Used 1999 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Most Low-Maintenance Car I've Ever Owned
waterwish, 02/11/2011
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought the 1999 Passat Wagon used in 2001 or so, with 24K miles on it. It had been an executive car at VW in Dearborn. It must have been charmed, because it was the lowest-maintenance car I've ever owned. I hardly had to spend a dime on that thing except for oil changes and some regular, reasonable maintenance. This was before VW decided to make everything so difficult to repair on all their cars, so the dealers could make a fortune off of consumers with silly repairs. I was able to do simple things like headlamp replacements myself. In 2004 I stupidly traded it for a new one at 0% financing and now I'm stuck with a lemon. Don't buy an '04 Passat Wagon!
my favorite car
m barbehenn, 04/02/2016
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I took good care of the car, followed the maintenance schedule, and it never let me down. Bought it when my daughter was 2.5, gave it to her when she turned 16, got it back when she went to college. Geared for the highway. Turbo boost at any speed. Still gets 33mpg.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
1999 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $1,3001,221 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $3,4502,187 mi away
Great car!
federico28, 08/07/2014
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
bought my car in 2012 with 164k today it has 195k I went from Los Angeles to New York and came back again to L.A without any problem. When I bought the car I replaced the main things to avoid future big problems, I replaced timing belt water pump and a few other little things. After that I only replaced a few small things nothing major until today I had to replace the clutch which lasted more than I expected since I bought the car knowing that the clutch was at only 20%. For the price the year, this car was worth every penny, I use synthetic oil and this car never quit on me or let me down. I believe the key in this car if you bought it used is how the previous owner toked care of the car
Old Enough to Vote, and Still My Favorite
Kathryn, 06/19/2016
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
After 13 years and 130,000 challenging miles, this is still my favorite car so far. Love the positive, detailed road feel, the steady handling, the get-up-and-go turbo, the seriously reliable FWD - keep the nose pointed in the direction you want to go and you'll get there, whatever the road surface or none. Excellent on tight, rough, winding Greek mountain roads as well as vast super highways at 90 mph. Very easy to learn exactly how long and wide it is, and parallel park on the first try with only millimeters to spare. Also, as a wagon, it can carry a phenomenal amount of Stuff and still have room for a dog and a child, with no change in handling. Some lesser items have been a problem: the rear window motors ate themselves up years ago and, since I rarely carry more than one passenger, I haven't felt the need to replace them. The sun roof has a mind of its own. Rarely, the transmission can be clunky when downshifting, but usually only once at low rpms, with weeks between; it has done this all its life. I rated reliability low not because of the car, but because of dealership repair and maintenance support. Be discerning; the nearest dealer did such a number on my car that I'd send it to the crusher before I took it back there. Luckily a new one opened fairly nearby (this is Texas, so 40 miles is 'fairly nearby') and their service is superb. If you need to use a non-dealer, find a VW-trained mechanic. It really does matter. I have no intention of replacing this car, and don't mind at all paying more than its current market value every few years for routine maintenance and age- and wear-related work (new headlights, vacuum hoses, suspension rebuilds - I do not believe in slowing down for corners). Parts can be expensive, but do not/not try to save by buying after-market cheap parts. It wants and needs OEM. The car has fairly low mileage because I also own a BMW 330 ci convertible, but the VW is my go-to car for any horse-feed hauling, transporting dogs to vets, Costco runs, or iffy weather of any sort: rain, snow, wind.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love it, BUT...
patboomer, 06/21/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car. It's great to drive, it's a great size, it's comfortable, it's great looking, I'd do another if it weren't for all the problems. 02 sensor out at about two minutes after the warranty on it expired, power moonroof I never use had burnt out motor to the tune of $600, I've had 5 problems with the four windows - 3 fixed under warranty, rear two I haven't bothered to fix since estimate was around $250 to fix just one. Every time you need to fix the brakes, it needs new rotors to the tune of $500.
228k and going strong
stillgoin, 06/25/2007
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Purchased new and have had reasonably good experience compared to some others. Timing belt tensioner pulley failed at 84k. VW rebuilt top end under warranty. I now change at 75k. Control arms replaced @ 135k, ignition module @ 140k, cruise control stopped working at 170k, driver's window operation is sometimes erratic. Still doesn't burn any oil, clutch is still tight, car is very tight, only one or two rattles. Still get 30 mpg highway. Will run it until the wheels fall off.
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.
My favorite car ever!
Jill in Portland, OR, 05/19/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love this car! I like the gas mileage (good for a station wagon). The heated seats are great on rainy days. I like manual while my husband likes automatic, so the tiptronic is the perfect feature for us. Leather makes cleaning up after messy kids easy. The car is very quiet and there's plenty of power.
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.
Fun to drive - rough on the wallet
Jeremy, 06/05/2009
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is really fun to drive. It handles well. It costs WAY too much to maintain. $900 to replace the timing belt. $500 to replace the brakes. Timing belt slipped and had to get the engine replaced. Found a used one for $3000 as opposed to the $7000 the dealership quoted me. Basically it's not worth having because it costs too much to maintain.
Never another VW
Earl, 02/19/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been my worst vehicle I have owned,first Wagon sold in Oklahoma nothing but mechanical problems. Electronic sensors contnue to go out which are expensive to replace, 82000 had timing belt replaced plus other repairs, $1200.00 now all cylinders misfiring, another electronic sensor,$800.00 plus. The timing chain behind cam loose and chewed up plastic shield making shrill sound when running, cost to replace $1100 plus. If I had taken it back to dealer would be much more. If I can sell it after repaired for what it is costing me to repair it will be gone and replaced with an American made car. If you have more money than you need by a VW it will soon be gone.
Great car!
Kaylene, 03/26/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I drove a stick shift, and it was the best car i have ever owned. I would recommend this if you love going fast. GREAT CAR!
Excellent car!
pdxpdx, 10/07/2010
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought our 1999 Passat Wagon brand new and have been thoroughly satisfied with it since. The fit and finish were superb from the start, a very high quality feel and SO fun to drive! The seats are incredibly comfortable, with firm support, and easy on the driver even on long drives. After 11 years now, we have only had almost no problems, outside of normal wear and tear. Very good gas mileage as well. Very happy with this car!
1999 VW Passat GLS Wagon
sdyver, 07/14/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had this car for over 3 and a half years with virtually no problems, until recently. While about 75 miles from home the timing belt broke at 79k (recommended change interval is 105k). The timing belt was replaced under warranty, but the dealership (not our local dealership) did sub-par work causing us to have it towed back to the dealer to fix all the problems. Other than this one incidence (which cost us less than $50) the car has been a pleasure to own and drive. We've taken it on numerous long trips and the seats are superb. The car itself if very versitile, highly recommended.
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.
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.
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.
very pleased
cchrissyy, 01/30/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am so thrilled with my new Passat wagon!
This car rocks!
Frank Shard, 09/09/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Wagon has 155K on it, and I have not had a single thing go wrong since I have owned it. The tires may have to be replaced with only 35K on them, but I think that's the tires, not the car. It sounds like some of these people got lemons or something, because my passat is rock solid! I think I can easily get 300K out of this car before it's all said and done.
So far, so good
Kathryn B, 02/11/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an update on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS that I bought to bring to Athens two years ago. There have been very few problems with the car, including a broken window track that Superglue took care of, and an intermittent refusal to start when warm that turned out to be a faulty O2 sensor. For that, I blame the repair crew: they couldn't find the problem for weeks, but when I took it to a dealer they knew what it was and fixed it quickly and cheaply. I drive very fast (routinely up to 100 mph for hours at a time) but smoothly, so don't I strain anything. I also tackle dirt tracks and very rough city streets. The car is still rock-solid at 67,000 miles, and running as if it were brand new.
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 $536 to replace and is not covered on the powertrain warrenty. The car is only 3 years old (purchased new in 2000) and has only 61K miles on it. Cruise control works when it feels like it. There are other issues that I am forgetting.
So far, so great!
KathrynB, 10/27/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 45,000 miles on it, wanting to bring to Greece a car roomy for family & dogs, compact for tiny streets, European-looking to not stand out, with German handling but no German price, clean underside for unpaved roads, great gas mileage and handling, excellent high-speed performance. That's exactly what I got. It handles Athens' packed traffic (open the sunroof, turn up Sting, let it loaf along), very rough dirt roads, & 100 mph highways with equal grace. It can beat the BMWs and Alfas through curves using only the automatic (although it has the no-clutch manual, too) It also parks easily on the sidewalk! Fine, fine car!
My Wagon
SWharton, 11/15/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have a 98 and experienced the same mechanical problem with both; at 45,000 miles something happens to the catalytic converter, the idle was way off (super high) and the car shakes. In California it is covered, but in any other state it is 450$ 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.
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.
99 VW Passat Wagon
cho88, 04/02/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The worst car I have ever owned, and I've owned at least 6 different makes of cars. Reliability extremely poor, with "check engine" light frequently going on, car stalling, water from rain sloshing through the car by my feet, radio volume fading in and out. Dealerships are also questionable, as I took it to 3 different dealers within 2 months to get the same problem serviced. Diagnoses ranged from "nothing wrong" to complete engine overhaul. Ironically I bought this car because I needed a reliable family car for my growing family--this turned out to be the worst family car in the world.
I like this car
joe p.e.g., 04/08/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been great through the years. It's fast too. Lotta pep. Way the nicest car in its price range.
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.
Inconsistent quality
mtharchitect, 09/23/2004
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like this car for its ride, handling, safety features and style but...at 52000 I am looking at a possible bad ABS brain and pump ($2000 part) a possibly bad turbo ($1000) and just replaced the oil cooler ($400) and the warranty expired at 50,000 miles. Its a nice car but make sure you get the extended warranty.
certain problems, but fine ride
widow, 06/08/2005
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Repeat problems: links/arms in suspension lose "permanently sealed" lubricant, causing a disturbing grinding & squeeking noise. VW does not accept responsibility to replace these prematurely worn parts. Occasional problems starting car; may be corroded wiring on underside or faulty ignition switch. Problems known to VW but little inclination to help consumer fix problem. When all said, I love the firm ride and handling of my wagon.
Unfortunate Experience
Former Passat Lover, 08/15/2006
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everyone told me that I should expect at least 150,000 out of this car. Well, it just died at just over 100,000 miles. Perhaps that is not just a bad story, except that I had to get the engine rebuilt at 75,000 miles, the oil pan replaced at 50,000 miles (the dealer gave me a hard time about the warranty too!), and just about everything else replaced along the way. Since owning the car, I have spent probably about half of the purchase price just trying to keep it in working order (and I am a responsible driver who takes it in for all the checkups). Drivers beware.
Love It!
Macrae, 03/16/2007
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got this car with 130,000 kms. last year. I took it in for service today with 206,000 with it's first problem (a faulty hazard light switch). During that time it got me from Alberta to Boston, and all over Canada at 130km/hr+ with no issues/maintenance other than oil changes. It runs smoothly, ALWAYS starts (even in -30C), and goes like a bat out of H. My previous car was a '94 VR6. That one lasted 400,000 miles and I'm thinking this one will too.
Great Car
Brandon/bswansea, 03/06/2002
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1999 Passat Wagon new in April of 99. It has the 1.8 litre turbo engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. The only option it came with was the leather & cold weather package combo, but I had them add a 6-disc CD changer and alloy wheels. the car is almost 3 years old now and has just over 38000 trouble-free miles on it. The handling and performance are very good. This car gets plenty of power and lots of low end torque.
Faithful and trust worthy
Steve, 06/25/2007
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I use my Passat wagon to tow a light boat trailer for my business. I had the tow hitch added aftermarket. This setup has worked beautifully over more than 230,000 miles. I've had no mechanical problems, and with the trailer loaded with rowing shells, I get 24 mpg.
I'm a VW lover...but!
jimbousman@yahoo.com, 06/08/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had 8 or 9 VWs over the last zillion years. I've had everything from beetles to busses, GTI/GlI's to Passats. They were bullet proof and cheap to fix. And then there's my '99 wagon. Love the car. Love the ride. Love the look. Love the toys...but do not love the cost of maintenance. When they tell you it is a bargain Audi they forget to tell you that Audis aint cheap to fix. Pay $500 to fix the ball joint, and $65 for a windshield a wiper relay and its trying to tell me something. I now have 106K on the clock and plan to sell it. Hate to sell it but this car is definitely not a high mile risk. Its a shame!
Daughters 1st car
ncsales23, 06/15/2003
1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Turbo 4dr Wagon
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Found this 1 owner used car with 51,600 miles. Had to replace a few minor trim pieces ($200) and put new tires on it. What a fun car to drive with the tiptronic transmission and sunroof. Daughter couldn't be happier. Excellent condition both mechanically and appearance. Was able to get 100,000 warranty on powertrain and this should be a very dependable vehicle for the next 3-4 years.