1991 Volkswagen Passat GL review from North America
"Fun to drive, hell to maintain"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
-Burns a lot of oil.
-Water pump ruined at 170000.
-Shakes when idle.
-Speedometer goes nuts after 70 km/h.
-Thermostat ruined twice.
-Car overheats.
-Exhaust Manifold cracked.
-Vacuum locks don't work.
-Timing belt snapped.
-Whippers have problems especially with the fuses.
-Struggles on acceleration, got a tune up. It accelerated well for 2 weeks then back to the same old problem.
General comments?
The car handles like a dream. I've taken curves at over 140km/h and it stick to the ground. The interior is great. Heated leather seats are awesome.
The worst part was the oil. I had to poor oil every time I gassed up.
It was a blast to drive, but the maintenance killed me.
Recommended reviews
  | 1991 - Passat GL 2.0 Gas, Inline 4 cylinder A nice looking under performer |
| 1990 - Passat GL 1.8 Dual Overhead Cam Okay for those with deep pockets and the need to nurture |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 4/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 2/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 120000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 190000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Jeep Cherokee |
| Date of Entry | 21st October, 2003 |