2004 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
Archived Review
2004 Volkswagen Passat ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $21,780 -$41,160
- Invoice: $19,878 -$37,634
Reviews & Ratings
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Volkswagen Passat/ CC
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2004 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 3 | 5 | 5 | 5.2 |
Passat's gasoline 4 cyl is zippy enough with manual transmission--8.5 sec in our 0-60-mph tests--but feels underpowered with automatic. V6s are usefully quicker, but can feel a bit snoozy with automatic: Test front-drive GLX with automatic disappointed at 8.6 sec 0-60. 4Motion adds 200 lb, blunts midrange acceleration some. W8 has good power, but is no muscle car; test automatic sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60. We have not yet tested a manual W8. VW claims about 10 sec 0-60 for turbodiesel Passats. TDIs feel lively underway, with adequate power for merging and passing, but are sluggish away from a stop. Turbodiesels exhibit little of the smoke and odor normally associated with diesel engines. In no application does Passat's automatic shift with smooth, fuss-free promptness, and in W8, it triggered odd lurching when coasting to a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 5.3 |
Test averages include 21 mpg with a manual-transmission 4-cyl sedan, 19.2-21.6 with automatic-transmission GLX versions, 17.8 with V6 4Motion wagon. W8 averaged 16.2 overall, and 22.4 in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure turbodiesel fuel economy. VW recommends premium-grade fuel for all gasoline Passats.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Impressive. Solid platform contributes to controlled, comfortable ride. Suspension firm, but easily smothers all but the worst bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Confident cornering with moderate body lean, but just short of sport-sedan crisp even with AWD. Responsive steering, arrow-true straight stability. Antiskid system a safety plus. Emergency stops short and stable, but some test Passats suffered uneven modulation and poor pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
All engines smooth, generally subdued, pleasant to the ear. V6 and W8 impressively quiet even at high revs. Wind rush low, as is tire thrum except on very coarse pavement. Turbodiesels louder than gas engines, especially at idle, but never annoyingly so.
CONTROLS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.4 |
Audio unit handy and intuitive, but low-mounted climate controls a bit tricky to see and reach. Night lighting for most every switch and knob a plus. Ditto legible, well-placed gauges. Cabin materials and workmanship exude high quality; leather-trimmed models more elegant than some near-luxury-class cars.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Basically fine, but 6-footers get only a half-inch of head clearance in sunroof models. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable seats--with power and memory in GLX and W8--are appreciated. Visibility uncluttered in wagons, a bit less so aft in sedans.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Leg room good for the class, head room and entry/exit more than passable. Bench seat nicely contoured but firm, and three adults feel crowded.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 7 | 4.6 |
Sedans have a roomy trunk with low liftover and large opening, but rear AWD hardware reduces volume by a healthy 5 cu ft and deletes sedan's split folding rear seat. Wagons are useful load luggers with well-finished cargo bays.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 |
The GLS is the line's best dollar buy, though top competitors, such as the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, are better values. Still, these Volkswagens match some near-luxury cars for quality, refinement, and features, and no rival midsize offers Passat's European flair, available AWD, or 8-cyl power. Practical and surprisingly livable turbodiesel models make a compelling case for shoppers who place a high value on fuel economy.
Total Score
| GLS sdn, man. | GLS TDI turbodiesel sdn. | GLX sdn, auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 63 | 64 | 66 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Midsize Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
