Volkswagen Passat

Name: 2004 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 31 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

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

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This generation of the Passat is defined by its solid and luxurious feel; along with a quiet and comfortable ride, capable handling and quality interior furnishings. Further, it's advanced standard safety gear was remarkable for the time. Those strengths helped the Passat remain among the top choices in this segment. But its controls and cargo space didn't score quite as well as those in some competing models.

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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100

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Volkswagen Passat

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Accord

Toyota Camry

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2004

2005

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2020

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2004 Midsized cars Ratings

2004 Volkswagen Passat

$2,975 - $4,500

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chevrolet Malibu

$2,850 - $3,000

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Chrysler Sebring

$2,900 - $3,175

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Honda Accord

$3,625 - $4,825

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Hyundai Sonata

$3,050 - $3,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Kia Optima

$2,900

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mazda 6

$2,925 - $3,425

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Mitsubishi Galant

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Nissan Altima

$2,900 - $3,225

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

$3,450 - $4,025

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Saab 9-5

$3,000 - $3,475

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Subaru Legacy

$3,125 - $4,175

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2004 Toyota Camry

$4,225 - $4,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

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

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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

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Model History

2020-2022

2020 Redesign Year

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.