Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Not the best car for the money
Eze, 10/21/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Our car was plauged with isses. Hesitation has been with us from the start. Techs just say to live with it and it is in the software. Multiple oil leaks. 3 times. Intake boot came off and shut the car down. The throttle sticks. Car was in twice for repairs. The rear brakes jammed. The spark plug module failed causing the car to run on 3 cylinders. Cost was $536 to replace and is not covered on the powertrain warrenty. The car is only 3 years old (purchased new in 2000) and has only 61K miles on it. Cruise control works when it feels like it. There are other issues that I am forgetting.
Awesome Car
Lou_KC, 02/25/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan has been one of the nicest cars that I've owned. The amount of attention it will get you is unreal (other VW owners know what I'm talking about). And you won't feel inferior pulling up next to other luxury sedans, except for the Volkswagen Toureg, of course. While the power of the 4-cylinder engine may seem like strapping an 80 lb. backpack on a 1st grader, especially stomping the accelaration on the open highway, there's not much this car can't do, really. Need to pass that 18-Wheeler? Punch it without thinking twice.
1999 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
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So far, so great!
KathrynB, 10/27/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 45,000 miles on it, wanting to bring to Greece a car roomy for family & dogs, compact for tiny streets, European-looking to not stand out, with German handling but no German price, clean underside for unpaved roads, great gas mileage and handling, excellent high-speed performance. That's exactly what I got. It handles Athens' packed traffic (open the sunroof, turn up Sting, let it loaf along), very rough dirt roads, & 100 mph highways with equal grace. It can beat the BMWs and Alfas through curves using only the automatic (although it has the no-clutch manual, too) It also parks easily on the sidewalk! Fine, fine car!
love that car!
eurocat, 10/22/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my dream car...from the time first came out I've always wanted one. And let me tell you...there have been NO dissapointments at all. The car offers a smooth quiet ride, it hugs the street and the turbo allows you to feel a little power despite the economical 4 cylinder engine. I love the look of the car and the comfort. It seems like you're driving a more expensive car than you actually are. Reliability has been good, except for a couple of minor quirks in the beginning. 5 stars!!!
Average Annual Maintenance Costs = $1500
CONNIE, 07/21/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Passat new 10 years ago. I was seduced by the style, tiptronic and cool commercials during that time. I'm a sucker for Nick Drake. I now have 122k miles on the car and have gotten to know my various mechanics very well over the years. The passenger window slipped into the door - twice. That repair cost me $200+. Simple maintenance like battery changes can't be done outside of the dealership. Removing and replacing the battery disables the car's computer console which can only be reset at the dealership = cost of battery + reset fee $70. Silly things like this are common. Other replacements: tie rods, broken sunroof (within the first year) replacement cost $700; oil leaks +++
It is an Awesome Car
Jawa, 08/02/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall it is an awesome car to drive both for short commute to work or long drive to nowhere. Cool dashboard lighting is pleasant to the eyes during night driving.
Unreliable & Expensive to Repair
skiebo, 10/29/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving this car overall has been a pleasure however the maintenance and repair costs have been outrageous. In 4 years my out of pocket expenses for repairs has been about $7,000. Extensive warranty repairs have been made in addition to out of pocket expenses, including replacement of emission controls, engine electronics, and the oil pump. It would be difficult for me to considering buying another VW after this experience.
My Wagon
SWharton, 11/15/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have a 98 and experienced the same mechanical problem with both; at 45,000 miles something happens to the catalytic converter, the idle was way off (super high) and the car shakes. In California it is covered, but in any other state it is 450$ to get fixed. One other thing when you get your timing belt replaced its $850 bucks. Not sure if I would buy another one. I think leasing might be the way to go on these cars as they get costly the more miles you put on them.
Best Car I Have Ever Owned!
dickiet, 08/05/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Almost four years old and I still love my Passat! I wish I could say the same about the dealer. I have had no mechanical difficulties with the car what so ever. The original tires left something to be desired, other than that totally happy. I am in the processes of purchasing a Passat wagon for the growing family. Will hang onto the sedan and trade in the Intrigue.
So disappointed with my 99 Passat
Clare Grief, 11/06/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my VW Passat new in 1999. It has been back to the dealer regularly ever since. Engine fan, engine temperature sensor, interior and exterior body moldings, major oil leaks, oil coolant leak and finally last month, the spark control module failed leaving me stranded on the side of the road. These repairs have cost me over $3,500. This is by far the most unreliable car I have ever owned and it has only done 34K miles.
After 6 years, I still adore this car
cayugaduck, 05/31/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. The exterior style still looks as good as the day I got it. I have only ever had to have minor repairs done. It has to have the most comfortable and roomy interior -- for front and rear passengers -- as any car I've experienced. Not to mention how fun to drive it is.
A real shame
emdubs, 10/21/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife and I loved the car early on, but we really should have looked harder. I have replaced the distributor coil pack (failed on the freeway), timing belt, control arms, tie rod ends, clutch, ABS control module. VW is terrible when it comes to customer service and avoiding recalls. A quick search for ABS module will return a lengthy list of horror stories. When it works, it is a great car. The interior is efficient and comfortable (although it shakes and rattles something terrible on rough roads), and all of the extra trunk capacity is great. Especially when coupled with the fuel economy. But, in the end, it just isn't worth it.
Forget Audi
Doster, 05/22/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A great car even for a big guy. Plenty of legroom. Yes, the cupholders are terrible, but I don't care. The manual tranny is great and the engine is totally responsive to even a light foot. Definately a keeper. Engine and tranny noise are non-existant in the cabin. Going from an American vehicle to this car is like going from dark to light in comparison...tight and controlled! Hopefully, the fun will live beyond the 2 year/24000 mile warranty.
awesome car
vw4life, 08/16/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for a couple of years now and it has 270,000 miles on it and have had no problems I mean I have had to replace some belts but this car is great! I love VW's and as long as you do regular maintenance on them they keep going. This car is proof. It has been up and down the east coast with no hesitation! It's comfortable, roomy , and drives great. It still can get up and go if you need it to! I would recommend this car to anyone!
Avoid like the plague
Trevor, 02/04/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new. Hands down the absolute worst car I have ever had. Had constant electrical problems (call would just cut out whenever) and of course brake problems. VW doesn't recommend the timing belt change until 105,000 miles. The engine went at 84,000 miles because the timing belt snapped. Needless to say, I was glad to sell this to a scrap yard and walk away with $1000 cash. I practically kissed the ground the day I parted ways with this junker. Never will I consider any VW product again.
Love my Passat but...........
DOLPHINGIRL, 12/18/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love to drive my Passat. It's roomy comfortable and looks great! However....I have had nothing but problems with this car from the first month. The service is indescribable! Everyone from the GM to the Repair dept. is rude. They actually stole 6 cd's from my trunk while installing my new CD changer (after giving me a used one when I payed for a new one) and denied everything. Told me I probably left the CD's at home!! It's been a horrible experience. As we speak the car has been in the shop for over a week to get front tie-rods. This was the final straw..I'm putting it up for SALE right away. Hellloo HONDA PILOT!
Excellent Car
loschios16, 12/17/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun, reliable, safe, comfortable... this car has everything its competators don't. It has all of the features of more expensive cars for much less.
Passat V6 is wonderful
Jimmer, 08/18/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car. Has met my expectations in every way. A performance sedan that is fun to drive - all for a reasonable price. I recently upgrade from the OE tires (Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus, 195 width) to Bridgestone Potenza RE950s (205 width) and the car handles better than ever.
Glad to have it
aadavis, 12/19/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car new and now have 66K mi on it. Overall, I'm rather satisfied with it. Did not have problems others reported (or maybe not yet). Major out- of pocket expense was $400+ brake job (rotors needed to be replaced), which I think was a bit excessive. Minor out-of pocket expenses included: replacing power mirror knob ($120), which somehow got broken (can't figure out how), and a new engine temp sensor (similar amount). Changed O-ring during maint service. Before I bought the car, dealer had to fix a water leak. Rear window motor was replaced under warranty. Windshield was a stone magnet; replaced it twice. Must change original tires soon.
Need quality control
VW owner, 08/25/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for more than 6 years, never has any major work done on it. The only dealer repairs that I had made was a leaky crank shaft boot, and a couple of recalls. The ride still solid and sound. I have only paid for new brakes and 4 new tires at 60,000 miles, and scheduled maintencance. But the little stuff like the dash board back light, the hood release latch (cost $200 to replace), a broken mirror control switch ($70), were coughed out from my own pocket. Also the car had a few glitches during the warranty period, i.e. air bag sensor, trunk lock. I guess they should use better quality parts at the plant. But other than these, I still like my car.
1999 Passat GLS 1.8T. Just the facts.
OnTheFence, 10/10/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 40K miles in Feb 04 Sold with 115K miles in Aug 09 Control arm link. $700 Computer replaced. $600 ABS failed in 06 but never fixed. Rear Axle went out of alignment. With the B5 frame, the entire axle must be replaced. I never replaced it because it would have cost $1.2K. Leaks 1 quart of oil per month. Heated side mirrors failed in 05. Timing belt never changed. I loved my Passat but never felt confident to take this car on long trips with the family. It is a nice car but the repairs are expensive. My new ride. 2003 Passat Wagon with 73K miles.... :) As I said, apart from the reliability, I love this car. Enjoy, this is just my facts.
This is the best car ever! I love it!
HelenO, 08/18/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love Volkswagens. When I purchased it, my trade in was a 1994 Jetta. I have no regrets. It handles beautifully. I've had no mechanical problems to speak of. And, it looks great!
1999 Passat GLS V-6
sstepa, 01/01/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mine was built on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon. 2 failed fuel sending units, leaking rear shock, cam seal blew, power steering leak (twice) CV boot cracked, rear hatch lock repaired, squeek in drivers door, broken bottom engine cover. Bought new and it's not driven hard and only put on 12K per year. I'm jealous of all the other positive reviews. Can't say the same for mine.
Why buy anything else?
Steve Arrivo, 10/28/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a superb car. I currently have an A4 1.8TQ as well and this is just as good. The car is solid as a rock, get huge gas mileage (35-38 highway) and fits everything we could ever want to bring on a trip with 4 people (2 kids). Get a roof rack and carry the bikes, no problem. Only gripe - seats are too big and soft - must be for big butts.... Oh yeah, it has killer resale as well. Check the cost of ownership and be pleasantly surprised.
Great car...but
Clliff, 04/05/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our Passat new in 99. We liked the cornering,handling and feel of the car. It was fun to drive and continued to be so until we traded it several weeks ago. We were experiencing too many failures of electrical and electronic componants. It got so we wondered every time we drove the car, what would go wrong next. This seems to be a common problem with VW's and in fact all German cars at present. Take a look at the April issue of Consumers Report and you will see what I mean. Volkswagon must address reliability of their cars if they want to hold on to their American market.
Performance hiding under
Sigmakos, 04/01/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Gotta love this car with great performance and control. Had very little issues. I'm an Engineering and do teh services myself. Except the huge issues like power-steering or tie-rods and struts/shocks. I know that the repairs are high at dealership, i don't recommend to go there often. Just using the dealership for scheduled service and engine diagnostics and head to my garage or mechanic for anything outside of that.
1999 VW GLS Passat 1.8 turbo
Jim Spivey, 02/13/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like the car overall. Concerns - brakes went out at 43000 and 89000, and had to replace pads and rotors ($850 each time). Moon roof stuck at one time. Major engine overhaul at 105,000 miles (not transmission). In spite of those costs, it has run well for me for 7 years, and held its value very well if not great.
After Seven Years a Trusty Stead
Doug, 08/03/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my '99 V6 5-speed Passat in April '99 and after 120,000 miles, it's still going strong. The engine delivers great performance and gas mileage (I get 30 mpg on the highway at 80 mph) and I love the 5-speed tranny. The interior, after seven years, beats many new cars in terms of quality, design and ergonomics. My only complaint is about reliability and cost of service. At 60,000 miles, I had to put $3,000 into the suspension for new control arms, a drive shaft, and brake sensor. At 90,000 miles, I had to replace the water pump and timing belt. I've never heard of anyone having to replace control arms, let alone at 60,000 miles. They are not cheap, but I'm love driving it and plan to do so for years.
Great car!
jonnybgud, 05/27/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car to drive, it's fun, agile, responsive and practical (holds a bunch of stuff in the back) and feels very safe. Plus the turbo 1.8 with the 5 speed accelerates briskly when needed. It's my commuting car, but my wife takes it whenever she can. Sound system is great for a stock unit. Really good gas mileage, too - we get 32 to 35 mpg on trips doing about 75 -80 MPH and pretty full of traveling stuff, too.
Dont waiste your time!!!
Brianpoo, 05/09/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its always in the shop.
FamilyOfFour
FamilyOfFour, 11/29/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reviewer: Perspective is that of a family looking for a fun but reliable car. Although this is a pleasant car to drive and is very nice for the family we have gotten to know the dealer much to well for having a car with only 50K miles on it. VW covered most items but the dealer service is awful. I would absolutely NOT recommend as a long term car. Do NOT buy used ... you are due to find many problems. See list below. Bad: Acceleration. Reliability: Side Mirror motor, cup holder (twice), airflow vent control, rear sear pasenger window, door misaligned, pulls to the left slightly ... dealer will never admit it.
if only...
Javy, 05/23/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this certified car 2.5 years ago. I really like the quality, the milage and how it drives. Like any other car it needs to be mantained, maybe a little more than other makes. So if you are thinking on buying one, ask other owners where you can get good service in your area. And try to stay away from the dealer as much as you can if you want to get professional service and if you don't whant to spend your kid's college fund.
Do Not Buy A Used One
Taken for a ride, 01/30/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased for my daughter thinking it would be a safe reliable car.Had 90,000 miles drove great and took dealers recommendation "it will be a great car for her" In the first year each month we averaged $500 in repairs.I have a 1990 BMW for the past 5 yrs it's only cost me $500 in repairs. Now a sludge problem that could cost over $2000 to repair Would never buy one again. Loved my bug in the 70's but VW has to work on reliability and reduced pricing for parts before I would buy another.
great car
dmac, 08/01/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in '99. I had a '93 Passat Wagon with a VR6 before this Passat. The '99 is a completely different car, and way better. Mine has the 1.8T with a 5-speed. Fun to drive, great gas mileage. I have not had any problems. Replaced the brakes at about 50K, stay current on servicing.
A Disappointment
Bailey, 02/15/2008
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With a baby on the way, my husband and I decided to take the plunge and purchase a newer car in hopes that it would be a safer and more reliable vehicle than what we had. We loved the heated leather seats, sunroof, and spacious hatchback. However, having purchased it in December, it still has temporary tags as it as been in the shop for over 6 weeks. We had to purchase two new engines for the thing, a serpentine belt, turbo, and that is just to get in back on the road. We have spent over $8500 for a car I have barely driven. We should have stuck with what we had.
VW Forever
passatv6, 08/05/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my VW since I bought it new in 99, I love it, never had any prolbems with it. I am an enthusiast and have taken exellect care, wash every weekend, was every 2 months, condition the leather once a month, and it looks like the day I bought it. Fuel economy is exellent and very fun to drive. I had the VW Sport suspension and 18" wheels, so it is a head turner.
Dereks Passat
Derek2D, 05/14/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome, the turbo engine, and the 5 Speed are sweet. The sound system is great, and the gauges at night are cool-looking. I am not usually into the VW's but the passat has made me feel like I did when I first got my license, its a joy to drive!
Change your timing belt early!
SandeeB, 08/24/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved driving my VW Passat. It looked great & was fun to drive; the only problem was with reliability. The final straw was when the timing belt broke at 84,000 miles and caused so much damage I had to get a new engine. VW schedules replacement of the timing belt at 105,000 miles. If you love your Passat, change the timing belt early and save yourself $5,000.
Steer Clear of VW
discovery06, 12/17/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I regret even leasing this car. I leased it when vw only included a standard 2-year warranty, and I ended up absorbing over $3,500 in repair costs in my final year of driving it. Based on the numerous mechanical and electrical problems this car had, it's no wonder you can get a 4-year plan for all ov vw's current models. This car was an absolute nightmare so was the dealer's service department. Although, under warranty, the automatic transimmison had to be replaced twice in 2-years! To it's credit, it looks good, and feels great on the highway, but 'all that glitters isn't gold.' This was my second and last Passat and vw for that matter. Good ridance!
100,000 Miles and still fun to drive
Moo Man, 06/22/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is my first experience with something other than a Japanese built in 14 years. For the past four years maintenance has consisted of oil changes every 3,500 miles, brakes and tires at 45,000 and 90,000 miles, and gas every now and then. (Around town the Passat gets about 27 MPG, with longer trips about 31 MPG.) The funny thing about the car is that it's still a hoot to drive. In hindsight, I'm glad I went for the 5 speed stick instead of the automatic. I plan on keeping the car until my oldest gets his license (about 5 more years). Maybe I'm an optimist, but this car continues to delight the 20 year old in me (I'm 42 now).
Lumber Wagon
Done , 09/30/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The passat looks awesome. It has great performance. It is great on gas mileage. To bad it is not a complete package. The build quality is horible. 75k....New control arms..$2400...timing chain $1000.....Numerous Electrical problems....$500....fortunatley I sold the car...Looking for a car that has all the performance and great reliabilty BUY A MAXIMA....
Glad I'm leasing
Almost40, 08/25/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased this vehicle for a 3 year term. During that time I really enjoyed driving my Passat. I got what I expected.The car is more elegant than the Japanese and American competition. The more you drive it, the more you appreciate the superb engineering, especially when you drive other competing vehicles. It's downfall is reliabilty. Do not purchase this car for the long term and expect it to be as reliable as a Japanese vehicle. It went in for numerous repairs (tie rods, water pump, engine stalls,heated seats twice, transmission stuck in park) and failed to start on several occasions. It also died at idle may times.
Nice Car. Needs a better engine
BPL, 01/08/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a nice chassis and excellent interior. The oil leaking underpowered 1.8T is the weak point. I've known the original owner since she purchased it brand new. She took excellent care of it and kept up on regular services yet at 60000 miles it is leaking oil like the exxon valdez from almost every gasket and seal. I would expect better from a company like VW/Audi.
Quality Issues Galore!
Unhappy in Houston, 01/12/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My '99 Passat needed new brakes at 35,000 miles, the driver turn light assembly fell off (while driving 70 mph on the freeway)at 34,000 miles, the passenger side boot failed at 30,000 miles and was replaced by VW under warranty, at 36,000 mi. the driver side boot has failed and VW says is not part of the drive train, therefore not covered under the 100,000 miles warranty! We have owned cars for 20 years with fewer repairs!!
Nothing but problems
claret, 05/24/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have very little that is good to say about this vehicle, or Volkswagen in general. I have had several unresolved problems with this car and the dealership where I bought it. In addition, if you ever have a problem with Volkswagen don't bother calling their headquarters. You will get rude, inattentive service with zero resolution to your problem. Problems: Thermostat, spark plugs, "false" computer chip errors, etc.
Nice car to drive but...
Integraguy1995, 10/27/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've always driven Hondas and Toyotas and when my wife bought her Passat used with 95k, I was expecting a decent vehicle from VW as well. Boy was I wrong. "German engineering" in this case means that everything was engineered to fail at 100,000 miles. We paid $8,500 for this car two years ago and have put $6,000 into in repairs since. The timing belt and water pump were expected but when we had to replace the power steering rack, strut mounts, all four window regulators and had to fork over absurd money for German-made synthetic oil and filters to keep the turbo from blowing out, we were not pleased to say the least. Can't wait to get rid of this thing for a Honda or Toyota.
service sucks!!!!
uggghhhhh!!!!!!!, 09/20/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Don't buy this car unless you already have a good mechanic. vw dealership service sucks. Car has some flimsy features that malfunctioned less than a year of ownership. the other reviews were probably written by vw salesmen. the car is okay but there is no support from vw or dealerships after ownership...service really, really sucks!!
This is a Real Man's Car
tommy, 10/22/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my 1999 Passat three days ago, and it has well over 100,000 miles on it. I bought it from the original owner who kept the car as clean as a show room model car. I have a 2.8 litre V6 30 valve engine with a rare 5-speed transmission. I also have heated front seats, heated side mirrors, leather, sunroof, rear window shade, and every option I believe you can get. The 5-speed transmission is well worth the time, as I like 4 door performance sedans, the Maxima was another choice that I was considering, but when it comes to build quality and ride, i think the Passat took it hands down. On the highway the car is nearly flawless, hearing nothing but the sound of your own voice saying how happy you are to own this machine. I will buy another Passat.
Great for the first 3-4 years...
BigK, 01/20/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nearly problem free for about 3.5 years, but then a variety of SMALL issues came up: bad O2 sensor, belt tensioner, lights on dash burned out, etc. Various things that are annoyances, but don't affect the car's driving.
great car
crowdlr, 09/23/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very good performance, safety and looks great! The cup holder is the only drawback, but it does work.