Used 1994 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1994 Passat, so we've included reviews for other years of the Passat since its last redesign.
Don't Buy One
Robinson, 10/27/2005
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
If the timing belt snaps say goodbye to your valves / cylinder head. My Passat had chronic mechanical problems. It seems like there is a repair needed every month. The transmision operation is not smooth and sluggish to shift. It rides like a horse drawn wagon. Repairs and parts are expensive. The engine will not start when the it is hot unless you use high octane fuel only - the dealership seems inept at finding solutions to problems. They have you replace sensor after sensor at great expense and still problems persist.
Cheap Beater
RoughRider, 12/03/2008
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought the car for $800 = lots of margin for repair costs. 190K mi when bought 194K miles now. Avg 39mpg, hi 42, low 23 (teaching son to drive std). Total expenses to date (purchase, tax, title, tags, fuel and repairs): $1925. Some body rust showing. Heater core went - replacement is MAJOR undertaking. Some electrical glitches (smack the dash in the right place to make things work). Sunroof issues. Headliner fabric came loose (removed it & painted the liner with textured flocking). Picked up car in sub-freezing temperatures in January, drove nonstop from eastern PA to north central IL, averaged 525 miles to 16 gallon fill-up @85mph. Would drive this car anywhere for the next 100K mi or so.
1994 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 0 of 0 listings
Sorry, there are no 1994 Volkswagen Passat vehicles for sale in our network.
See all 0 listingsGreat Road Car
A Quist, 02/19/2004
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've owned my VW Passat since new, eleven years, and 253,800 miles. That should be enough said. If it wasn't fun to drive, I wouldn't have kept it that long. I kept good care of it, and it didn't let me down until it got to be 10 years old. On the road, I would get a consistent 35 MPG, and only occasionally down to 27 MPG in the city.
Never again
ironhacker, 08/21/2002
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I drove VW cars (with good results) for 10 years prior to buying a new 1992 Passat. This car had more problems than every other car I have ever owned -- combined! One expensive repair after another. Premature failure of: power windows, sunroof, fuel pump, battery, clutch, exhaust, and head gasket. All except the sunroof was out-of-warranty (at Pentagon prices, of course). Every month it was another ($500) trip to the dealer. This car barely outlived the loan. Eventually I realized that I was paying for a new car without actually driving one, so I traded in the Passat for a non-VW car.
It's fixed
dhyde1, 04/16/2010
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My passat was stalling and I found the problem. It was the MAF meter on the intake. The connectors were not making contact. I took a pen and pushed them in to the MAF and no more stalling. I was going to sell my passat but now I plan on keeping it until it dies.
Still going strong, it was well worth it
Conman, 09/17/2010
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is still a strong performer even though it is 17 years old. The engine is strong smooth and when pressed will surprise the hell out of you. The build quality is Volkswagen through and through. The automatic trasmission performs but I still prefer the 5 speed manual. For $250.00 this car was worth the expense.
Can't beat it - better than Accord
NicnBob, 06/22/2002
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've owned the Passat since new in 1994. We test drove the Honda Accord, Mitubishi Galant, and Ford Taurus. Honda was intriguing but more expensive by several grand. The other two were just not in the same class. Hands down the Passat was the most fun to drive.
I would buy again
Jones, 08/15/2008
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this vehicle for probably over 10 years, and I just cannot seem to part with it. I love it; it has been one of my favorite cars to drive. It performs great even with the a/c on. It was very impressive driving in the mountains. I sat it up for a few years and I am in the process of getting it back into good driving condition. I had problems with the fuel system, very costly. I also had the timing belt break. I did not repair that motor, I replaced it with another engine from another passat I purchased. I changed over the a/c and it was ice cold until I let the car sit.
Surprising
Mason, 09/22/2008
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car for work and class. To be honest, I bought it as a junker for the winter, but after driving it 100+ miles 3 days in a row it surprises me. I am getting about 40 mpg and it's 18 gallon tank seems endless during the week. A lot of space for passengers and cargo to sit comfortably. Engine still running strong with almost perfect compression in each cylinder. Maybe I got lucky but this car for $800 was a steal. Runs great, drives better, and it's ready to tackle the NY Winter.
after 18 years never stop
Rogerio Albino, 02/08/2010
1992 Volkswagen Passat CL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Im a owner of a Passat Cl 1.6td since 2002 and the car it´s from the year 1922 and never let me on foot. 312000 KM and only needs changes of oil, filters some belts to prevent end Diesel. Of course its not too funny to drive it but we can make some travels and you not tired when you stop. Globally has a very good construction, without parasite noises (I have friends whit new cars whit a lot of noises because de construction and plastics ), very very good friability, and whit a maintenance very cheap.
Don't even consider it!!!!!
Ty, 09/09/2002
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst vehicle I've owned ever (I've owned lots of vehicles). Problems with automatic transmission, AC, electrical, motor mounts, control arms, fuel pump, fuel sending unit, gas tank, oil leaks, burning oil with less than 120 kilometers on it. Will never buy VW again!!!
Flint-Detroit 'beater'
Rob Granzow, 07/03/2005
1992 Volkswagen Passat CL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Vehicle has held up fairly well through the years, but the styling is dated and the noise and vibration not up to todays standards. Good residual value, but I truly don't understand why this is so.
The Red-Headed Stepchild
Wes16V, 03/18/2003
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Hey! This IS an eleven year old car, if I wanted to drive an appliance I would buy a Honda or Toyota. I don't, so I bought a VW. Considering buying? Stay far far far away from the automatic transmission, it WILL fail (the manual is bullet proof, though). Also, make sure you change the timing belt and tensioner the day after you buy it and enjoy!
Worth Every Penny
wags, 01/20/2007
1992 Volkswagen Passat CL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have to admit, I've done extensive work to "rejuvenate" my Passat, but come on... everyone complains about having things break "all the time". My car is 15 years old. How can I complain. As a father of 2, the back seat alone makes this car great. We almost bought a Corolla until we couldn't fit an infant seat in the car. I do long for cup holders, but live without them for the many upsides it has. I pulled 39.5 mpg on my last highway only trip and regularly get 30+ with mixed driving. Just do the recommended services religiously! I'm at 175,000 miles with original powertrain. My wife's hoping to see the 300,000 mile mark:)
Don't even think about it! 1992 model
JIQG, 06/16/2003
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A 1992 is not a reliable car. I felt in love with the car due to its handling, excellent!. But it made a big dent on my wallet. Oil leaks, serious problems with the cooling system, the heating system, the dash board malfunction, the air conditioning system collapsed, the powered windows went Kaput!. Do not even considered to get this model. I still wander Why I had kept it this long? Not reliable at all, very expensive parts, not every mechanic knows how to work on it. Get a good manual and special tools to change parts, or take it to the VW dealer to get it fix.
Unfit for the US
Roger, 03/27/2008
1992 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine was a wagon with the 5-spd manual. Drove it a lot. The fan relays blew out every 18 months, the muffler cost $600 and had to be replaced even if you just needed the pipe done, and they wanted to swap the steering rack too, not just the entire front end. It was cheaper to just buy new tires every year. The drivetrain became misaligned, creating an interesting dogleg in the shift pattern. It decided it had had enough of Cleveland and just started to fall apart at age 8. Wax sealant dripped out of every orifice during summer months.
German made beauty!
Rowndo, 08/19/2008
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Before 1993, in north america, all VW were made in Germany, that means better assembly process, better quality Components. I've bought it for 3000$ CND and put a 3500$ of reparation: front/rear adjustable suspension coil over kit, all the water cooling system, rebuilt the transmission and a good tune-up. I've put an extra 3000$ for a new paint job and put 17'x9 BBS rims with staggered tire. Now, everybody turns their heads and wonder what is that car. BMW 325 is no match to a passat like that, and i've tried it on a 1/4 mile track. If you plan to put an extra buck, that car is for you!
Love hate relationship
D Franklin, 12/09/2009
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 11 years. I have put over $5,500 dollars in to getting it to run right. I had to fix the transmission $2,700 because of the trans cooler broke inside coolant and trans fluid mixed. If you can change your trans cooler every four years you might save your tranny. O2 sensor that was about $260. I fixed the sunroof. For years the car stalled when trying to go from a dead stop. I took it to 3 different dealers and they couldn't fix it. Tried the fuel pressure reg, fuel filter and fuel pump and even change the gas lines up front that attach to the fuel rail and the knock sensor all not the problem. The mass air flow sensor connector pins weren't making contact. Fixed
Best "Bang for the buck"
Dudley Henrys, 01/29/2008
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car looks good, I get the fully loaded version. Heated seats, moonroof, leather seats, power locks, automatic power windows and moonroof, cd changer, trip computer... too many to list. Best "bang for the buck". I love it!!!
Good used car
Clif234, 07/14/2002
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this vehicle as a replacement to a maxima. The passat definitely handles a lot better than the maxima did. The speed is comperable, and I like the passats better until the 95 and newer years. Only complaint is that any problem requires expensive service.
Absolute lemon
DON"T BUY , 07/22/2002
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sold my Passat after years of unpredictable reliability. Owned the Passat from 75k to 125k and had the following problems. Replaced the entire exhaust system ($750). Replaced all rotors. Replaced calipers. My air conditioner dials melted in the sun and prevented the a/c from working properly. Replaced emergency brake twice (had to have it cut both times because of cold weather). BBS rims rusted in spots. The list goes on and on!!
Passat Wagon GLX
Rydster, 08/19/2002
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great ride. Very few problems, family of four rides well together. I'm 6'5" and have always been comfortable.
the love and hate I have for my Passat
danta, 06/12/2003
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car is a great ride...I love it to death. BUT...problem after problem. I have had an electrical problem that 3 mechanics (2 of which are Volkswagen specialists) cannot find. There seems to always be a leak somewhere...right now I have an antifreeze leak. I have one particluar fuse that keeps blowing for my lighter and interior lights, etc. I have had to replace quite a few engine parts. The list can go on and on... Make sure when buying one you have it THOROUGHLY checked out. When the car breaks down very expensive. I still love my Passat, but I am selling it!
Good Car
lhripley, 08/02/2003
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought this car on ebay. It need some work but worth every penny.
Passat
VW Lover, 11/24/2003
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent vehicle. Great for trips!
Good deal...watch for expensive repairs.
Mark, 09/23/2005
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1993 Volkswagen Passat with 76,000 miles on it. The previous owner had a dispute with a local repair shop who toasted the old engine by draining oil during an oil change and forgetting to add oil again and driving vehicle, which screwed up the engine. So 30,000 miles ago a brand new engine was put in. The car runs well, operates smoothly, and is great on highway trips. I had to recently replace the electric ignition switch and distributor ($625 total, parts/labor) so repairs can be costly. The overall quality is nice!
i love it
driver0007, 02/09/2004
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i was a camaro owner untill some lady hit it but once i bought this passat i loved it....so nice inside with a motor that keeps giving....i have an ap tuning chip, porshe exaust with stright pipe intake and rims...so it motors...i love it
Good car
Mike F., 03/31/2004
1993 Volkswagen Passat GL 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These engines are known to last well into 200k.
Passat 1993 vr6
dhyde1, 05/27/2004
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used with about 52,500 miles on it. It drove fine for about 3,000 miles and then bamm. It started stalling when going over speed bumps. I thought it was the gas but that's not it. Now it cuts off on me sometimes when rolling slow with the foot off of the gas. Left turns are turning into a life or death risk. I did really like this car but man playing chicken everyday is getting old.
Fun Car
Luke, 03/04/2007
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 10 year-old Passat and put a lot of work into it. It's been a very enjoyable car. It is a sturdy Teutonic poor-man's Volvo, complete with spoiler and 5-speed manual. It is fun to drive and it has held up well. It has had a few fuel system problems and it needed a new heater core. The ABS system is finally beginning to go at 115,000 miles.
Trouble Maker
Wax, 03/20/2007
1993 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been nothing but trouble. I have put 30,000 miles on it in 3.5 years. It now has 143,000 miles. I have had to replace ignition coil ($500), upper radiator hose ($200), rear shocks ($350), muffler ($100), brake pads and rotors ($400), the tranny is sloppy (flush and fill, $300), cruise control only works half of the time, all door handles are shot, and the ABS-horn-power seat belt-rear defrost all don't work. This car is fun to drive, but absolutely brutal with repairs. Don't buy a Passat from the 90s.
Great Car
JohnWey, 09/24/2002
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is a great vehicle. Only problem and it's been a big one is that after 115000 miles my transmission gave out. My mechanic who sent it to an authorized VW service center has had the car on and off for the last 3 months while they try to work out the kinks. Have a 1987 Quantum(the original Passat) and after over 200000 miles the original transmission gave out. Lets see an American car do that.
Best car I've owned
bobpeller, 02/26/2002
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a great valus. I bought this car off a freind who was returning to Germany and didn't want to ship a car. He unloaded it on me for a song and I wasn't sure what i was getting. It turned out to be one of the best deals I've made. I literaly drove this car from coast to coast the summer of 2000. Despite the station wagon look, it was fast, sporty, and got great gas milage.
great car
vdub60, 10/22/2003
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car with 145,000 on the clock and what a great car it is. I need to replace the 5 speed tranny sometime , as 3 and 4 syncros are toast. I must say I really love this car though. Great handling, good power, and comfy as hell. Oh, and for $1400 I stole it. If you can get a reasonable price, go for it. I'll buy another VW in a heartbeat.
Rare Find Proves to be a Great Buy
J-Money, 08/25/2006
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Passat almost a year and a half ago and I couldn't ask for a better car. The Passat appealed to me not only because of it's good looks, sports car handling, and awesome performance from the VR6 but because it's relatively rare and I know that I wouldn't see my car driving around EVERYWHERE. The only gripes that I have about this car are that there are no cup holders, the automatic transmission is slow to downshift going up hills and that maintenence is are costly, but it's worth every penny. Also, I need new tires soon and they are hard to come by as the stock 15" BBS rims are an unusual size (215/50HR15) and Tirerack only has three kinds, two of which are summer tires. The all season tires are $109/tire.
1994 VR6 2.8 Passat
Milton Olfonse, 04/26/2003
1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good car that could be great. Lots of interior and trunk room for 5ppl. Nice layout, but there are no air bags for safety... this makes thia a very dangerous investment at this time for anyone. The car has had a number of failing issues - Recalled fan unit that actually went on fire in this car...$890 to replace although it was subject later to a recall. Again, good auto, however buy at your peril!!!