1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX from North America - Comments

1st May 2001, 18:42

"A bargain for its content, but not reliable"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

ECU died at 700 miles.

Alternator died at 5,500 miles.

Waterpump died at 22,000 miles.

ABS light turning on since 20,000 miles.

Brakes noisy since 15,000 miles.

Minor oil seepage since 45,000 miles.

Antenna gasket rotted out, 10,000 miles.

Leather on shift knob tearing, 40,000 miles.

Battery suddenly died at 50,000 miles.

Headlight lenses yellowing, 50,000 miles.

Horn contacts grinding at 30,000 miles.

Windshield chips too easily.

Poor side ding protection.

Plastic bumper dents and marrs easily.

AC works intermittently, 45,000 miles.

Tires very vunerable to impact damage.

General comments?

Car looks very good in a European way.

It still looks very good for its age.

It handles very well for its weight.

Nice interior styling.

Great big trunk.

The sunroof could be bigger.

No glove box!!!???


29th Jan 2003, 15:08

65,000 miles... hard time opening doors... interior door handles pop/broke...high priced replacement parts... little things here and there, but when it's running well and I'm driving it...there's nothing better!


9th Jan 2005, 11:58

I had the same problem with the door handles not opening and having to open the door from the inside or just stop using that door. The passenger rear window stopped working and we had to have it fixed three times so we just stopped caring. Also the front brakes with start to smell after long road trips, but with 30 mpg and nice seats I learned to live with everything else.


18th Oct 2005, 10:15

It took me a long time to accept the fact that there is no glove box. I actually didn't believe it was true until I saw it written on this site. Other than that I'm happy.

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