1999 Volkswagen Passat Review
1999 Volkswagen Passat Review

Used Passat for sale
Volkswagen Passat model years
Volkswagen Passat types
- Sedan
- Wagon
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Tight structure, fun-to-drive, comfortable seats, nice sound system, artful design, an Audi at Volkswagen prices.
Cons
- Excessive squat and dive when accelerating and braking.
What’s new
After promising the availability of all-wheel drive this year, Volkswagen, in a last-minute product change, has cancelled the Synchro all-wheel-drive option on all Passats for 1999 and will not be offering the GLS wagon with a V6 engine.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$168/mo
Passat GLS 1.8T
vs
$173/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The first-generation Passat never sold well in the United States. Weak original engine choices, ineffective early marketing efforts, and a muddled brand identity that defeated sales across the board all contributed to this car's seemingly invisible presence in the market. Of course, the plain-vanilla styling of the original car didn't let the Passat stand out for much recognition other than the lack of a grille on the nose.
Volkswagen managed to increase brand awareness, quality and sales during the original model's last few years. As a result, the first-generation Passat received a good bit of attention from consumers during its final months of availability. But it was getting stale quickly, so Volkswagen released a brand new one last year for Americans to ponder.
Two trim levels are available this year: the high-end GLX sedan and the entry-level GLS, which can be had in sedan or wagon bodywork. While the GLS sedan can be ordered with an optional V6 engine, the GLS V6 wagon, which was originally offered to support the extra weight of the defunct Synchro option, has been cancelled. The base GLS, which costs little more than a well-equipped Chevy Lumina, is powered by a zippy 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. Not long ago, we drove a couple of sedans equipped this way, and the cars zoomed to 60 mph quickly when mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Some turbo lag was evident at low rpms, but otherwise, the engine was perfectly capable of hauling 3,100 pounds of Passat. Equipped with a Tiptronic automanual transmission, however, the Passat GLS lacked verve around town.
Opt for a full-boat GLX and you're buying the top-of-the-line Passat with all the trimmings, at about the same cost as a well-equipped Toyota Camry XLE V6. Due to the cancellation of Synchro, however, the front-wheel drive GLX will not be available until the spring of '99.
VW's Synchro all-wheel drive system, now named 4motion, will not be available on any Passat until the 2000 model year, but consumers may see the cars hitting dealer showrooms as early as the summer of 1999.
A runaway success in Europe, the new Passat deserves acclaim. Based on a stretched Audi A4 platform and using plenty of Audi parts in its construction, the new Passat looks, feels, smells and drives like a more substantial car than its price tag would lead you to expect.
Passat's contemporary styling will wear well into the new century. In fact, we find the Passat's design more pleasing than the similarly sized but more expensive and somewhat avant-garde Audi A6. Our test Passats drove nicely, were solidly constructed and had great sound systems. The suspension rolled too much in turns, but otherwise, the car was perfectly suited to both canyon running and grocery shopping with the kids.
Volkswagen wants to double Passat sales in the U.S. After a week with the GLS five-speed, we doubt they'll have trouble. In fact, a GLS wagon with a sunroof, the all-weather package and an attractive set of aftermarket alloy wheels would be our pick of the litter. So equipped, it would compete with a well-equipped Ford Taurus SE. In 2000, when it comes with all-wheel drive, it will compete with the Subaru Legacy Outback wagon, but with better looks and that coveted German handling. For now, all-wheel drive contenders will be shopping Subaru instead, but the Passat is still a great choice for those who don't need to worry about blizzards or boulders.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
5 star(40%)
4 star(40%)
3 star(15%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(1%)
202 reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
don't be a victim of the dealer
keith_g, 09/26/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
Like many I have been told for years to stay away from German cars.
However my average repair on an American car was always $750. So how bad could it be?
I bought a 99 V6 Passat in Nov of 07 with 112K on it.
I was the 3rd owner.
I have had to fix the ECU, Control Arm and Power steering pump.
But with the car this age and miles that did not seem bad to me.
Also, if you have a German car … and you need a part!
LOOK ON LINE for it and save!
Example, the ECU traction control computer dealer and private shop cost, 1K4-1.5K$.
To buy new with 1 year warrantee, 600$.
To take it out myself, have it sent to a company that fixes it and ships it back with a 3 year warrantee, $168.00 DO YOU SEE MY POINT!
I would trust this car to get into it right now and drive to Alaska!
Love it!
Get the 2.8
4.38 out of 5 stars
Keep it simple
kathonic, 06/22/2013
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
I purchased mine with 190,000 miles prominently interstate and highway mileage. The car is lumbering around town, but can really move when you need it to (I've already avoided a few accidents because of it). Mechanically everything is easy to replace yourself, and often much cheaper as well, so if your considering the
5-speed V6 I would definitely invest in as much repair materials as … you can. If you're good at basic repairs and replacement this car responds well to them. A word of warning however, do NOT skimp on seals and gaskets, make sure they are in good order before buying this car, because they have the most potential to do the greatest harm.
4.5 out of 5 stars
excellent
adriannep, 09/14/2014
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan
I bought this car in 2012 with 150k on it. When bought I did some front suspension work on it and replaced all oil gaskets on it as a piece of mind. With the miles on it I went through the entire car and perfected i. Clutch done cus I wanted
Today this car reached 300k miles and it still runs like new. No lights on dash and still great gas mileage.
Will never get rid of it until the … tires fall of it.
German cars are great cars for those who know how to take care of em. They're not for everyone and u cant go to auto zone and buy parts for it and expect it to last. U get what u pay for. I have never been stuck with it and I don't think I ever will. Safe and reliable and good looking car.
3.25 out of 5 stars
Well.... 2 months later back on lot
kempboy, 08/02/2013
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan
I bought this car with 100,000 miles on it and from day one it was a fun car. The car was fun to drive when it worked... First to go was a valve cover and pep boys only sold one that cost me 47 dollars to do and I had to do it. Then I got another 10 miles on the car and oil and antifreeze was pouring out of the car from the oil cooler gasket cost me 350 dollars to fix. Now remember I … only drove this car 10 miles before this happened. This car was built well inside parts hold up however mechanically you need to know what your doing or your in trouble. I read reviews and didn't listen I should have these cars are trouble please take my advice and buy something else
1999 Passat Highlights
Sedan
GLS 1.8T
- Combined MPG
- 24 MPG
- Cost to Drive
- $168/month
- Drivetrain
- front wheel drive
- Engine Type
- Gas
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Side Impact TestNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
- IIHS Small Overlap Front TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front TestGood
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More about the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat Overview
The Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat is offered in the following submodels: Passat Sedan, Passat Wagon. Available styles include GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Sedan, GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon, GLS V6 4dr Sedan, and GLX V6 4dr Sedan. Pre-owned Volkswagen Passat models are available with a 1.8 L-liter gas engine or a 2.8 L-liter gas engine, with output up to 190 hp, depending on engine type. The Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 5-speed manual.
What's a good price on a Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 1999 Volkswagen Passats are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 1999 Volkswagen Passat for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
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Should I lease or buy a 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out Volkswagen lease specials
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