Used 2000 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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.
vw passat
This is a great wagon at 12 to 15 k less than bmw saab and volvo. Its a great value and fun to drive. I especially like the 4 wheel drive , heated seats and tiptronic transmission. Only problem is wind noise when sun roof is open.
Lots of Car for the Money
The first month i had this car I kept wondering why traffic was going so slow. When they pulled over and i went past, I'd look down and see I was going 100mph. This car is faster and handles as well as my BMW325. Spacious,comfortable,reliable and fast. A tremendous deal for 21K. Has 72K on it now and is still perfect.
- GLX V6 SedanMSRP: $4,995918 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: N/A763 mi away
Bluefrog reviewes the Passat
The most striking feature is how effortless the car is to drive. I am always confident that the car will go precisely where I want it to go. After 45,000 miles, I have had no problems, and even at 80 mph, I get 30+ mph.
Don't Buy this Car or from Dorschel VW!!
I have had nothing but problems w/ my 2000 V6 Passat. After a year of driving I had on and off Emission problems for a year...numerous O2 sensors replaced and finally the coil wire and a recall put an end to those. In total about 6 trips to the dealer for the repairs over a years time. This fall w/ 36K miles my timing belt and water pump fail resulting in a complete engine rebuild which took my dealer Dorschel VW of Rochester, NY 5 weeks to repair. Now 3 months later I have a coolant leak requiring the engine to be taken apart again to be diagnosed.
VW Certification is a Scam
The Passat is fun to drive, powerful, and it looks good, but I have had so many problems with the car. I bought it as a certified used vehicle but still I am having a lot of problems in the first two months that I have owned the car. The certified program of VW is a scam. Don't believe it. Get it checked by another mechanic. Make sure you know all the 112 points of (so called) inspection when you go to buy this car and ask for every one of them. It is your right. And it will make sure the dealer you are talking to actually did the work to certify the car. Mine did not.
Honeymoon over
Former lease car, immaculate and spotless, purchased at 30k miles from very reputable dealer. Really placed my faith on Consumer Reports rave reviews. Loved it at first, fun to drive, solid. At 50k things start to come undone, brakes, front end rattles, transmission issues, I blow headlamps every 3 months (service guy said "yeah that is an issue with these cars") radio reception is horrible, I agree with other review, seems to be a screw- up....maybe it was built on a monday
Good Car
This is very comfortable car. The seats are the best I have ever sat in. The interior is well designed in general the styling is good. I am writing because so many people have written about the emissions workshop light. This happened to me as well. The dealer said that there was a recall on it and simply reset the computer no charge. The dealer has been OK but they are out for every dime they can get. The interior door handles' plastic is flanking and the steering wheel is worn as well. As many have mentioned the cup holders leave something to be desired. On the highway this car is great. It feels like an Audi. However this V6 is all top end power, off the line it is a bit of a dog.
00 GLS review
We like our Passat, the only exceptions are maintenance costs inc. engine timing belt replacement is recomended at 65k at a cost of around $600.00 Yikes! Why should the owner have to pay such a big price for this shortlived engine item? If you don't get this done as maintenance it could cost you a fatal engine breakdown.
Fit & Finish
I purchased based in reseach (Fit & Finish) and our interest for fun w/a stick. Got that and great mileage. Husband loves this car & drives most often. Have had regular servicing and no mechanical problems. Had to have bumper repainted once from bad driving in parking lot. Our 6 year old hates this car. Car seat didn't work well & now he's too short & tends to get car sick. No arm rest this model year (2001-2). I miss being able to rest my arm on window while driving...
All around great car
I have owned this car for nearly three years and have been very happy with it thus far. I have never had a problem with the car and it drives like the way it did when I drove it off the lot. The interior is really comfortable, the engine is quiet and smooth, yet powerful, and it is a great car for children with car seats. The styling is still attractive and it is fun to drive. This is the only car that I have owned that I would buy again. Kudos to VW on making a great car at a competitive price.
Passat GLX 2000 Review
I love this car. It drives sweet and is powerful. Nice styling in and out. Kids love it. Seat warmers are butt- savers in the winter. Not ostentatious like a Beemer or Benz, but feels like one and offers same amenities. Fold down back seats can be used as bed when going camping!! LOL
Love my VW
Excellent car, I'm now a VW owner for life. Only problem was a bad mass airflow sensor, which is pretty common on these cars, good thing i got a warantee. the new sensor is almost $400! Would reccomend this car to anyone, the ride is as good as any audi ive been in, exceptionally smooth and quiet.
Late Blooming LEMON
For 3 years, the Passat performed admirably, best car I'd had. Loved it 6 months ago, mechanical problems developed, valve and gaskets, replaced heater core,2 temperature sensors, clutch, rear brakes, coolant system, engine mount, tie rods, 4 tires,(3rd set of tires)hoses, and much more. My car has been in the garage for a month now, and it cannot be fixed by them or the 2 super expert techs who go to dealerships to deal with difficult problems. What to do?
Overpriced and Overrated
VW customer service leaves alot to be desired. There is a reason the warrenty is for only 24,000 miles. New radiator at 42,000 miles, $600.00, ouch!! Selling, and buying another Infiniti I35. They wrote the book on qiality and service!! Auf Wiedersehen VW.
DRIVING IS FUN
FUN TO DRIVE, GREAT VALUE FOR PRICE. CUP HOLDERS ABSOLUTELY POORLY THOUGHT OUT. CAN'T PLUG IN CELL PHONE AND USE CUP HOLDER AT SAME TIME.
Fun to Drive Passat
I had never owned a Volkswagen until the purchase of my 2000 Passat. This car has truly impressed me from the stunning interior to the sleek outer curves of the car. In comparison to my former car, (2001 Pontiac Grand Prix), it is a hands down favorite although i do miss the raw horsepower, when cruising at 80 mph i don't know the difference with the exception that i am getting a smoother and better handeling ride. I would advise everyone reading this to go out and test drive one today.
Happy Passat Owner
Test drove Maxima, Accord and other used cars. Passat was best overall- most comfortable, safety features, good performance, excellent engineering. I have 45,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. Very quiet on the highway and smooth around town.
Fantastic car with minor flaws
It's a VW! Fun to drive. Many first- time passengers comment on what a nice car it is. Huge trunk (wagon) and passenger space. Love the sunroof and interior. Noisy auxiliary air pump (?) when engine is cold. Kids broke fragile rear cup holders several times. Don't try the windshield washers with the windows/sunroof open. Bought new for under invoice. Most enjoyable two hours of shopping in my life.
30000 mile report card
Just hit 30000 miles. At 24000 miles passenger side power window motor replaced under warranty. Numerous squeeks and rattles. Window washer fluid resevoir leaking now.
This car sux
I purchased the car used and for the first week was very happy. During the second week of ownership the check engine light came on and the emissions workshop indicator. After repeated visits to the dealer, the problem was unidentifiable. They replaced the MAF sensor and did other work. Fortunately the car was under warranty. However, a week later the check engine light went on again. After driving the car for a couple hundred miles the light went off again. Ever since then the light comes on and goes off whenever it wants. The car is not worth it. At the first opportunity I plan on dumping the car after 6 months.
They forgot to sweat these details
Poor reliability. $4000 in repairs in year 4 of ownership. Oil cooler gasket, valve cover gasket & cam seals, windshield wiper fluid reservoir pump and tank replaced, (Mass airflow sensor replaced after numerous problems catalytic convertor replaced, warranty), rear passenger window regulator replaced, driver side will need replacement soon, new battery at 60k km's, throttle body service 2x, rear brake light bulbs replaced withing first year, headlights replaced in 2nd year. new tires, uneven wear, rear brakes replaced 60k km's. Current milage: 96k, km's Cup holders are useless and are all broken. 1.6 km per mi
Buy Something Else
Nothing but PROBLEMS and expensive maintenance. Serious problems: engine coils failed (recall), replaced a power window motor in 1st yr, computer problems at 20k, $800 brake caliper at 45k (dealer couldn't believe it - "very rare"), check engine light at 60k - dealer said we might have to replace the engine!. Fit and finish problems included loss of interior molding over curtain airbag and broken trunck latch, armrest and cup holders due to flimsy contruction. Simple light bulb replacement for A/C panel - dealer suggests not to fix due to cost of removing dashboard!
We'll never buy VW again
From day one we've loved this car, we still love it. BUT, the headgasket blew at 30,000 and the steering rack went at 36,000 - the latter, not under warranty. The dealer agreed to split the cost - $2000. For a car with so few miles on it, these are two MAJOR things to have go wrong. I want to love VWs, but we're going back to what we've always had good luck with: Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans.
Almost perfect
This is the best car I have ever owned. It is an excellente automobile that may be unbeatable for the price.
What's not to love?
Purchased new in 2000, this car continues to please. Biggest regret was not getting the leather seats; with two young children, cleaning the upholstery has been a chore. A small rattle has developed in the RF passenger door, but otherwise the car is as solid as the day we brought it home.
Greatest car I've owned
I've owned my Passat for over two years, and have had no problems at all. It is fun to drive, handles well...only problem is paying attention to not drive too fast..
Great Driving Disapointing Ownership
Ownership experience: Check airbag light: worked on 3 times before resolution Batteries : 3 (The car has 30,000 miles) Dead electrics on left rear door 2 times in the shop before resolution. CD Changer: dead 2 months after warranty expired. Windshield washer fluid leaking in the tailgate 6 months out of warranty. Interior dome light switch: falling off 6 months out of warranty. Wooden Shifter handle: cracked 6 months out of warranty. All of this is simply inexcusable for a car in this price range.
New fan of Volkswagen
I purchased my Passat from a lady a few months ago. It is a very nice car. It looks good on the outside and has a killer sound system. All my friends love it, and I can't get enough of my heated seats and sunroof. Before I knew this car, I didn't like VWs, since the Beetle had always annoyed me. Now I am a new VW fan and love my car! The only thing I need to get used to is the low gas mileage (my old car got about 38 mpg). This car is fun to drive and the 4WD makes me feel safe. I tested it on a curve with and without it on, and boy does it make a difference! This car is pretty fast too, especially compared to the Toyota Corolla that I used to own.
Nice Car!
I like the Passat very much - it is a quality car. I find instrumentation difficult to read in the daylight. VW surely could have done a better job designing and lighting controls for daylight operation. It rides like a champ!
Couldn't Be Happier
No wonder Consumer Reports has picked this as the best car in its class for several years running. Quick as a Maxima, rated safer than a Volvo, quiet as a Camry, handles almost as well as a BMW and rides better. This is my first VW. I have owned Honda, Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, GM, Ford, and Chrysler. This car is the best.
Passat wagon-love it
I have been very happy with my wagon, with basically no trouble.
EXTREMELY DISAPOINTED
I FELT IT URGENT TO DO A REVIEW ON THIS CAR. CONSUMER REPORTS RATED THIS MODEL YEAR BEST FAMILY CAR. ILL TELL YOU WHY WE WERE DISAPOINTED. CUP HOLDERS IN TERRIBLE SPOT, FUNNY SMELL FROM ENGINE THAT CANT BE EXPLAINED BY ANYONE, YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR DRAGGING ON THE GROUND, BLACK FABRIC INTERIOR A NIGHTMARE TO KEEP CLEAN, SMALL PIECES OF RUBBER AND PLASTIC LININGS FOR CONSOLE AND REAR CUPHOLDERS COMES OFF WHEN VACUUMED, CANT OPEN UP CUPHOLDER COMPARTMENT IF YOU SPILL SOMETHING. THE STEREO SYSTEM SOUND IS MUFFLED AND THE FUEL ECONOMY RATING IS NOT TRUTHFUL.
Love the car but tooo many problems
I absolutely loved this car until the last 2 years after the warranty expired. had to replace way too many parts, like noc sensor, cluster, tie rods, entire cooling system. Otherwise the car is great to drive.
I wanted to love this car
I thought we had found the perfect car. The clean lines, nearly perfect ergonomics, elegant interior and great road manners made me forget that I was driving a station wagon. Unfortunately, the car was bedeviled by endless quality problems that had us endlessly returning to the shop over and over. On 3 different occasions, it blew major engine or transmission seals with catastropic results. The electrical system shorted repeatedly and countless other little things went wrong. Thank God we had an extended warranty.
This car is a monster
While I love to drive this car, it is a repair nightmare. The car has only 33,000 miles on it and I have already purchased a new clutch and timing belt. Not to mention the myriad spooky electrical problems and the fact that the "emissions workshop" light is almost always on no matter what I do. Run, don't walk, away from volkswagen. The car is truly unreliable, and the service is awful. (My car was completely dead and they wouldn't even look at it for 3 weeks!)
Smooth and reliable
In the past 2 years the car has performed nearly flawlessly. The only warranty issues were a broken rear seat belt guide, and a dissembled rear ashtray. It starts and runs willingly, accelerates energetically and handles predictably and securely. On the highway it cruises very smoothly, and has exceeded 30 mpg on several occasions. The cruise control is the most accurate I have ever used.
First and Last VW
I love driving this car. It handles well and is the perfect size for me. But...I it's been pretty high maintenance. So far the fuel injectors have been replaced while still under warranty (whew!). The front brakes have been replaced and the most recent and most expensive repair was for the driver's seat heater which burned out.
I love my Passat!
This car has been dependable, comforatble and a pleasure to drive. There is PLENTY of room for back seat passengers, and the amount of cargo space is amazing. I have had to make several long distance temporary moves for my job. I can fit all of my essential housewares/clothes/belongings in my sedan with no problem!
Excellent Car
We have owned our 2000 Passat Wagon with the 1.8T since new. Over the 6 years we have owned it, we have been very pleased. We had a minor problem with the aux. air pump and the MAF sensor, but VW replaced them for no charge. Also, the water pump became noisy about 1,000 miles ago and they replaced it also for no charge. Other than these minor problems, the car has been fantastic. I have recommended it to friends and relatives, and they have also had great success. So, don't listen to all these negative reviews. This is a roomy, comfortable, fuel efficient, fun car. Buy one!
Marvelous Passat
Great car, fun to drive, very functional style, safety first, and very reliable.
VW Passatt GLS 2000
Since I purchased my 2000 VW Passat I have had absolutely no problems. The car has been excellent and has not required any major or minor mechanical repairs. I have driven the car twice to Florida (w/out stopping) and got excellent gas mileage (at 30+mpg!). Reliable, safe, economical and good looking!
love/hate relationship
I have a 2000 Passat 5spd turbo. 1st yr car to the dealer 6 or 7 times because the chck eng light went on for varied problems. Second yr chck engine lt & other problems (some pump went & all the fluid ran out of some important place) (I know nil about engines). Just after warranty expired a problem arose to the tune of $700. Had to pay a $90. diagnstc fee. VW paid 1/2 of $700 since I had been calling & complaining re problems all along so I was on record. Just a few months ago the boot quit locking. Lid so heavy, had no prob riding with it ajar didn't realize trunk light was on battery went dead replaced both boot lock & battery & climate indicator bulb
45000 miles and still turbos like new
At 45,000 miles I have had zero problems with the car. The car came with zero defects. I have the car serviced per VW spec (cost is not unreasonable). The fit and finish is superb (inside and out). Looks great and drives great. The engine is smooth, powerful and economical. The ride is awesome. The five speed transmission is a blast (would be 20% more fun if it had a six speed).
Don't buy this car again
It was good to drive within the 2 year warranty. The trouble appeared immediately after the expiration of the warranty, firstly the engine check light without any warning, then is the secondary air pump started to make noise every time I start my cold. It became worse over the time. Recently the vaccum hose was broken and I have to tow the car to the dealership. Do not mention I have took vacation off. The trouble did not stop, now there is some more troubles related to annoying noise. Anyway, the car is in the garage every two months. The dealership are not very nice either.
Solid Sedan
Never had a problem with it. The turbo is certainly sufficient (there's no need for the V6). The only bad thing was the short 2 year warranty. Fortunately this has not been an issue.
Good car so far
Just turn 4 years and 60,000 miles on the car. Still love the time I spend in it. It is just a kick to drive.
V6 Passats Eat Oil!
This car has consumed oil since I first bought it. VW says "it's normal" to add 1 qt. every 2,000 miles. I have never owned a car that went through oil like that. It does not smoke or leak oil. What kind of engineer would design a car to use oil like that? I had a Honda Prelude with 185,000 miles on it and it never used any oil between changes. I will never own another VW.
best sedan for the money
Super quiet and smooth car! Excellent handling. Neat Tiptronic trans.!
Love my 2nd Passat
I love my 2000 Passat GLS. This one has the 5-speed stick, which makes the car much more fun to drive. My 1998 Passat (RIP--smashed up by a drunk driver) was the Tiptronic automatic. Much slower.
Passat GLX 2000
The Passat GLX is an excellent automobile and mine has given me great service. It is a pleasure to drive under all circumstances. Where I live, the roads are not the greatest, with cobblestone streets in my town. This has resulted in some wrattles in the car which I probably would not have otherwise. Economy is good enough, considering the engine and how I drive. Tiptronic is a great transmission system.