Faults:

After about 25,000 miles, the air sensor went; still under warranty, so it was fixed for free.

The plastic under the engine got all torn up when I flew into an alley too fast, then happened again when someone tried to park it on a curb. Passat's have extraordinary handling because they're very low to the ground, so drive it carefully. Gas mileage is horrendous, but I suppose it's my fault, due to my lead foot, and the turbo doesn't help economy that much either.

General Comments:

This car drives like a BMW! Breakneck acceleration even though it has an automatic transmission, it can turn on a dime, sticks to the road like glue, and it handles like a jet fighter when you hit triple digit speeds, and it's hard to keep it under a hundred when you're on the country roads.

The brakes in my opinion couldn't be better; they stop you, no matter the circumstance.

The only station wagons I can think of that could top the Passat would be the BMW, Saab, or Mercedes.

The only bad thing performance wise would be the semi auto transmission mode; to be honest it's not really responsive, and it winds up slowing your acceleration.

Faults:

"Emissions Workshop!" & Check Engine Light.

This happened over and over from 15K to 40K miles.

Dealer and VW could never find the fundamental problem.

Don't buy a VW.

General Comments:

Very nice car if it could run for more than a week with the check engine light off. Comfortable seats, agile, loved the bunwarmers.

Faults:

None of my problems are attributable to the manufacturer. So far, the car itself has been delightful.

At the 24-month service, the dealer dropped a pollen filter clip into the air intake, and it was sucked into the ventilation fan. The same mechanic failed to secure the nut at the front of the plastic shield under the engine, causing the shield to come loose during high-speed motoring.

General Comments:

The plastic shield under the engine makes routine maintenance very awkward and time-consuming.

Unfortunately, there are very few choices in the small mid-size station wagon market. We liked the Passat better than the two low-bidders (Subaru Legacy and Saturn LW), and as well as its more expensive European competitors. The car looks great, runs great, and handles nicely.

Faults:

Two ignition coils failed at 18,000 miles. It took 5 weeks to obtain replacements. I was unable to obtain two other coils of the new design to replace the remaining ones.

General Comments:

Drives almost like a sports car; holds the road beautifully.

Very comfortable leather seats, both front and rear.

Excellent gas mileage, 30-32 mpg on highway.

Faults:

Electronic Computer - Warranty.

Oil feeder line blew.

General Comments:

Car is really amazing, I have owned Mercedes, Honda, GM, Ford, Dodge, Yamaha, BMW, and have driven MANY rental vehicles, I have never been more satisfied with a car.

Knowing what I know now, would GLADLY have paid another $5 - $7,000 for the car.

Handles incredibly, really funny on a windblown and rainy interstate when everyone else is pulled over or driving 10-20 mph and I am trying to stay UNDER the speed limit and laughing out loud, has happened more than once :)

BEYOND BULLETPROOF!!!

Car feels tank-solid when driving, and performance is like WOW!!!

Heated seats, auto dimming mirrors, tiptronic transmission, ultraviolet display, all wheel drive, well why do you think I have more than 70,000 miles on a two year old car :)