2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS Wagon review from North America

This VW wagon replaced a 2002 Passat sedan for which we invoked California's Lemon Law because of repeated ignition coil failures. VW fixed the ignition coil problem for this wagon's model year, and we've had no troubles with the coils since.

However, in just four years and 85,000 miles, the car has required extensive repairs of the sort I've never experienced with any of the half-dozen new and used vehicles I've owned before.

The brake rotors needed replacing at about 50,000 miles.

At 75,000 miles, a plastic impeller device in the cooling system failed, causing an overheat and a replacement which cost $900.

At 80,000 miles, the rear passenger automatic window device failed, costing $350 to repair. And at 85,000 miles, the fuel pump failed, causing a no start, and as soon as we drove it home after a $700 repair, the battery failed, causing yet another no-start.

The finish and interior trim have proven hardy; however, the rear of the armrest console includes a backseat cigarette lighter which our toddler son could not help kicking from his booster seat. It's now hopelessly broken.

Wiring on the stereo speakers is spotty.

The warranty is very limited, and major problems began piling up as soon as it expired. In the case of the costly fuel and water pump failures, VW is clearly aware that this has been a consistent problem with these cars, but as of yet, has not recalled the parts and offered to cover its customers' repair bills.

When we started our family, I wanted another Ford for a family car, but my wife persuaded me to go with the VW Passat, noting its stellar reviews in consumer magazines for overall performance, gas mileage and safety.

The car is attractive, the finish quite hardy, the interior is comfortable and durable. The car has a solid feel to it, a welcome contrast to the soda-can quality of many Asian imports. It runs quiet, handles well, and comes loaded with airbags and other safety features that go beyond federal requirements.

However, the turbo engine requires expensive high-octane fuel. The imported parts are very expensive, even for such things as wipers or brake-light lenses. We expected that when we bought it. But what soured us on the vehicle was the repeated mechanical failures, which have cost us a fortune to repair. A customer should be able to get at least 100,000 miles out of a car without any major failures not covered by warranty.