2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4 Motion wagon review from North America

Glove Box lock broken after 12-15 uses

replacement parts back ordered broken 9/01 replaced 3/02 after at least 2 parts backorder mishaps all within first 3000 miles.

Rear Right Light assembly failed at 9000 miles.

Main hazard/turn signal light control relay failed suddenly at 15000 miles.

Mysterious Oil missing/burned/leak still under investigation 4000 miles after 15000 mile dealer oil change. Almost no sign of oil in the vehicle. Suspected incompetence of oil changer personnel as no leak, stains, smells detected. 19000 miles. No damage detected.

Breaks are feeling choppy and at 20000 service dealer indicated they have life left on them. I am dubious as the hill and valley feeling during soft breaking. My research also leads me to other conclude will needs new brake pads and rotors soon.

7/26/03 Engine Malfunction Light went on. No detectable problem, checked gas cap as dealer suggested no help. Taking to dealer for full day investigation 21600 miles.

This car was the best of the best Volkswagen made the year I leased it 2001.5 New Passat. I leased it in June 2001 and have had regular problems since then. Until very recently none of those problems centered on the engine which delivers power smoothly on the highway, but is overpowered by the weight of the vehicle and the 4 motion system when applying power from a full stop. I have often felt the passat needed more lower end torque say 220 lbs under 3000 rpms would make this an excellent car off the line.

Other than the problems I have listed above the customer service of my local dealership was poor until summer of 2002 when they switched to having service hours from 7am to 1am Monday through Friday and only slightly less hours on Saturday (like 9am to 10 or 11pm). Service availability problems fixed the parts department has been awful requiring me to call in an appointment then check 2 or more times including the day I bring the car in for repairs to make sure my part is in or hasn't been 'lost' (read used on another car it wasn't ordered for). This has been a major disappointment for me as service is a critical component of the ownership experience.

As for road manners, after making compensations for lack of low end power, the car is agile, willing, and able. The suspension it adaptable though rough roads and potholes aren't handled all too well. 4 Motion has rarely engaged, but when it has the car reacts like it is on rails and going where you are pointing.

Storage space is less than I would have hoped for a midsize wagon, certainly less than my old Subaru. I am assuaged by the fact the the front and back seats are very well appointed. The leather is great, and the features and appointments will make this a hard car to replace. If only the mechanical components and customer service were half as pleasing.