Faults:

A coil failed at 25,000 miles and was replaced at no charge. The other coils were replaced later under a recall notice. The initial coil problem left me stranded after business hours 55 miles from home, and roadside assistance would only tow me to the nearest dealership. I had to call the auto club to get towed to my own dealer, and then they (and the rental places) were closed so I was without a vehicle for a day.

A 'computer glitch' caused the car to run rough at 40,000 miles, but this was easily taken care of by the dealer under warranty.

I have had a perisitent squeak emanating from the left-rear wheel since new, but only after the car has been operating for a while. The dealer has inspected it numerous times, but has yet to find the problem. It has not affected the performance at all, but it's a little embarrassing when people look at your seemingly brand-new car because they hear a squeak.

A few rattles developed starting around 12,000 miles, which is much sooner than I expected given how solid the car is.

General Comments:

The car is solid and handles very well, even at 80 mph.

I love the interior lighting, the styling and the quick engine response.

The cruise control button is hidden behind the steering wheel and is hard to see, and the sun visors could be longer (or have extensions) to cover more of the side windows. Other than that, no complaints.

Faults:

The car leaks water into the system electronics.

The transmission control failed.

Engine light is always on.

General Comments:

The car handles well.

However, it is poorly engineered and has cost me $4000 in repairs.

Faults:

Engine coils had to be replaced around 25,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great performance.

All the features of a luxury car.

Cool interior lighting.

Stylish.

Traded it in for a 2004 BMW 325i (at my husbands request) and I could kick myself. The Passat was just as nice as the BMW and cheaper.

Faults:

Radio completely stopped working at 250 miles.

Cam shaft cap came off at 8000 miles, leading to loss of all oil.

High pitched squeaking from front wheels at 25,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car handles very well and has plenty of power.

The ride is very nice and pretty quiet, although the road noise is increasing as the tires wear.

The fit and finish inside and out are excellent.

Because of the cam shaft cap failure, the car was inoperable due to loss of oil. I was stranded on a country road in New Hampshire in February. For this reason, I probably would not buy another VW. This is the first new car I've ever had that left me stranded.

Faults:

Glove compartment lid started popping open over bumps.

Friction stays on two of the heater vents no longer work so the vent won't stay in the desired position.

Stop relay on the diesel pump has failed twice, immobilising the car both times.

Rear wheel bearing at just 52,000 miles.

Handbrake cable snapped at 30,000 miles.

Several build quality / trim issues including loose A-pillar trim, baggy footwell carpet and a passenger seat that creaks like an old barn door.

General Comments:

Not the bargain A4 equivalent it first appears to be. Beautifully trimmed interior makes it appear a class above rivals such as the Mondeo, but under the skin it's not really any better made at all, or at least this one isn't. Far too many quality and reliability problems for what in modern terms is still a fairly low mileage car.

Good points are the astonishing performance / economy compromise from the 130PS Pumpe Duse diesel, with 50 mpg regularly returned on a motorway cruise. It's a relaxing car too with comfortable seats, generally low noise levels and a good level of perceived quality from the choice of trim materials.

The number of faults and build quality issues have been very disappointing though, especially as these are supposed to be VW's selling points. My Mondeo was far less troublesome and held together better in the 3 yrs / 105,000 miles I had it, although did not perform so strongly, and wasn't so nice to just "sit in".

I would definitely think twice before going the VW route again. It hasn't been a bad car, but it hasn't met my expectations.