Used 2004 Volkswagen Passat
Buying Guide for the Volkswagen Passat:
Since its 1998 redesign, the Passat has steadily risen up
the sales charts. As the manufacturer’s largest car, the 2004
Volkswagen Passat exemplifies what a Volkswagen should be.
That is, it is safe and strong, roomy and sleek and very,
very capable.
There are four Passat trims available, and that number is
doubled when one considers that the Passat also comes in a
roomy wagon body style (covered separately). When you reach
the top-line W8 model, you’ve ascended into the luxury realm
of vehicles.
Volkswagen makes quite a few changes to the Passat for the
2004 model year. Volkswagen’s all-wheel drive system is now
offered on more models, and the Passat loses its lowest-priced
V6 model. In addition, a new diesel engine will be introduced
midway through the year.
Under the Hood
Front-wheel drive GL and GLS models both come with the same
tested engine under their hoods. It is a 1.8-liter turbocharged
inline 4-cylinder model that is capable of 170 horsepower
at 5900 rpm and 166 lb-ft of torque at 1950 rpm. These models
can be had with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift mode.
In the middle of the pack, GLX models have a 2.8-liter V6
engine with 190 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 206 lb-ft of torque
at 3200 rpm. For 2004, GLX models come in front-wheel drive
or all-wheel drive configurations. They also add an antiskid
system and a brake assist feature to compliment the standard
antilock 4-wheel disc brake setup.
W8 models really make a jump up the power scale. They come
equipped with a strong 4.0-liter W8 engine. It will crank
out a meaty 270 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque
at 2750 rpm.
W8 models use 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission
with a manual-shift mode. They have standard all-wheel drive,
high-intensity-discharge headlamps with washers and sport
suspension (manual models).
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Roominess is a given with the Passat sedan. So too is comfort.
This is especially so once you move to the GLX trim. This
Passat sedan has heated windshield washer nozzles, the OnStar
telematics system, leather upholstery, heated 8-way power
front seats, a wood interior trim and automatic climate control.
There are two pieces of optional equipment that all 2004
Passat models lack. They are mud guards and a 6-disc CD changer.
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