Used 1997 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
Update to Hope it lasts forever!
VW4Life, 09/22/2010
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well, we're headed towards 2011, and my trusty Passat now has 138,000 miles. This car STILL drives like the day I bought it over ten years and 100,000 miles ago. I'm bored and want something newer, as the plastic trim pieces are falling off and the door handles / window regulators continue to be flaky. However, from an economic AND enjoyment standpoint, I simply cannot beat this car.
Hope It Lasts Forever!
VW4Life, 08/26/2006
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have owned nothing but VW's. They all have been reliable and great to drive. In 2000 we needed a bigger car as we were expecting our first child. We drove the new Jetta, and but it seemed small and sort of cheap. Then we saw the beautiful Indigo Passat GLX. It is a big, roomy sedan which drives and handles like a dream. The VR6 engine is the best thing VW has ever designed. The check engine or ABS lights have NEVER been on in this car. I bought it with 38,000 miles on it, now it has 96,000 miles and drives like the day I took it home. The first owner probably neglected a few things. It needed brakes, rotors, battery, etc. that first year, but the dealer covered everything. Find a good mechanic, do your maintenance, and this car will last!
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theronald, 10/23/2008
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car was really nice for about the first 3 years that we owned it. Ever since that point, it has had many nagging, expensive, and repetitive failures. (Among those too numerous to mention - Door Handles, Controller, O2 Sensors, Belt-tensioner) The Yellow light has been on more than it has been "off". Were it not for the fact that I was unemployed on & off for most of the past 4 years, we would have "dumped" it on some other poor sap. Have talked to several other GLX owners - most had same problems. Their highly-touted "German Engineers" should all be fired, and replaced by the guys from GM. (I've never had to replace all 4 door handles on a Buick twice!)
still runs, but i"m mechanical
tim9999, 10/19/2009
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought used for cheap, needed clutch, bad A/C. The clutch was 600.00 from the clutch guy I know. Heater core went out at 120k this is typical i guess. Here's what I did: disconnected heater core, ran heater hoses to A/C heat exchanger, (A/C bad anyway...) Now heats ok. Needed water pump at 130k. Runs strong, handles great for big car. Nice leather interior. Huge inside area. Easy to work on compact vr6. Have done all work myself except clutch.
Great car
matt, 03/09/2010
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car at a auction. I had no idea what it was like. I kno it sounds dumb. But I got it and it ran great! (even though it has almost 200,000 miles on it) but its my first car and I have little problems with it. The main problems consist of the two passenger doors, the back which does not open at all nor does the window work, and the front that only opens from the inside. But im not too worried about those... Seeing how I don't sit there. Overall its a great first car. I even raced a 1999 eclipse and blew it away.
First car.
Phill, 03/01/2006
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I am a new driver and this is the first car that I have bought. I didn't really pick this car, it was more seredipity that i found it. It was everything I was looking for, relativly cheap (under $4,000) spacious, and not an American car. At first it was great, then a couple of problems occured. Nothing too serious, a dead battery because of a broken relay, an alternator that stopped working. These are significant problems yes, but easly fixed and they are not harmful to the car or people inside of the car. Overall the car is very exciting, fast, and handles beautifully. Even with its problems it has been worth it. I couldnt have asked for anything more.
1st luxury car
soccerfreak11, 03/07/2009
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car with 74,000 miles and have had a few problems. 1) EGR valve. No idea what so ever how to fix it. 2) rear window doesn't work. It is a solid car with good MPG, but could be better. Tons of interior room and trunk space. Love the sunroof. The radio goes into SAFE mode every time the battery is disconnected though. Now it is permanently locked and only the dealer can open it. The exterior design is a definite draw back. Over all, it is a great family car.
My Passat experience
Sam in Agawam, MA, 06/25/2002
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
There is not an aspect of this car I have not had problems with in six months of ownership. The original tires were awful (Goodyear') & the replacement Dunlops helped quite a bit. The wheel bearings, inner tie rod ends, ball joints, and transmission output bearings all needed to be replaced at only 50 thousand miles! The car is currently in the shop having the transmission removed on account of a worn gear that determines the speedometer reading. The engine knocks when hot, despite the new coil pack I installed on the car six months ago (the original was cracked.) I can't wait to trade this in.
Gotta love the VR6
Rick in Texas, 07/11/2002
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in June of 2001. It only had 15,000 miles on it and it still smelt new! I love it, power is very impressive with the help of a K&M Supercharged Airfilter (which was tough putting in). I have had ZERO problems with it except for the ABS light that has come on about 5 times for a few minutes then goes off. Very quick for what it is and on my last trip (365 miles) I got 26.6 miles to the gallon. In town I normally just get around 18 because I do drive it a bit hard. Wish I had the electric seats because there are way to many adjustments when someone else drives it. Love it!
Volkswagens are the best cars
JimBo, 07/15/2002
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the second VW product I have owned and it has lived up to every expectation I have. I was surprised when the right front wheel bearing went out at 50K, but that was easily replaced. A quick V6 that gets 25 mpg, an easy to read dashboard, comfortable riding car. We even took the family vacation with this car, a very large trunk and the room in the back seat is enough the kids can't kick the front seats. I wouldn't tell anyone to stay away. One more thing, I was rear ended and only the bumper cover was replaced on my car, the other car sustained much more damage. I feel very safe in this car.
Reliable Daily Driver
Northern VA Passat , 09/19/2002
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 Passat with 15,000 miles, it now has 34,000. I have not had one problem, other than bad factory tires. This car works perfectly, and is a good family, or commuter car. It is very bouncy however, not meant for hard cornering. It is quiet and luxury is at hand. A good buy.
Could of Been So Good!
Lorale, 11/15/2002
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 20,000 miles on it. Love the room and drive. Had way too many problems with the door handles that all had to be replaced! (at $343 each!) The interior door handles peeled, the engine light and ABS light came on and off. Had them checked, and dealer said, "No problem found". I found the car to have a ridged ride. Would of loved to have a glove compartment. This car could of been GREAT!! I wouldn't buy another one, because of the many small, but costly problems!
Disappointed
sbgoff, 01/22/2003
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car burned oil at 5 qts per 5000 miles - dealer rebuild engine - never the same. significant electrical problems - electric windows in rear don't work - doors won't open - check engine light on constantly - a lot of cheap plastic parts in interior that broke within 1st year and were not under warranty - Electrical issues aware of by manufacturer but not covered by warranty
Top of the line VW?
Lori Cox, 01/24/2003
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love driving the car, hate the design. You would think buying the top of the line VW would insure top of the line quality. Not so. All four door handles have broken (some more than once), power windows failing, and we've had several mechanical failures before 50000 miles. Dealers are inept and rude. Dealer parts and labor are astronomical. I will never buy a VW again.
POOR DESIGN
ANTI VW'S, 08/17/2003
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it with 60k miles on it, BIG mistake! I looked everywhere for this car Why??? I loved the car for some reason. Today, this is the WORST car I have ever owned, high repairs all the way. I have spent over 4000k in repairs in the past 3 years. $1500 was out of my pocket.Check engine light has comes on every month sometimes every week. Water pump exploded in a drive through. Belts snapped. A/C went out. Door handle on drivers side is crazy glues on. Interior light is glued on in back seat passanger area. Power Mirrors are alomst done Power Windows are off track and have been repaired. Fog Lights cracked with rocks hitting them. Car was leaking coolant.
Poor Man's Bimmer
Seekrr, 08/26/2003
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Passat on a trade-in and what a difference from the Mazda I drove! Solid, responsive, balanced...yeah, a little underpowered with the auto, but a blast down the hwy. or back roads. Sure it needs fixing more than a Ford and parts aren't cheap (not to mention my dealer sucked!), but for pure driving enjoyment, I couldn't have made a better choice!
passat
aja_614, 12/01/2003
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has a good amount of power. The space in side the car is much more than you will expect.
Passat Piece of Junk
Former Passat Driver, 12/11/2005
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 1997 Volkswagen Passat is a completely unexpected bad product from Germany! This is the biggest hunk of junk we have ever owned. We bought it with resonable miles on it. Shortly after owning it all the electronic issues began. VW mechanics removed entire dash to fix some of the problems which reset digital mileage. There goes the equity! I have had so many problems with this thing (I agree with all other comments made here..too many to list...). We thought many times about finding one of the hurricanes and leaving it in the heart of the storm. It has finally died and we will not be sad to say goodbye! Buyer beware...looking at the other years after this car, it doesn't look like Passat has fixed any issues with this car!
Great Car if You Take Care of It
f1forkvr6, 01/24/2006
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Like any other car, if you take care of the little things, the Passat will be reliable for as long as you wish to drive it. I have nearly 300,000 miles on mine, and other than VW's self destructing heater core, it's never, ever left me stranded. Its fuel economy is okay on the highway (27-30), but what makes this car shine is it's fun-to-drive factor. It's pretty nimble for it's size, and offers very predictable but sporty handling. It has enough room to move a small office, carry a 9 x 12 rug, or a Christmas tree (inside, trunk closed), and offers rear seat passengers enough leg-room to cross their legs withough kicking the driver! this is an all around good, fun, value.
I hated this car!
Shushumommy, 04/21/2004
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I lasted less than a year in this car. I bought it used at 55,000 miles. Many things went wrong right off the bat, but the dealer encouraged me to hang in there with the car and made quite a few of the repairs on the house. Still, I did not trust the car or feel safe in it, and everytime a repair was needed I held my breath. I am turning this car in today and couldn't be happier.
Amazin car i love it
James Farese, 06/17/2004
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Amazin Handling i love this car
not too shabby
vdubtuna, 07/04/2004
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the auto trans shifts awkward sometimes but overall at good daily driver. powerful but nimble enough to handle city driving. i would reccommend the manual version since i know some people with it with almot no problems.
Crappy Passat
Aarons, 10/14/2004
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is being repaired every month. Power Windows keep breaking, VW known defect, suspension, bearings, wheel hub. Looks great but what a piece of expensive crap.
great German car!
creed hyatt, 11/18/2004
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car about a year ago, and have really enjoyed driving. Auto trans can shift hard occasionally, had some problems with the ABS & Check Engine lights coming on - but that could be because my mechanic couldn't figure it out - I never found any performance problems when these lights were on. Overall its a great car, very comfortable, plenty of power. My only complaint is the lousy gas mileage - I have never gotten the claimed MPG.
Love my Passat
Love my VW, 03/06/2005
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 97 GLX Passat (manual trans.) new and have taken great care of it. I LOVE this car. I've had few minor issues, and infrequently need service. I call it my Poor Man's BMW, as I liked it MUCH better than the used BMWs I test drove at the time. It's spacious, fun to drive, reliable, and has held up incredibly well. The only consistently poorly built item is the cup holder, of which I went through three before I gave up. Mileage could be better, and it is fairly noisy on the highway. Very spacious, huge trunk space w/ folding rear seats, and the leather has held up quite well. I highly recommend this car, if it's been taken care of properly. I'm at 120,000 miles and going!
Happy Long Time Owner
John, 01/28/2007
1997 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my manual 1997 Passat new and always took good care of it and did the regular scheduled maintenance. It has over 100,000 miles and it has been great. It is now getting a little long in the tooth and I'm evaluating new cars for purchase. This car has been very good for me and very economical to keep for the past ten years.