2000 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America

Right front headlamp low beam has failed twice. The first time was dealer replaced. The Second time I did it myself. Very Easy.

Had a sharp rock rip through the under carriage protector and through the oil pan outside of Fairplay CO at 2 in the morning. Aluminum oil pan is fairly flimsy.

The trim near the window of the passenger door peeled up. I took the door apart and fixed it with some good epoxy and tape. Same thing happened with my friends 2000 GTI.

Various annoying rattles. Must turn awesome monsoon stereo system up to avoid being annoyed.

Just last week, the clutch switch died leaving me stranded luckily in town.

Upon dealer review of car to fix clutch switch the tie rod ends need replacing for a meager $610. Also the 80k service is about $720.

There aren't many cars that can accelerate to 63 mph in second gear in about 9 seconds at 5280 feet in elevation and still get 28-35 mpg highway.

The car handles very well.

The two tone beige and charcoal interior is awesome.

The leather seats are very comfortable. I drove 16 hours from Greeley, CO to Houston TX and was very impressed.

Cup holders are flimsy, but VW engineers think cars are for driving, not dining.

The car is a tardis. It small on the outside and super huge inside. Only VW non-suv that has more room is the mis-named Phaeton.

My 6'10" boss was duly impressed with the leg room.

Fold down rear seats are the schiznet. I've been able to move 2x4x8 lumber in my car.

The clutch is very quirky. The friction point is not anywhere near the floor so it makes take offs difficulty. I have read that this is just he way 2000 Passat has their cluches set.

This does, however, make the car very easy to double clutch, and the pedals are set up for heel-toe very well.

The Passat is truely well named. It is a cool breeze on a warm day.