MSRP: $23,060 (Sedan)
As tested: $24,060 (Station Wagon)

The 2004 Volkswagen Passat is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, wagon, or luxury wagon, available in 12 trims, ranging from the GL Sedan to the W8 Wagon. The 2004 Volkswagen Passat's competitors include the Audi A4, the Lexus IS 300, and the Volvo XC70. Upon introduction, the GL Sedan is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 170-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 31-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The W8 Wagon is equipped with a standard 4.0-liter, W8, 270-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is optional. The 2004 Volkswagen Passat is a carryover from 2003.