Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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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.
Passat Wagon- fun, functional, awesome
We bought the Passat after trying out over 8 different models/makes. We selected it because it offered all the features we had to have in a car; safety, economy, comfort, fun, and looks great. The kids love it and are excited for their friends to see it- no wonder, it's a beautiful car. The Passat is smater than the humans that drive/ride in it- seats molding to your own body, remembering you when you return- even if someone else has taken your place before. Hopefully this car will last as long as the 17 year old Saab we traded in.
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $5,488348 mi away
- GLX WagonMSRP: $3,500518 mi away
- GLX 4Motion SedanMSRP: $3,000539 mi away
German engineering at its best
If you want basically and AUDI A4 with more interior room and about $6000 to $8000 less sticker price, this is your car. This is my second VW and by far the best. The Passat class is not prone to all the little bugs and recalls of the jettas and the new beetles. Its basically a mid-size german sports sedan for less than $25,000. Who could ask for more?
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
Yes to 4motion
I previously owned a 2001 FWD New Passat GLS Wagon 1.8T for 3 yrs. It was a great car. Last July I thought I would try the GLS 4motion sedan. I've only logged 4400 miles, but I really love this car. You can't get a better value for the price. I feel like I'm driving a luxury car. I get tons of comments on the exterior and the interior. I can't wait to see how the 4motion handles an Iowa winter. I'm confident it will perform just fine.
Great Car
I love the car! First time I have ever bought a diesel engine or German car. Love the mileage I am getting, well over 30 mpg and that includes around town driving. The car handles very well, tight steering, monsoon sound system is awesome. No problems so far with diesel in cold weather. Diesel engine is no louder than a regular gas engine.
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.
An Endearing Auto
I have lost count on how many VW's I have owned now and am always impressed with what VW has to offer. This GLX wagon is all I anticipated. Excellent ride quality and better than anticipated fuel economy. I always get complimented on the body lines and colors.
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.
Love My Passat Wagon!
Everything about it is great, bought it new in January 2004. My husband pulled a u-turn in it two weeks later (didn't see the oncomining car) which required front right body work. Boy, did he feel stupid! It drives just great, love the "bun warmers", blue lights in dashboard, visability, and comfortable seats. I am a realtor so comfort and ease of ingress and egress are important. Highly recommend it. Our other car is a Saab which is expensive for repairs and has had numerous problems.
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.
Nice Car
Nice car to drive, comfort, features and some power in a midsize car. I love the extras that VW packs in their cars and the 4 motion system is a plus to have in new england. I can't wait to use it in snow. The car has become the household favorite due to features and ammenities. I traded a 2002 Jetta which was nice but small. I like the VW experience. This is an impressive car and i have 13K miles on it after afeww months of ownership
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.
poormansaudi
What every sedan should be,,, fun, reliable, safe, and oh btw, did I mention fun! I love my Passat, can't wait to trade in on the '06 model. I had an opportunity to preview it at an undisclosed location; should be another great Vee Dub as expected. I want the TDI.
stay away very bad CAR and SERVICE also
very unreliable car , faulty engine and very bad service from dealer. had to take it in too many times , once 6 times in a row for bad falty engine already shortly buying VW passat. stay away , also very bad service people, unfriedly and they dont keep appoitements . filing complaint with better buisness bureu. will never buy vw again. Buy VW if you want a car that breaks down all the time.
veedub all the way
My entire family owns Volkswagens. I find them to be amazing cars. The only issue i have with VW is the timing belt and water pump. Other than that, these cars are amazing. I have never driven a more reliable car, or a car more fun. They handle like a dream and the stock sound system is ridiculous.
04 GLX Wagon V6
Only had the car for one week now, but WOW! Got it for my wife (30th birthday gift) and we couldn't be more pleased. Great ride, great features, and that famous VW fit & finish. For a "mommamobile" it doesn't get any better than this, and I find myself envious of her ride! It's simply the most classy, well-refined, and user- friendly wagon for under $40k. Looking forward to many years of happiness in owning this vehicle. We hope the reliabilty is better than what we've been reading about, however. On the upside, it can't be any worse than the horrendous car she previously had, a 1999 Pontiac Grand- Am GT. GM should have paid ME to take delivery of THAT car. Go for the VW wagon, y'all.
My first manual!
I was very apprehensive about purchasing the Passat because of the horror stories I have heard on this site about it's engineering. I researched the IS300, Mazda 6, Altima and 05 Legacy GT extensively. I also drove each several times. The Passat's razor sharp handling at 85-100 mph, smooth shifting and potent acceleration won me over. The overall build quality is superb inside and out. I've only put 5,000 miles on it so far and am PRAYING nothing serious goes wrong! I would strongly recommend purchasing this car as a manual, for good acceleration- about 7.3 secs 0-60
LEMON, LEMON, LEMON
Have had the 4Motion clunk since almost the beginning. The dealership purchased from would not even acknowledge there was a problem. Volkswagen of America's customer care is useless and downright rude to its customers. Finally able to get software update installed after 4 trips to another dealership. Now when at low speeds, barely tap gas and it hesitates and then takes off like a rocket. Not good if idling in traffic, could be a safety concern and cause an accident. Also has extreme wind noise on interstate. VW mgr admitted is prblm with all 2004 passat
Excellent Internet Buy!
Upgraded from my 2000 Jetta, and paid less in 12/03 than I did for the Jetta in 06/00, and the Pasat has more expensive features (leather interior, 6 air bags, for example)! I found that Internet salespeople work on a salary, not commission: one saves a bunch! The 2004 Passat has a wealth of creature comforts & great engineering.
new owner(4months)
selected this model for price,style and fuel economy 4cylinder. after 2weeks you get a letter notifying you of the 4cyl engines problems with oil clogging. whats good is you are covered by and 8yr unlimited mileage transferrable warranty for this problem. whats bad is the need to use synthetic oil at scheduled oil changes (double the price) and the need to maintain documentation of all services should this problem arise. this was a disappointment for me becuase i think a 4cylinder engine should provide the lowest maintenance costs. i am averaging 24 mpg over 5000 miles. the car so far has been enjoyable, but i am coming off an acura tl
In shop 15 to 20 times (bought new)
Bought Passat in Sept. 04 and has been in the shop every week to two weeks for engine light cutting on and has a gas smell when driving more than 1-2 hours. After going in shop so much, called VW of America and they don't seem to care that I am having so many problems. I have told them I want another car or my money back and they just want to keep fixing it. After six months of the car being in and out of the shop VW of America should say enough is enough. The dealer I have bought it from has been great in getting the car in to look at it, But they have even said they are not sure whats wrong with it. VW of America is supposed to send a field Tech out to look at the car.
2003 W8
After a year of ownership this W8 has lived up to my every expectation. I have had no problems with the vehicle. Quality, integrity, and performance are excellent. Fuel mileage is better than I expected.
First and last Passat
I like my Passat, but I doubt I'll buy another one. The six cylinder has nice pickup around town, and is fun to drive, but it dies on the highway, especially if you are carrying people. Also, the gas mileage is ridiculous - I get 13 to 14 mpg around town. Little things - like not being able to read the dashboard meters - make me question the engineering. Also, this car - even with front wheel drive - is terrible in snow. And the Passat is expensive for what you get .. my next car is probably the Infiniti G35. I regret buying the Passat instead of the G35 ... both in the same price range.
What a mistake
I've driven Volkswagens since 1982, time to move on! The lease was up on my Golf so I took advantage of a special lease deal on the Passat. MAJOR MISTAKE. Warning lights on the dash signal impending doom and then just reset at random, Dealer says just ignore no big deal. Car can't track a line down the road, wanders off on every bump, joint, and groove(Steering Suspension and/or Tires?), Dealers answer, deflate the tires!! Car is hard to control when it is windy,(I live in a windy state!)car changes lanes before steering inputs have any effect! Dealers answer, see above. Newest fun, gas fumes coming in through vents immediately after start up, to the dealer again! Internet search, LEMON LAW!
2004 Passatt
Fun to drive, the cold weather package is great in these really cold days. Good performance and movement. Like the feel of the wheel and how it sticks to the road
What's with the side chrome moldings
Looked and drove the Highlander Limited, this Passat, and a Camry XLE. This Passat impressed us the most. I just bought the car and when I went to pick up the new car. It turns out both of the passenger side doors had badly damaged chrome strips. I refused to take the car until they were replaced. The manager said the problem with the chrome strips happens in about one in 20 Passat Wagons...he said the manufacture published a bulletin warning dealers about the problem. I'm worried the car might have structural damage and the dealer is pulling my leg. Does anybody out there know anything about this problem? I pick up the car in two days. Sure would like to hear about the door issue.
Great car for my money! Feature loaded.
Definately a poor mans BMW due to similar handling characteristics, features, and styling. The 1.8T GLS- auto is more powerful than one would expect from a 4-cyl engine. Although a 4-cyl, it drives and feels as smooth and potent as any V6 I've ever driven, especially in Tiptronic mode. The car is downshift-happy in auto mode, which is why Tiptronic is the only way to go for gas-mileage savings and smoothness. Gas-mileage is good, but could be better for a 4-banger. I've had the car for almost 2-years now...been in for unscheduled service 3 times (blown speaker, air- conditioning odor, trunk not staying up). Build quality is OK, but what do you expect for an almost fully-loaded $24k car?!?
oldtimer
my second passat. wonderful overall auto.
Excellent Car
This is my favorite car in over 30 years of driving. It has all the benefits of a wagon, yet drives like a sporty sedan. It has great mid speed acceleration, downshift to 4th or 3rd, floor it and you can, pass almost anything. It looks great, very European and the interior is very high class for a car in that price range. The gas mileage is so-so in city driving, but cruising at 75mph you can go 400 miles before gasing. I have had for 42,000 miles and have only brought it in for scheduled maintenance. Its reliable, sporty, looks great and practical, what more could you want.
money's worth
i am a previous vw owner, 01 jetta diesel, auto trans.. this is my 5th vw. i wanted a passat as soon as i read they were coming out with the diesel. the car is all i had expected & more, very comfortable, quick, economical 40.7 mpg @ average speed of 74 mph on the interstate. wife loves it!!!!!
engine needs to be replaced
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.
volks review
nice car, good handling, decent acceleration while maintaining fuel economy, lots of good options. Apleasure to drive
Test Drive Carefully and Completely
I've 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: That's typical of VW radios! My car's 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.
Rattlebox
Purchased new.. dashboard started rattling 1 week after we took delivery. Has been in shop 11 times for that problem alone. Trim moldings come unstuck, we just stick them back on. VW couldn't care less. Consulted a lemon lawyer - not defined as a lemon 'cause rattle is not considered a 'defect'. What a sad joke. We tried to trade this car in on a Toyota and the best trade price we were offered was $13,500. Pathetic resale and now I know why. Its a heap of junk! I don't know how we are going to sell it privately with a loud rattle in the dashboard! We're going to cut our substantial losses and kiss VW goodbye.
Bad News
Just brought the new car and I got problems. On the first day, the transmission control module went. As it turns out, the TCM failure was caused by a water leak from the pollen filter, the insulation under the carpet was still wet. My recommendation is to stay far away from this vehicle.
Passat W8 sedan is great !
Americans don't understand how really great this car is. Audi Quattro performance and comfort for a fraction of the price (They are both made by the same company.) Larger than an A4 and smaller than an A6, the Passat is a perfect size to deliver both tremendous agility and interior roominess. The W8 option delivers 270 hp of 8 cylinder performance, with upgrades to the suspension and wheels (but you must order the sports suspension). I've had more than one BMW and Mercedes. They deliver snob appeal and prestige. But VW/Audi cars deliver performace whether the road is dry, wet or icey. That's something the first two can't begin to match.
10
great car. feels more solid than my husband's used 540i.
Ahhhh!
This will be a very short happy review: After 6 months driving this vehicle I am still in love. Simple, elegant, fun to drive, solid as a rock, comfortable. I am looking forward to an ongoing affair with this car.
Save your money
When I purchased this car, I bought into all the hype of how great the Passat was. I am still kicking myself for buying it. I am not a large man (5'9) but I felt I was really cramped up in the drivers seat. My larger friends had a heck of a time getting comfortable in the back. The 1.8 turbo is fun and this car win get out of the gate quickly, but the 13 gallon tank will make you think twice about getting on it. Options on this care are nice but VW will make you pay big time for it.
Function and Fun w/ Class
The Volkwagen Passat is a fantasti car. It is overall relible and vey fun to drive. I got a manal transmission for additinal fun. It handles and speeds up like a dream. The only bad thing I can think to write is about the recliner in it, the Passat has a wheel, I perfer a lever.
Safety at the right price
I have 30,000 miles on my 03 and have no major prolems. Handles very well in the snow and the ride is very good on rough roads. Gas milage on the highway is 30 mpg or better. I have a manual and get 20 mpg or better in city driving. If you drive the car hard and fast you will not get good gas mileage something like 18/24. The Passat runs better on premium, enough that I feel it.
I love my Passat!
My Passat has been a pleasure to drive from day one, and now at 10,000 miles it remains so. I drive a lot for my job, and I look forward to getting in my car and taking off on a cruise. It's attractive, classy and responsive. It also handles amazingly in tough situations. Nice audio system, too. Need I say more?