2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motino Wagon review from North America

Fuel pump malfunction - bad ground (two trips to the dealership) at 10,000 miles or thereabouts.

Control arms needed replacing at 50,000 miles (!) ; VW called this "normal wear and tear"; may be failing again currently (73,000 miles).

Clogged PCV system leading to valve-cover oil seepage and burning-oil smell.

Door chime malfunction--would not stop chiming

Water pump failure, leading to timing-belt failure at 60,000 miles (unbelievable!).

Seat heater failed at 55,000 miles.

Intermittent, wacky electronic gremlins.

Rotors must be replaced along with pads.

4Motion system is tough on tires (on my third set).

I have a love/hate relationship with this car (although my relationship with the dealer network contains no love whatsoever). The car is powerful, quiet, comfortable, and can get through snow like nobody's business. It handles well and is extremely safe. The interior is fantastic--looks great, feels great, wears great (so far), and can hold my family of five quite comfortably. Outside and in, this 5-year-old car still looks almost new.

That said, the problems that crop up often lead to catastrophic failure, requiring a tow to the dealership for EXPENSIVE repairs. (The BEST accessory I bought with this car is its full, 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper extended warranty from WarrantyDirect).

I cannot drive this car with full confidence--it is my wife and family's main transportation, and I fear that the car will leave them stranded. What VW deems "maintenance," other brands consider "major repairs." Water pump, control arm, and timing belt failures are common problems (peruse Google for evidence), although VW of America, when asked, will state that yours is the first instance...

My Saturn (which, from a driver's perspective, I hated) did not visit the dealership once in its 70,000 mile life (T-boning by an SUV led to the uber-safe Passat). The idea of a Honda requiring control arms and a timing belt at 50,000 miles is just plain laughable. Passat owners are adamant that Japanese makes do not have "that Teutonic feel"; maybe so, but they are closing in, and their reliability is astounding.

I want to love the Passat--it really handles superbly and confidently when all is working--but the cost and reliability concerns (and pathetic manufacturer/dealership support) mean that I will never again own a Volkswagen.