1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America
"For a Motor Trend Car of the Year, my hindsight says to set my standards a bit lower next time"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I bought this car as a demo with only 2200 miles on it. Since then, I have had the following problems.
At around 18000 miles, the car wouldn't start. It had to be towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with carbon buildup on the valves. A can of carbon remover was added to the gas after the valves were cleaned, and the car ran fine.
Approx. 1000 miles later, the ribbing on the drivers side headliner came off. It was replaced with a new part and covered under warranty.
Had brakes done, only to find out the rotors cannot be turned due to the thin construction. Cost of new front brakes, $600.00.
Now, replaced fuse to the radio leaving the radio in "safe mode". I tried to reactivate the radio by entering the code, but have had no success. I took it to a dealer, and having no success either, told me I would have to have a new radio installed. Contacted VW and was told nothing could be done.
General comments?
The car hugs the road and is fun to drive.
I don't remember having this much trouble with a Jeep which was deemed to be unreliable.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Like German pastry - good to look at but no substance |
| Costs a lot, but it's worth every penny you spend |
All 1999 Volkswagen Passat reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 2200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 29400 miles |
| Previous car | Jeep Grand Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 6th June, 2003 |