Name: 2004 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Worse Better

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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2004 Midsized cars Ratings

2004 Volkswagen Passat

$2,975 - $4,500

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

$2,900 - $3,150

CR MPG:

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2004 Chrysler Sebring

$2,900 - $3,175

CR MPG:

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2004 Honda Accord

$3,625 - $4,825

CR MPG:

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Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Sonata

$3,050 - $3,225

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Jaguar X-Type

$3,125 - $4,325

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Optima

$2,900 - $2,925

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda 6

$3,025 - $3,450

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Galant

$2,850 - $2,975

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Altima

$3,275 - $3,625

CR MPG:

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Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

$3,450 - $4,025

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Saab 9-5

$3,000 - $3,475

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Legacy

$3,125 - $4,175

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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2004 Toyota Camry

$4,700 - $5,075

CR MPG:

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Reliability

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See All Midsized cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Front

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

wagon

sedan

5-speed Manual
5-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
2-liter 4 turbodiesel (134 hp)
2.8-liter V6 (190 hp)
4-liter 8 (270 hp)

Model History

2020-

Current Generation

The changes to the updated 2020 Passat help the midsized sedan keep pace with the competition in terms of infotainment and a full complement of standard advanced safety features. The Passat also retains its generous interior space and responsive handling. The ride is on the firm side but absorbs bumps decently. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver power effortlessly, but initial acceleration from a stop feels a bit abrupt and fuel economy trails the competition. The front seats are comfortable and rear-seat occupants benefit from limousine-like spaciousness. The trunk is large. Controls are very easy to use, and so is the infotainment system. 2022 is the final year for the Passat.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

Optimized for the American market, the 2012 redesign brought lots of room front and rear, but it was a step backward in terms of fit and finish. It also lost some of its crisp European driving feel, though it became less expensive. We'd look for this generation of the Passat with at least a power driver's seat, the touchscreen infotainment system, and a backup camera. The top-line SEL V6 offers plenty of power and plusher accommodations than lower-trim Passats. Keep in mind though, VW's cheating on EPA emissions tests. Be sure any used diesel you consider received the fixes and passes smog before buying it.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Passat has long been known for a quiet and comfortable ride, capable handling and a quality interior treatment. A mid-2001 freshening improved it even more. For 2006, the Passat was completely redesigned and grew larger. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder got 24 mpg while the quicker, stronger 3.6-liter V6 got 22 mpg in our tests. However, the ride wasn't as isolated as it was previously. Fit and finish remained excellent; while crash test results are similarly outstanding. This version of the Passat ranks near the top of the family sedan category. The V6 and AWD were dropped in 2009. There was no 2011 model.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

The Passat long had a comfortable, quiet ride, capable handling, and an interior that exuded quality. A mid-2001 freshening improved it. The turbo four-cylinder delivers lively performance and the V6 is quiet and strong. AWD is available but makes the car slower and thirstier. The turbodiesel that debuted in 2004 averaged 28 mpg in our tests. Fit and finish remained excellent.

Volkswagen Passat

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2004 Midsized cars Ratings