2004 Volkswagen Passat: Tester's Comments
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2004 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $21,780 -$41,160
- Invoice: $19,878 -$37,634
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2004 Volkswagen Passat. See if the 2004 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2004 Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | GLS |
| Arrival Date: | 08/16/2004 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 5-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | Yes |
| Base Price: | 25,130 |
| Price as Tested: | 28,975 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3680 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4241 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 561 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 27.404 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 20.47 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Leather Pkg. with Wood (Cold Weather Pkg., Leather Seating Surfaces, Multi-Functional Steering Wheel, Wooden Shift Knob, Walnut Door Inserts and Rear Sunshade), 5-speed Tiptronic(R)Automatic Transmission, Electronic Speed Program (ESP)
From the Back Seat
Chuck Giametta
Troubling. Solid, great interior materials, stable cruising, AWD traction. But nearly $29,000 as tested. Too little power delivered too indifferently for that price. Hardly enough muscle to prompt any of the torque steer or tire slip that would make AWD an asset in other than snowy driving.
Kirk Bell
At almost $29,000, this car is nice, but I don't think it lives up to that price point--especially when compared to the Honda Accord. Yes, the 4Motion is a $1700 package that sets this car apart, but our long-term Accord cost $3000 less and had a $2000 nav system, better handling, more torque, and more linear power delivery. I guess that's why the Accord is a Best Buy. Nonetheless, the Passat is comfortable, roomy, and stylish inside and out. It needs a better engine, though.
Rick Cotta
While I can side with our assessment of Passat's quality feel, I have a hard time considering it a good value. Our fairly loaded tester nudged $29,000. A similarly equipped Subaru Legacy 2.5 i Limited--whose powertrain I'd probably prefer--figures out to just over 26K, and a 2.5 GT Limited--with quite a bit more turbocharged power-- lists at just over 30K. An upcoming competitor is the Ford 500 AWD, which will outsize the Passat and underprice it.
Tom Appel
Lack of low-end muscle and a too-high sticker are this Passat's only faults. This GLS is a top-notch highway hauler with athletic moves on the ramps. Sadly, this car is $4000 more than our Extended-Use Accord, without power seats or nav, but with 4Motion. I would pony up the extra money, but most consumer seem to prefer the value of the Honda.
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