Faults:

Only two trivial problems. The taillight lenses were scratched (which IMHO is why I got such a superb price). The key function of the trunk latch has had to be fixed a couple of times (and is currently not working). But it works via the remote and through the inside switch, so that's not much of a problem.

I was alarmed to receive a recall notice for the ignition coil issue yesterday, but haven't noticed any problems there.

General Comments:

The combination of performance, handling, fuel economy and interior quietness is amazing. This is the base model (velour seats, etc., with Monsoon sound system and CD changer the only "extra"), but it seems like a luxury car -- for under $21K! I also love the strong, but still forgiving German-style suspension. The car is whatever you want it to be -- family car, sports car, you name it.

Faults:

Mysterious electrical problem at 30,000 miles. Everything was great with this car until, on rare occasions, when started the gear shift indicator lights up entirely, indicating the car is in every gear at the same time, and also in "Park." If I shift into "Reverse" it does so with harsh thud. If I simply turn the car off and re-start it, everything is fine. On rarer occasions the entire gear indicator has lit up when I go into "Reverse." Dealer could not get the problem to duplicate itself today. Everything seems fine again, for now. Has anyone else had this problem?

General Comments:

This car is so smooth, making it a dream to drive either in town or on the highway.

The fit and finish is perfect.

The interior is first class all the way around.

Faults:

Everything was fantastic until the well documented dreaded coils problem reared its ugly head. The car experienced power loss. This happened today right around 40K miles.

General Comments:

The service center at VW stayed overtime to fix our coils after I complained. But they did a quick and excellent job to take care of the problem.

Other comments... for a 4 cylinder engine, this car is very powerful and handles excellently.

I love this car, but am not sure I would buy from VW again b/c of the way they handled the coils issue in general.

Faults:

The 'Check Engine' light came on around 25,000 miles. Made no difference in how the car drove. The dealer stated that it was an emissions problem and fixed it under warranty. I have had no mechanical problems otherwise.

The interior door handle frames tend to scratch easily. Otherwise the interior is of exceptional quality and design.

General Comments:

Exceptionally smooth engine.

Plenty of torque and power.

The Triptronic transmission is great.

Cabin looks and feels upper class.

Faults:

Leather is starting to wear and look bad.

Brake pads & rotors need to be replaced when last major maintenance at 22k miles indicated that brake pads & rotors were fine.

Had to take to dealer to repair blown fuse because the engineering of the car does not allow a regular car-owner to get to the fuses themselves.

Terrible customer service, was told that the horrible warping was my fault for driving with the E-Brake on, which does not happen because I don't usually use the E-Brake.

One of the tailpipes is loose and hangs below the other - has been this way since I bought the car.

General Comments:

Have been a loyal Volkswagen owner for many years, I am very unhappy with the dealer service and overall customer service. Will not buy another Volkswagen again and am looking to get rid of this one ASAP.

Faults:

The car was delivered to us at the dealer without a rear left turn signal bulb. They claimed to have fixed it, but when we reached the driveway home - it began flashing rapidly. Upon our follow up and detail cleaning appointment they said the signal was fixed. Two days later it malfunctioned again. With no time to go back to the dealer, I located the signal bulb and noticed the cost effective way that V.W. expected the bulb to make a secure contact to the plastic light housing was inadequate (based on a poor design) and the bulb would simply slip off the metal contact while driving. I then filed the base of the bulb and the problem is now solved.

The Check Engine or yellow engine light is on. I have run premium fuel since the day we leased the car. The dealer claims it is a loose gas cap or bad fuel. This car is treated with pride and any suggestion of how to screw on a gas cap is an insult.

General Comments:

Overall, We like the car. I added 17" wheels low profile tires, Xenon blue bulbs and two W8 logo's from an on-line auction. Friends claim it looks like an Audi. The 17" wheels make it run like one. Our GLS has a Tiptronic type transmission which helps to eliminate the turbo lag when you shift it yourself. The fit and finish is not unlike BMW. The big difference being the use of low cost materials by V.W. (not to mention the price). I have found that the use of plastic parts, like the condenser, can be expensive. It is exposed to the road and can easily be punctured by debris. If you have a New Passat like mine you may want to have a shop add a metal screen behind the lower grille. A screen similar to the type they use in race cars or true off road vehicles. The condenser has a replacement cost of $1202.00 + labor. I choose not to select VW as my next type of car to purchase because of low quality and high value of its parts. The dealer is the other reason.

As I started earlier, we love the car. The way it drives, good fuel economy, window curtain airbags and great looks. It is one of the few Volkswagen models sold in the U.S.A. that is shipped from Germany. I would highly recommend this car as a great three year lease.