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Peugeot 604: a luxury-class sedan from the 1970s
The Peugeot 604 is a French luxury-class sedan produced from 1975 to 1985 with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive. We'll look at its engines, trims, and what you need to know when buying this rare classic car.
The Peugeot 604 in brief
The Peugeot 604 was the manufacturer's top-of-the-range model—a large, comfortable sedan aimed at competing with German and French luxury models. The car features rear-wheel drive and an exceptionally smooth ride.
Produced in relatively small numbers, making it a rare classic today. Enthusiasts who appreciate French comfort philosophy and uniqueness are drawn to it.
Which trim to choose
The Peugeot 604 was produced in one generation, with trims differing in equipment and engine. The most common names are SL, Ti, and GR, with turbo-diesel versions also available.
If you're after comfort, go for the SL or GR with an automatic gearbox. The Ti trim is sportier, while the turbo-diesel is more economical but less common.
Engines and gearboxes
The petrol versions come with a 2.7-litre V6 engine, co-developed with other manufacturers, delivering around 140 hp. There was also a turbo-diesel variant.
Gearboxes are either manual (4 or 5-speed) or automatic. Rear-wheel drive and a soft suspension give the car a calm, solid character.
What to check when buying a used Peugeot 604
First, inspect the body — look for dents, wheel arches, the floor, and the boot's base. Corrosion is the main issue, and finding original body parts is almost impossible.
Check the V6 engine's cooling system, oil, and gearbox. Also, test the electrical equipment, as interior and electrical parts often fail in older models.
Parts availability is limited, so before buying, find out where you can get them and ensure the car has all the necessary documents.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most common trims found in Europe.
SL
1975–1985The base version with decent comfort.
- 2.7-litre V6 engine
- Often — velour or cloth interior
- Often — electric windows
GR
1975–1985The luxury version with more extensive equipment.
- Often — plusher trim
- Often — automatic gearbox
- Often — electrically adjustable seats
Ti
1975–1985The sportier version with a more powerful engine.
- Often — fuel-injected engine
- Often — sportier car
- Often — better equipment
Turbo D
Later yearsTurbo-diesel version.
- Turbo-diesel engine
- Lower fuel consumption
- Rarer offering
Comparing versions
| SL | GR | Ti | Turbo D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For comfort | For luxury | For sportier driving | For economical use |
| Engine | 2.7 l V6 | 2.7 l V6 | 2.7 l V6 | Turbo-diesel |
| Interior | Comfortable | Luxurious | Sportier | Depends on the spec |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€ | €€ | €€ | €€ |
Most buyers will opt for the SL or GR for comfort. The Ti is for enthusiasts, while the Turbo D is for those prioritizing economy, though such cars are few and far between.
Pros
- Very comfortable and spacious
- Smooth V6 engine
- A distinctive classic car
- French comfort philosophy
Cons
- Corrosion and bodywork repairs are expensive
- A very limited parts supply
- High fuel consumption
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 604 rare?
Yes, it's quite rare — most surviving examples are owned by classic car enthusiasts.
Is the 604 reliable?
The construction is solid, but the car is over 40 years old, so reliability depends on the specific example's maintenance and condition.
Is the 604 suitable for daily use?
A well-maintained example could work, but parts availability and high running costs make it more of a hobby car than a daily driver.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
