Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Love it!
32mpg @ 75mph. Sluggish off the line until the turbo spools up. Turbo lag is noticeable from a standing start but very short elsewhere. Turbo maintains power at altitude (6,000 ft.). Very smooth for an inline 4. Short throws on manual shifter but long throw on clutch. No asymetrical thrust. Taut, responsive suspension with long travel over bumps. Enormous trunk even with rear seats folded up. Refined interior with high quality materials. Monsoon radio is merely average.
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
- GLX 4Motion SedanMSRP: $4,995271 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,500514 mi away
- GL 1.8T SedanMSRP: $6,997617 mi away
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.
I enjoy this car
This is the nicest car I've ever owned (or driven, for that matter). It's very secure on the treacherous winter roads here. I've never needed anything but the all-season tiress that came on it. Its handling is great and its controls are right where you need them. The Passat is comfortable on long trips. I bought a phatbox MP3 system with 20 GB of space that integrates right into the existning sound system - fantastic system.
An Amazing Ride
I leased a Jetta before going into my Passat and I love it... It is very comfortable with a touch of luxury specially for the price.. I would not trade my car for anything.
Perfect Balance
I traded a WRX for my Siverstone Gray wagon and I'm not looking back. It's the perfect balance between fun and practicality. The low-lift gate will hold two golf bags nicely (with the rear seats down)and that's a "biggy" for me. The car handles great on the twistys yet it cruises in great style on the interstates. And you feel like your in a much more expensive car. The Monsoon sound system completes the package. The fit/finish and paint are top drawer (see $100K Phaeton). The manual shifter is silky smooth and really complements the 4 cylinder turbo. right now I'm a "Happy Camper"; I just hope it lasts!
352k miles and still going like a champ
I love my Passat I bought a brand new in 2004 and I still have it. I've had very few issues over the years. I did have to replace the crankshaft which were known problems and I did the oil pump balance shaft delete. It is the late model B5 engine. The car is still fun to drive and very well built.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
10
great car. feels more solid than my husband's used 540i.
Relatively Good Car
The car ran great until 20,000 miles, then for no apparent reason, the back axle bent. Nightmares followed.
even better than before
My last car was a '99 Passat GLX. The changes in body and interior (not to mention the 4motion) were enough for me to ante up. Just drive one. A close friend owns a bmw 5 series. This competes very well, if not more fun to drive. Just drive one.
Awsome car
This is one nice car with unlimited upgrades,smooth ride great handling,easy on gas and it's a strong vehicle i love it this is the car.
A Commuter's Dream
I fell in love with the car during the test drive. I was very impressed by the quick response of the Turbo compared to the others cars that I had test driven. It has stable solid feeling while drving so I feel safe. But the best thing of all is that my car insurance rate dropped because of the ALL the safety features it has!
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.
Not all its racked up to be.
I love my car, if it would just keep working!! I have owned 3 VW's. But my 3rd is making me look like a fool. I love the way it drives, it corners like it is on rails. Very comfortable interior, awesome sound system. Other people don't understand why I still have it. I have now been stranded 2 times and have only owned it for 15 months, with 76,ooo miles. This car is well cared for. The coils have failed, CV boots replaced, and now oil cooler failed. I hate to get rid of it, but at this point I could owe a Lexus for what it has cost me to fix this one.
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.
Beware Oil Pump Problems!
Having bought this car second hand we were initially impressed with its solid BMW/Mercedes like interior feel and handling. 5000 miles later on a trip from Oregon to Arizona, the car flashed a red STOP! sign and advised us to stop immediately or the manual stated a new engine may be needed!! There is no oil gauge on the dashboard to warn of impending disaster. Despite having checked the oil prior to the roadtrip the car broke down with absolutely no warning. The VW dealership replaced the oil pump, turbo and cams free of charge as the car was still under warranty. We have lost all confidence in the VW Passat. Buyer beware of the 2004 model.
Absolutely great car
Easy to drive Economical on gas excellent german craftsmanship many features of mare expensive models
Outstanding Car
This is the second Passat we have owned, buying our first in 1995 and trading it on this one. The 2004 model (late year model is identical to 2005 model in appearance and specs) is a major improvement over the '95, though we loved it as well. In another four years or so I look forward to trading for the then current model of the Passat. This is the fourth VW we have owned over the last 35 years, having put at least 100,000 miles on each of them and over 200,000 on a couple (including a 1981 Rabbit diesel LS).
Fun/Fancy/Family Car
I actually have a 2001.5, but little has changed and it's a great car! The car looks great, it's fast enough to be fun to drive (though it might be underpowered compared to competitors) and it's very luxurious, which helps with enjoying the car on a day-to-day basis. I've had the car for over 3 years now, lease is almost up and I'm even thinking of buying the car b/c it's so great for my family & fun for me.
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?
Best Purchase
Great car. I feel very safe on the road. Wonderful interior and exterior features with perks. I would recommend this car to everyone.
there nothin' like a V8
Fun, fun, fun to drive!!; awesone steering and acceleration (especially merging unto a highway) and love the raspy engine sound. The interior is first class (I have owned many BMW's, Mercedes, Accura's + other high end car, and the quality in the W8 is second to none). This car is a looker and gets notice.
Smooth and comfortable
I came across a used W8 with low miles and decided to make the purchase. I have been very impressed with the smoothness of the engine, the rock solid feel (far better than my wife's Lexus or my old g35) and the overall comfort of the vehicle. I have the sport package which tightens up the suspension a bit. After 10,000 miles I don't think I could go back to Lexus or Infiniti - they just don't have the so-solid feel. I have had no problems to date and on the highway I run 24 mpg. Mixed city driving gives me 19.5 mpg. Lastly, the sport suspension with the BBS wheels certainly draws plenty of nice comments from others.
Keeping this one!
I have had my Passat for almost two years and I have virtually NO complaints. This is my second Passat, I had my first one for about a year and then I realized that I shouldn't have passed up the heated leather seats and 4-Motion. I love both features - my passengers expecially love the heated passenger seat! The car perfoms extremly well in the snow. I feel very safe, comfortable and confident driving it on roads that have 6 - 8 inches of snow and have never been plowed! The car just does not slide! In my opinion there is not another car on the road that looks as sharp as the PASSAT! The car rides beautifully, handles great, and gets good gas millage. The 4-cylinder engine's pick up is impressive.
problems
this car has had the onstar computer replaced 4 times and still has the same problem VW blames onstar. VW is aware of a hard downshift problem for over 6 months all they tell the owner is they are waiting for the program from Germany. It dos't take that long to build a car.
question of reality
Where do your get your "True Market Value" prices from?. As you know, dealers have additional fees (not included in t he published "invoice prices" because they vary from region to region) These include port fees and advertising. What Dealer is going to sell the 2004 Passat at Invoice? Are you just trying to stir up discontent between the buying public and the dealers. There's enough of that already. If you really want to do your readers a "favor," get real. Tell them what they REALLY should expect to pay.
Overall Good Car
My 2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T runs very well and the overall quality is good. I expected a little higher quality than the car actually has, however I think it still beats any other car Japanese or American in it's class. The only real problem I have with it is the trunk. It is very cumbersome to open and close. The dealer said that this problem cannot be fixed. This is almost inexcuseable because I've seen the $12K Ford Contour that operates easier with or without the remote control. Overall I'm pleased with the purchase.
Savin Money
The car has beena unique experience, I laugh every time I fill it up thinking it gets about the same mileage as a motorcycle without getting wet or cold. Folks ask me all the time about how I like it and so far it's VW's best kept secret. The noise while idling is different as is the powerband but both get accustomed to very quickly. I would recommend this car before any Hybrid as the safety and simplicity are second to none.
Not worth it
I had this car for 4 months and every month something breaks. Door wont open, window wont go down. AC fails intermittently. Lastly, oil was leaking from unknown location. But dealer said it was my mechanic. When my mechanic removed bottom cover, it was already full of oil marks. Dealer will sell you lemon vehicles without notifying you. Over-all experience BAD.
No Flash Necessary
The Volkswagen Passat is an understated beauty that drives very smoothly. Strangers stop me on the street to talk about it.
A sedan with performance
This is my seventh vw,all I can say is that I really enjoy my vw's. The car is great to drive, you can hug corners,quick acc. great when turbo kicks in..a performance sedan.. And don't be afraid to run it, takes rpm's up to 5 without any hesitation. Has a great look..(with size 18 tires), great value of a car for what you get.....
Savin Money
The car has beena unique experience, I laugh every time I fill it up thinking it gets about the same mileage as a motorcycle without getting wet or cold. Folks ask me all the time about how I like it and so far it's VW's best kept secret. The noise while idling is different as is the powerband but both get accustomed to very quickly. I would recommend this car before any Hybrid as the safety and simplicity are second to none.
VOLKSWAGON LOVER
I received my Passat for my birthday from my husband, i've wanted one for over 10 years. it is one of the best driving autos I have had the experience of driving.
Passat Major Problems
Passat has a major engine defect where the oil turns to sludge and cause major engine damage. If you don't have receipts for service. They'll leave you high and dry. Beware! Stay away.
Disaster
I grew up in Europe and all i heard while growing up that German cars are great. May be they were 20 years ago, but not nowadays. I lost all my confidence. I had problems with my ignition coils 4 times. They replaced them 4 times. Finally VW did a recall on it. I had several other issues with the car. Now my car is 6 years old, and i had it with this car. I am purchasing a Japanese car a Nissan Altima this week. Germans are not building cars the way they used to!!! What can i say i am very disappointed. I spent 3000 dollars on repair this year already.
This car saved my daughter's life
In March 2003, my one-year-old daughter and I were involved in a rollover accident on the interstate, which occured when I lost control of the car (note: 2001 model I was driving did not have stability control). Thanks to the superior safety of the VW Passat, we were both able to walk away from the accident without a scratch. The car was totaled, and I immediately went out and bought another just like it. I would recommend this car without reservation to anyone with small children.
Cool VW
The handling and turns of this car is very good, also the interior looks like a luxury car. Over all the car is very impressive, I'm glad that I got a piece of luxury under 25 grand...
vw passat wagon
Great combo of a family car and sedan.
1ST TIME VOLSWAGEN OWNER
I GOT INTO THIS CAR AFTER HAVING A SUV FOR MANY YEARS. BIG ADJUSTMENT BUT I LOVE THE NEW CAR. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CD PLAYER BUT THEY FIXED IT IMMEDIATELY. JUST A LOOSE WIRE. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. ITS AGREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE.
Great Fun Car
I loved this car from the moment I sat in the seat, turned on the engine and drove off the lot. The way it handled grabbed me from the start. I had not had this much fun driving a car in years. I recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive.
Uber Wagon
My wife and I looked at a Saab 95 and Volv0 V70, but the GLX Wagon had the best combination of features (Onstar and Memory Seats that drive the price of the 95 to $40,000) and price. The only thing missing was a little exclusivity and Xenon headlights. Gas economy seems very poor, but I expect it to improve as we put more miles on the car.
Passat Diesel wagon 2004
GREAT car, avg 42mpg hwy, 35-36mpg city. Fun to drive, lots of poweer. The only thing I don't like is it doesn't have power seats. This is my first VW and it won't be the last.
Fool me once
As I write this my VW is dead, dead, dead. We were so excited the day we bought our passat. We loved driving it, loved the luxury of the features. What we don't love are all of the repairs. It is constantly in need of something and everything (and I do mean everything) is at least $500 on a VW. We just got it back 3 days ago, spent $1000 after having at the dealership and our mechanics for over 2 weeks and the hunk of safe, solid steel is just as dead and just as broken as it was when we towed it in the first time. VW suggested we let them take it and they would get us into a new one. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice and it would be another story. No thanks, VW.
Awesome Car
I have never owned a VW Passat before now.....what an amazing car! The Turbo engine is deceptively quick and fun to drive. Definitely not a boring ride.