Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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My first car
Cooper Church, 09/19/2017
updated 09/28/2020
2004 Volkswagen Passat GL TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I got this car with 120,000 miles on it, with the original clutch from my neighbor. I needed massive work in the past few months, a new exhaust, motor mounts, shocks, and battery. I learned that they are safe, and can be dangerous to other vehicles. The car has been a money pit from hell in the year I have owned it, with over 2,000 dollars in repairs, and can't stay out of the shop more than a month. The cars electricals act up, and likes to shudder when at high speed, the plastic creeks, but other than that the car is reasonably quiet. My big issue is the repair costs, VW only uses OEM parts, and my exhaust cost 1,500 to replace, and the motors mounts, around 300. In October of 2017 the car died at 125k when the engine ate the fly wheel and blew 4 cylinders out of eight.
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Most problematic VW I've owned
waterwish, 02/11/2011
2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
7 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th VW. I had two '87 Jettas (one was replaced after having been totaled), and a 1999 Passat wagon that I bought used. The '99 was the BEST, lowest maintenance car that I have ever owned. I bought the 2004 Passat Wagon because they were offering 0% interest. I thought I was doing right to get a brand new car for a lower payment. I regret it now. In 2010, I spent close to $3,000 on this car for crazy repairs, along with other repairs that were under warranty or recalls, but still required the inconvenience of taking it in. Right now it is in the shop again to the tune of $1,000. I've filed a claim with VW Customer Care. It's a lemon!
2004 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $5,000518 mi away
- GL 1.8T SedanMSRP: $3,495618 mi away
- GL TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $3,999738 mi away
See all 18 listings
W8 Passat Review
Rob Kerian, 09/10/2009
2004 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I would only take the time to write a review if a car was exceptionally good or a piece of junk. Well, the Passat W8 is by far the best car I have ever owned. The 8 cylinder engine is silky smooth, as is the 5sp tranny - all wheel drive. I believe the interior build quality and materials is better than a new Lexus I bought for my wife (she picked it out!). I bought it because I refuse to drive a Statement Car. You know the car makes I'm talking about. Admittedly, this was a relatively expensive car new, but it has been a wonderful car that I intend to keep for some time.
Cant beat it for the price
bruynje, 12/01/2004
2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Buying the diesel was the best thing that i could do. I have a dodge ram with a Hemi with $ 800 per month fuel bills. now i spend about 200 USd per month. The car is for my wife but its really the only vehicle we use. m consistant fuel miles are averageing 32-33 MPG city and highway. at 85 mph i get about 32 mpg. If you keep it to 75-78 mpg you will get 38-39 mpg with the AC running. The engine noise is strong in the first 2000 miles but then it really smoothens out. Diesels are meant to be driven, so if you keep it in the garage, buy a gas engine. There is a big of a turbo lag below 1500 RPM but once you pass the lag the power is great.
A Portuguese view of VW Passat
helder alves, 03/08/2004
2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
My experience with Passat starts in 1999 with wagon 1,9L TDI with 110Hp, M 5 gear, after that i had the sedan too, with same motor. A few mounths ago, i change them for a new wagon passat 1,9L TDI but 6 M gear and 130HP and the sedan is now the Audi A4 with same motor. I like very much Passat, the price in Portugal is fair, about 35000 USD with taxes, for a confortable, reliable, economic and prestige brand car. I've never drive an automatic passat, i supposed its not so emotional. Comparing with A4, in Portugal we pay more 5000 USD, wich i think it don't worth, despite A4 being one of the most beatifull car in the world.