1998 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America
"Easy to get used to - safe, quiet, economical and pleasant to drive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Leak around water pump at 90k miles. Replaced by mechanic.
Ignition Module failed at 100k miles. Replaced by mechanic.
Trim along left rear window came loose. Reattached myself.
Plastic shield underneath the engine came loose at the front and self destructed. Has not been replaced, car does not seem to need it and oil changes are now much easier.
The engine operates well, but needs oil added between changes, about 1 quart/2000 miles.
Trunk light is intermittent.
General comments?
The Passat GLS has been much better then I expected. I had some misgivings purchasing the it, having had a bad experience with a used BMW and had since been driving a super-reliable Honda Civic. But the Passat is made out of well engineered components and has been nearly fault free. After 9 years, all of the interior lights and switches work like new. It still drives very well. The paint and trim looks new and there is no rust anywhere. The interior upholstery and carpeting are surviving, but looking tired. The AC and heater work better than my friends cars. It has been a reliable car that is still safe, smooth, quiet, easy to park, fun to drive, and gets me >29 MPG.
Recommended Reviews:
  | What will go wrong today? |
| Great on fuel, but not terribly comfortable with lots of repairs, just like a North American car |
All 1998 Volkswagen Passat reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 2 miles |
| Most recent distance | 151000 miles |
| Previous car | Honda Civic |
| Date of Entry | 2nd September, 2007 |