. Unfortunately, I've experienced the dreaded low-speed clunk. Fortunately, with help from the forum, the dealer pursued the factory on this and has scheduled a visit to correct the Trans. Control Unit.
Never again will I buy VW!!!!
This is the first car I have ever owned. I was so happy the day I got it. I picked it out from color to package. I got everything I wanted and was thrilled. Well that is were the fairytale ends. The dealership has been horrible to work with and this car has problems after problems. First the side molding broke. We have no idea how. Took it in to be fixed along with a door that would not close. Well they fixed the door, but not the molding. The homelink system fell out next. The radio does not work now and the kicker is just tonight I went outside to pack the car for a trip and I have three inches of water in my back floor board. My car is leaking.
pretty good car
Fun to drive. Have had several recalls over the year I've owned it. I don't like the turbo "lag" in hard acceleration but gas mileage is good as is performance.
Great Sedan
Yes, after looking and test drive some japanes car such as nissan honda, mitsubishi and mazda. The winner was german car Passat. The classic lines and desing, the interiors and ergonomics. The small turbo 1.8 engine is agile and very responsive for a four cylinder.
noticeable turbo lag
I've had the car for a month now and have to agree with some of the previous comments about the turbo lag. Also the car does not corner as well as my previous vehicles- maybe due to the rear torsion beam suspension setup. VW service is a hit or miss- so search carefully for a good VW service dept. My selling dealer could not align my car and after 2 tries, went to another VW dealer to have it corrected. Otherwise, interior and exterior is beautiful to look at.
Coundn't Passat it up
Great car. I have owned 11 VWs. I am getting between 31-34 mpg. The turbo gives a great kick but has a lag you have to get used to. The 1.8T has all the power I need on the highway. I run it on regular fuel and don't find a difference in performance
Volkswagen Passat
I recently purchased my Volkswagen Passat from my mother prior to leaving for college. I had wanted something a little sportier and suited to customization, such as a GTI, or other sport coupe. Given a deal I could not pass up, I decided on the Passat (reluctantly at first.) I found, however, after looking the automobile over, that it had sufficient power (until I decided to upgrade that is) a luxury interior (in leather trim), and enough rooms for my friends and myself. After installing my custom sound system, this car is a definite keeper and crowd pleaser.
passat a poor performer
Frustrating car to use. not logical controls. Seat belt reminder beeps even when in park. Doesn't shut off very annoying. Trunk locks automatically and you need the remote to unlock. just a pain. 4motion hesitates before accelerating. downshifts poorly.
Don't buy Volkswagen
I enjoy the Volkswagen performance and body styles and have purchased two vehicles. The first one was a 1995 Golf which cost me more in repairs than the original price of the car. After reading how VW had improved reliability, I was suckered into purchasing the 2004 Passatt. My car is very well maintained and I average 10,000 miles per year. I won't list all the problems I've encountered since all the previous reviews have already listed them. My observation of VW is that they build cars to break down so that you buy replacement parts at inflated prices. My dealer quoted me $200 to replace 4 spark plugs. I purchased the plugs for $32 and spent 15 minutes to replace them. Don't buy VW!!!
Not Impressed
Already has spent a week in the shop for different problems ranging from AC not cooling (still not fixed) to CD getting stuck. Dash starting to rattle and it's been only less than two months and less than 1K miles. Long wait getting appointments from dealerships (I can imagine why). Fuel consumption terrible.
Couldn't be more pleased
The Turbo is very nice and provides more than adequate power. However when the temperature was over approx 86 degrees F., the motor was very short on immediate power. Perhaps it need something to cool the hot air at these times.
Great Car
The TDI (diesel) was hard to find, but worth the effort. Great gas mileage...up to 44mpg w/o air conditioning running. The acceleration and handling are simply great!! Watch the horn...have to punch it in just the right spot (a small spot) - not a plus when you need it in an emergency. Interior finish is perfect. The diesel runs very roughly in the 20-30 mph speed after startup. It smooths out after it warms up...hope this can be adjusted on first trip back for service. Generous trunk space, full-size spare tire, and plenty of leg room in the back seat. So far, love the car!!
2004 GLX Passat
Great car to drive. No problems just general maintenence. Nice pickup and better than listed fuel economy. LOVE IT!!!!!!!
To early to tell
This is my first non American car, overall I like the car, the v6 is has adequate power. The car is firm and noise is very low. Build quality seems good as well. The sound system is fine and most of the controls are placed well. Tranny issue-factory fix is to reflash the software-why not do it before you give me the car, now a rep needs to come in special and it take an hour and half-told this will fix. It occurs when the car is driving under 10mph then given gas, a loud bang into gear is what is heard
Zoom Zoom
Excellent, smooth and fund to Drive. Intelligent panel display. Excellent safety freatures. Lot of power for 1.8, 190hp engine.
Excellent Driving Experience
The 2004 Passat TDI is a well built, fun car to drive with excellent torque for a diesel and power to spare on both highway and urban driving.
love it
I've had the Passat about nine months now and still love it. Very peppy engine with great acceleration (and I should know..everyone claims I'm a speed demon).Very smooth gear shift. Have not had any problems at all with the car.
Another VW Success!!
I have owned many VW's and driven them all into the ground. The Passat is terrific in all areas.
Damn, What a car!
This is my 6th Volkwagen, 4th Passat. Wow, what a car. Even with only the GLS model, this car has to be the nicest car I've owned, ever. Power, good fuel economy, comfortable, all around a GREAT vehicle. Wouldn't look at a Toyota or Honda after owning the VW
I love the passat
I just got at passat and i absolutley love it. I researched a wide array of vehicles for aobout a year and looked at and drove several different makes and models. From the beginning I loved the passat, and after looking at and evaluating other cars in its class, it totally blew them away. The more I drive it, the more I love it.
Great Buy
I have only owned my Passat for a couple weeks but I love it. It is such a smooth ride it is amazing. Also the exterior of the car is great, one of the best looking on the road. I love the interior, leather etc. I made a great choice and will probably be looking at buying another after this one!
Passat Wagen 1.8T
To be fair, I have not had the Passat that long (2 months). It currently has 7,600 miles, mostly highway miles. So far, I have been impressed. I generally trade cars every year, and I usually buy Toyotas. I still don't think anyone matches Toyota for quality, value, reliability, etc., which begs the question, "Why a VW?" Well, to put it simply, it's "the ride." It is a driver's car at a great price. To be sure, this is a touring car, and that is where it shines. At 80+mph, it's "at home" getting 40 mpg or better. In the city, its performance is a bit lurchy. In traffic, the turbo isn't a great match.
Nice Car
This tastefully designed car is built on a stretched Audi A4 platform and utilizes A4 & A6 underpinnings. The interior is seriously lacking in storage space & the Monsoon stereo doesn't have strong bass, but interior quality is first class. Likewise, the exterior build quality is as good as it gets. The turbo 4 is both strong and weak depending on when the boost kicks in. Utilizing this engine to its best advantage takes practice. The driving dynamics are where this car excels as it feels taught, solid, and connected to the road. However, the brake pedal feels a tad mushy. Overall the car offers more panache than its competitors and represents a good value.
Good buy for the price
Very well priced German car when compared against other like models. I have had both an auto and manual, highly recommend the manual for more pick up. Considered buying a 3-series BMW though I did not see the added value in the lower end 3-series for the extra money. The Passat has lighter handling than the BMW, due to not having sports suspension, and you pay for this with slight roll in the coners. For a 100% german car it is great value, especially now Ford have their hands on BMW.
Great Car needs a few improvements
Owned my Passat for a year and a half. I'd wait for the style change coming in 2005. Need to have a the immobilizer chip in the door. My car was broken into and the alarm didn't go off. Only goes off if the window is broken. A professional can break ineasily. Parts are expensive and you must wait to get them from Germany. Broken lock costs more to fix than what was stolen out of the vehicle. Drive by wire causes a slight hesitation when you step on the pedal while computer is thinking. Brake dust makes the brakes prone to squeaking requiring freqent cleaning.
67,000 miles - Still love the car
I drive a lot! 40k miles / year. I have had two mass-air flow sensors fail (in hard rain) but no other problems with the car itself. Dealer service shop doesn't know how to use a torque wrench (on lug nuts or oil drain plugs) but the car is a blast to drive and very comfortable on the highway.
I love this car
I test drove this car and many others before finally making a decision. I loved the way it handles, all of the security and safety options. I would recommend this car to ANYONE. and I actually have a few friends who have since purchased the same car.
Not impressed, But satisfied
Back in the shop w/less than 2500 miles. This vehicle has a tendancy to give ghost codes (caution/warning lights for no reason) the only problem with that is the inconvenience of the drive too and wait at the garage. The controls/levers are a tad bit confusing but you'll get used to them. On the up side the W8 has great lines and is very attractive. The interior lighting is neat. You will enjoy driving the W8, it has good exceleration (not great, good) If you don't like paying high gas prices don't buy this car. It runs on 91 OR BETTER OCTAIN that is what is suggested by VW.
I love this car
I have had nothing but great times in my car. The only place where i would purchase another VW is at Valenti in Watertown CT. Great people honest, Excellent service and they really go the extra mile for you. As far as I'm concerned they are the best dealership in this area.