2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8 turbo

Summary:

Perfect in every way -- despite some problems

Faults:

Two ignition coils failed (after being replaced in recall!). This is apparently a bad part and/or it's so deep in the engine that it gets too hot (design problem).

CD changer lasted ~15 months.

Trunk lock can't be opened with key.

General Comments:

It's perfect in every way.

It's economical (1.8 4cyl), but has plenty of power if I need it (turbo)

It's quiet (and quieter after I replace the Conti Contact tires with Conti Pro Contact)

It handles beautifully -- the sort of ride you expect from a German car.

It's surprisingly big for its size if you know what I mean -- plenty of room in the back seat and trunk.

The controls/dashboard layout is superb.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2008

2001 Volkswagen Passat GS 1.8 turbo

Summary:

HUGE MISTAKE - this car should be recalled

Faults:

Water Pump broke after 60,000 miles.

45 minutes after the water pump was replaced, the car overheated on a busy highway, and flashed the check engine light. Back to mechanic - replaced the filter after 2 more days of inspection.

3 months later, Oil pump clogged starved the pump and subsequently the engine for oil, resulting in a complete engine failure. The car had routine oil changes with synthetic oil (as recommended)

Car died, I had it towed to 4 different mechanics, (3 of them VW specialists) who could not figure out the oil pressure problem. Now it sits in Maryland (I live in NJ) waiting to be picked up for parts.

General Comments:

Never, ever ever buy this model. it is a lemon and will cause you nothing, but distress and $$$$$$$$!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd January, 2008

2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6

Summary:

Disappointing!

Faults:

Endless small problems with the latest being a major electrical grounding issue. The dash needs to come off and no one can guarantee a fix.

Car will start after it sits for 24 hours and resets.

Cars drives great, but it is lemon.

General Comments:

Don't buy one! I was considering an A6 and decided thanks, but no thanks. I've had enough of this - a car with 75K of miles needs to be junked.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 23rd December, 2007

2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX 2.8 V6

Summary:

Great car, No complaints, a must buy

Faults:

Nothing really. CD player has bugs, but works. No big deal. Easily fixed.

Rubber coating on interior door handles is peeling, not a big issue.

General Comments:

First half of the production year 2001.

My first car.

Great car, handles exceptionally well and has ample power.

Comfortable ride and well laid-out interior, for a car with almost 100,000 miles, it looks and drives like new.

I read some of the reviews on this vehicle on this site before I purchased it, and I believe that they are rare occasions of problems. If you are looking to buy one, don't judge the car on most of these reviews, because if I did, I wouldn't have known how pleased I am now with the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2007

19th Nov 2009, 14:03

I just bought the V6 Passat with automatic. The car seems to be in mint condition with the exception of the ABS light coming on intermittently. The dealer says he'll fix it. We bought it for its looks, V6 engine and the luxury in a small sedan. I expected aluminum wheels, but got steel wheels with plastic covers. (!) I baby my cars so it should last long.

2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4 Motion 2.8

Faults:

Well lets see where I need to start on my Passat GLX 4 Motion

Tie rod (Partial warranty)

Radiator (Partial warranty)

O2 sensors (2)

Cat converters (2)

Good thing the cats were under the federal 100,000 mile emissions warranty or I would have been out $2,000 Bucks

The other 2 were under a 3 month 3,000 mile partial extended warranty and cost me about 400 bucks total.

Now I get a slight oil leak on the drivers side.

Garage wants $1,100 bucks to replace the cam seals, Valve cover Gaskets, as well as Timing belt and water pump while in there as well as cam seals. The price is good, but I hate to Fork out the money. I've been offered from 7,000 to 9,000 for a trade. Unfortunatly I paid 10,500. Also my Rear Defroster Switch now is turning on and off all by itself. Calgon take me a way.

General Comments:

I need to get a good trade.. Its like dumping Good $$ after bad...

I do like the Comfort, power, ride and all wheel drive. But too many issues for me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2007