Used 2001 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Lots of problems with this one
Driving this car is exciting and fun. However, maintenance and reliability are a great disappointment. Replacing the transmission at approx. 75,000 miles was not cheap. Servicing is difficult, replacing a thermostat sits way in the back of the engine, requiring lots of dis-assembly. There is an oil leak that has been there for years, it will cost me several thousand $ in labor to fix. 2 power windows just fell into the doors at approx 150,000 miles. It cost me $450 to fix them outside of dealership- parts are expensive and you have to be a technician to get the door panel off. Typical German car, you need special tools to do anything, including removing tires.
Love/hate relationship with this $-pit
I love everything aesthetically and performance-wise about this car. But I HATE the repair bills. Last year it cost me $4K in total repairs, and more this year. I've always been good about oil changes and general maintenance, but man o man it got expensive after 100K miles. Tie rods, ball joints, brakes, O2 sensors (and there are a lot of them), catalytic converter. Engine light NEVER goes off. Now it won't pass inspection without $1800 more in repairs and I'd rather spend money on a newer car than old, so I'm saying good bye (and sadly, good riddance) to the first car I ever truly loved. Must say I'm getting a decent trade in allowance from a VW dealer. No one else wants to touch it!
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $5,500110 mi away
- GLX V6 WagonMSRP: $5,5001,019 mi away
- GLS 1.8T Sedan (Midyear)MSRP: $6,4951,866 mi away
Reliable Solid 2001 v6 5M 120K miles
Solid Build Quality Quiet, decent performance. Feels secure at highway speed compared to my Sienna 10 Major expense CV Boot (axle replaced), ABS controller, timing belt.
A Great Station Wagon
The moon roof is so loud when open that we could not enjoy the ride with it at all. So I went out to buy the wind deflector for it. It does a great job, but then, when the window is closed it generates a lot of extra noise. I still don't know if I liked with or without it better.
Some bad things some good things
Ok, it has been a good car but there have been some problems. First, in the last three months we have heard a rattling sound in the car....Over head cam tensioner needs replacing...., the running day lights have gone out twice...cheap bulbs burn out. The turning lights switch burnt out...needed replacing. Overall a good vehicle but beware it does not get mileage in stop and go. I live in NYC and my city mileage is like 170 miles on a full tank (12 gals). Better for surburban or rural open roads type atmosphere. Would probably have bought an SUV...
Best car I ever owned
We have had this car for a year. This is the nicest car i have ever owned. This is out of ten. It reminds me of the first car I ever owned which was a 1972 mercedes 280sel 4.5. You know solid and fast. We have had no problems until recintly. Both headlights went poof. I have read in the message boards that this is a 60.00 replacement. We bought this as a certified used car so hopefully they are covered under warrenty.We have the 5 speed. The car is comfortable, stable, and fun to drive. When my wife lets me have it.
Great Car, I love it!
Overall, I've been absolutely thrilled with this car. I've driven 60K miles in just over two years, and the only problem was losing an oxygen sensor ~50K. Handling in adverse conditions has been confident and sure, and it drives just as comfortably at 25mph as it does at 95mph. I've been impressed with the cargo capacity with the back seats down. And the gas mileage has been great. I often get better than 30mpg on long freeway trips.
Great Car
Great Car--Fun, Safe, and good for a family.
I am a little dissapointed
Overall, the car runs well. However, trying to perform basic maintainance (such as replacing a light blub) is impossible to do on your own. Had over 6 headlight bulbs blow out over a 2 year period, and VW does not seem to see a problem with the vehicle. They blame the manufacturer of the bulb. Had to take many trips to the dealer for this little inconvencience.
Never again
The car was brought brand new, driven with great care, never been in accident, oil changed every 4000-5000 miles. But it died twice and had to be towed in 3 years, same problem - the secondary air pump filled with water! The drive train was covered 100K / 10 years, but that pump was part of the "emission system" so I had to pay $750 each time to have that fixed. The second time it happened I traded it in for a new Toyota 2 days later and never will walk into a VW dealer again.
my car
a wonderful car, drives very smooth and is extremely reliable. looks like a spaceship at night with state of the art purple and red interior lighting. a pure pleasure to drive
2001.5 Passat Love-Hate Relationship
Owned since April 2001. The car is a delight to drive on the highway. It is smooth and relaxed. It looks beautiful, corners well, and feels solid. However, in traffic it is frustrating. Almost all of the power is obtained with the gas peddle only about half way down. Push down further and not much else happens. It makes the car feel real fast during a test drive but frustrating and very difficult to drive smoothly in a start and stop environment, such as through city streets. According to VW, this is all a "consequence of the design" and there is nothing they can do about it. All in all, I probably wouldn't buy this car again.
A Dud
I wish I could write great things about this car because it really is fun to drive. The seats provide great comfort for long drives and I love the styling. However, the car has spent 50 days in the shop in the last 6 months. It started with an oil leak that took tearing the engine down 3 times. I also have had a coolant leak and the transmission has leaked twice. The last transmission leak also featured a broken windshield when I went to pick it up. Then it was scratched installing the new windshield. Those aren't VW's fault. But I've been told that there are problems with both the 4 and 6 cylinder head design that causes leaks.
'01 GLX wagon: a beauty
never had any repairs or waranty work. did have an accident and getting parts for it through the VW network was very poor. i love this car, but the parts issue really dampened my enthusiasm.
Passat: An Enthusiast's (Family) Car
Great car to drive. Very comfortable and powerful on the highway. V6 is the way to go. The leather seats are the most comfortable I've ever had. Handling is better than several sports cars I've had. Monsoon sound system is a real blast -- best I've owned. Not too much bad things to say about this car.
LEMON
I bought this Passat brand new-what a mistake. Within 2 1/2 years the heater-core, radiator, and turn signals went bad. The dealer ripped me off for $500(trumped up charges)and VW did nothing. They swore these problems were from wear and tear on a 2 year-old car with 40,000 miles. Reseale was a joke! I could have gotten more for a Kia.
This is a nice car
Pretty reliable and the V6 with manual is a fun combo!
What a Great Drive!!!
We have had our Passat for 4 months now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It drives wonderfully- brakes quickly when needed and provides a smooth, quiet ride. We are looking forward to our firs long road trip in this car!
Best car I have ever owned
This has been a very reliable car. No problems. Only needed required maintenance. Brakes last beyond 50,000 miles. Great gas mileage and great in the snow. Has a lot of pick up for a V4 engine... no need for a higher end, gas guzzler for pick up.
good
acceleration lacks a bit but overall great car
best car
WE had a 2002 Acura TL back in 02 and just got this 01 passat in 2010. and it has more options and features then most 2010 luxury vehicles been driving the crap out of it, hard driving, long distance everything not one light has came on (check engine) or anything. its the glx v6 with automatic a/c and have no complaints me and my wife love this car and woudn't trade it for anythimg else, only complaint gas mileage (around city) and cup holders, but eveything else works great even with 145,000 miles you would never guess it had that many it drives like its brand new. anyway all I can say is we love and plan on keeping it tell it dies
chasbra New 01 Passat
Fun, safe, quick and confortable. I have 80000 miles in less than 2 1/2 years. No problems. The car is fun to drive and I made it even more so by adding the AVGO ECU chip. Now it has approximately 217 hp and 200+ torque. At 80000 miles I would normally trade by now, but can't get the chip for the 2003 yet, and can't find anything as good at or near the same price. It handles better than the 2004 Maxima, 2003 Altima, 2003 Mazda 6 and 2003 Acura TL/Cl Type S's. All of which I test drove this week.
VW FANATIC
ANYONE INTERESTED IN MID SIZE SEDAN PASSAT IS YOUR BEST CHOICE.
Best in it's class
The main problem with the car is a lag on the transmission - when you step on the gas, you wait & then it engages. I have also taken it to the dealer 3 times to fix another transmission issue, when coming to a full stop, often I hear a 'clunk' which sounds as if the transmission is moving forwards. Dealer tells me that it's nothing.. hmmmm.
Great Performer
The New Passat has been a dream to drive, it's really a great family car, and with the 5speed, gives you sportslike performance. We're buying a 2002 to join our 2001!
VW Moving Up The Benchmark
The new 2002 Volkwagen Passat pushes up the benchmark for all mid-sized sedans. The interior of this car could be found in the 7 series BMW or some other upscale luxury car. Fit and Finish are above reproach. Materials are top notch and the design is very pleasing to the eyes. Especially the biege leather option. The only failings I can find are the rear windows don't roll all the way down and also do not have the auto-up and auto-down as the front windows have. Xxterior is flawless on mine. Downside is exterior design. A6 is prettier. Engine compartment of V6 models must be seen. Neatest underhood I've seen. A little pricey, but worth it.
The Mercedes-Benz or BMW for the poor
These car is the best car ther is. I previously owned a ´93 passat glx and loved it.When I bought mine two months later the 2001.5 came out. I did´t care because is the same car. Actually the old 2001 looks sportier. I put xenon lights, aluminum dash board, and german plate. Looks amazing. Problems the driver´s door lock quit on me. Cost $250.The engine light came out, but it was the recall coils , so fixed at no cost. Bottom line, buy this european sports sedan.
fun to drive pain to fix
I love driving this car. It is stylish sporty for a sedan. Great leather interior. it is SO comfortable. However this car is haunted by electrical problems in the dashboard for many years.
OK, but disappointed
I do mostly city driving in my 2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T. There is a lack of power while in 1st gear. Getting into 2nd gear still has a lot of resistence. In the 29,000 miles that I have had this car, the tires went bald, the driver door latch stopped working and I had to hold the door closed while I drove it to the dealer, the driver's head light died, there have been rattles, the ride quality diminished (takes bumps harshly), the auto up driver window hasn't worked once since day one, and it is true what they say about VW service...short and rude. I pity those who have bought the $70,000 Phaeton and have to put up with VW's dealer attitudes. I'll go back to Lexus soon.
Best Car I have had!
This is easily the best car I have had and continue to have. It is extremely reliable considering I do push the car hard and never service it more than once a year/ It now has over 285000 miles on the clock and still runs perfect. I also have a Audi A4 (2007) and daughter has a BMW 530 (2006), its definitely a better car than these and a bargain on fuel consumption, maintenance and insurance. The only problem I have is the velvour interior attracts dust and looks out of date now and the build design is boring. But if your not worried about its looks then this is probably the best car in the world. Note its popular with cabbies hence must be reliable and cheap to run.
Beware
Ungaraged, the car looks fabulous. However, my problems started before the first scheduled maintenance, and went on and on. Had to miss work quite a lot. What option do you have when you have invested over 33K on a car. For details on what happenned please visit my posting on http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotiv e/vw_smoke.html. This manufacturer is nothing but problems. Please review thoroughly before you make a decision to buy this car. The reviewers give high marks to this car. Unfortunately, reliability is not one of their criteria.
Dependable Winter Car with handles.
I have only owned the car for about 8 months, but I absolutely love it. I bought the car from a guy who was meticulous in his maintenance and it has been extremely reliable. The guy also upgraded the suspension with Kuni springs and Eibach struts (plus UHP tires), so it handles ridiculously well. It is more fun to drive than any car I have ever owned and it's a station wagon! We also have a 100 Lb lab/Great dane, and he fits well in the back due to the largest trunk in it's class. I couldn't be happier with the car and it is an absolute pleasure to drive.
Not sure I have the same car as the rest
Solid - yes. attractive - yes. But can anyone really get used to the turbo lag? No zip to start or to accelerate for passing. I have taken to driving only in 'manual' mode of the tiptronic. Mileage 19-21 mpg. Also, there is so much road noise, I cannot comment on the monsoon sound system.
Do your research before buying!
Have to say I was pretty disappointed with this car. It caught my eye right away with its European design characteristics, but I have found that this is one of only a few highlights of driving this car. My Passat has been plagued with electrical problems, from a finicky headlight control switch to internal shorts in the heated seat switches that drain the battery, both which have high repair costs due to diagnostics and labor. Also have had 4 O2 sensors go out, with the replacement parts alone costing $160+. Have also had issues with coolant temp sensors and problems with front end alignment, not too mention a couple rounds of recalls. I really expected more from German engineering.
VW Customer Care doesn't give a care!
On the surface, this roomy and well appointed wagon was a pleasant surprise. The problem with VW on the whole is not with their product (although my 1.8T was flawed) but with poor customer service, starting with the dealer and continuing up through this misnamed Customer Care office. Worst auto delivery experience ever from any dealer. Service dept. is suspect. I'll not touch another VW product with a 10 foot pole! Anyone interested in a used Passat wagon?
2001 Passat Manual Tranmission 1.8T
Just wanted to toss in a quick note. Purchased a 2001 Passat 1.8 turbo (manual transmission) and the car has served admirably. Currently has 34,000 miles and, aside from the car being a bit noisier (both engine and wind noise) than I'd like, and two burned out lights (one headlight, one tail light) I've not had any problems.
Passat Sedan
Fun to drive. But not reliable. Very difficult to deal with dealer. Customer service are not too helpful. Repair can be very frustrating.
Oil Pump problems!!
I purchased my 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS model in July of 2002. In the three years that I have owned it, I had to replace the coils around 45,000 miles, and the oil pump at 60,000 miles. I just took my passat in for the oil pressure light coming on AGAIN, and found out that it will be $2000 to fix due to oil sludge. This is a VERY common problem occuring in the 2001 Passats. Please ask about this problem before you consider buying one...it is a very expensive problem to fix, and will continue to occur regardless of any repairs. I am trading my car in ASAP. It's a beautiful car, but it's not worth all of the problems!!! Very unreliable.
More Fun Than It Looks!
Purchased new and have had no problems. Great handling car, especially with replacement tires. Fun to drive with comfortable interior. Leather seats have held up well. Plenty of interior room for family of 4. I make regular road trips of 3 to 4 hours and with the fully adjustable seats have no problem staying comfortable (at 6'2"). The 4-cyl. turbo provides more than enough power and great gas mileage. I would purchase another Passat without question.
I love this car!
Truth be told, I bought this car for my dog... My 98 VW GTI VR6 wasn't quite big enough for all of our stuff for all of our adventures. After much research and forethought, we upgraded. The car is essentially an Audi A6 Avant in street clothes. I had it all... it was sexy, practical, and drives like a sports car [not quite as zippy as the GTI VR6, but still quite zippy!]. It's been two years now, and after several road trips [even took to sleeping in it rather than hassle with the tent!], snowboarding trips, home depot shopping safaris, and the occassional [I wish] commute, I'm happy to report I would make the same choice all over again. It's a fabulous car all around.
German Value
This is my wifes car.The new style Passat looks great. It's been trouble free. Quality is excellent for a car in this price range. I love the interior blue lighting at night and every button in the car lights up. Smooth and roomy with good power, I did expect better gas mileage than 21 1/2 mixed driving.
Better than an SUV
Great looking and equiped car for the money, basically an Audi but for thousands less. However, the build quality leaves a lot to be desired, squeeks and rattles abound and are very hard to fix. The turbo lag of the 1.8T is annoying and the engine is noisy. The MAF sensor went out at 32,000 miles ($500 to replace). The rear seats are a major hassle to fold down and the glove box and cup holders are a joke. The headlights are also dangerously underpowered on their low beam setting. Overall a good car, but disappointing build quality and reliabilty.
What a Nightmare
everything that has happened to all the reviews posted here has happened to ours. the engine finally gave out leaving my daughter stranded with two kids while the son is in Iraq. this has been the worst car i have ever bought in 30 years. The Worst!!!! they really need to do a recall on the whole car. thanks for nothing VW
Not worth it.
I have owned my used Passat for less than a year. I bought it with 70k miles, and it currently has 85k. In that time I spent $4000 maintaining this car. Engine leaks from everywhere, bad coils, and some preventative maintenance changing the timing belt and water pump. There are still issues with it I simply can't afford to fix. I really wanted to love this car. I really wanted a reliable car. This wasn't the right choice.
More than just Electronic problems
While I enjoyed my vehicle in the beginning, the car has dissappointed me in terms of reliability. It was a fun car to drive, but a combination of nagging problems and an uncaring dealership in hayward has compounded the problem. My initial problems covered by my lousy 2 year 24K warranty were: busted trunk latch, 2 busted headlights. Now, after my warranty has expired, my radio is completely dead. Close to 300bucks. 50bucks for the dealer to tell me it was broke. I can feel my power steering going out, my brakes will make a funny sound when I turn and brake, and engine will make rattling sounds that I've never heard before. Wish me luck.
VW New Passat GLS V6
good car; far more interesting and attractive than Accord, Camry, Hyundai. Probably just as good as Audi A4, but less expensive.
Great car
Great car very reliable and fun to drive
Money pit
This was my first "new" car. Had been driving a 93 Buick LeSabre with 100k+ miles that never gave me a problem. Bought the wagon in May '07 for $10,900 w/ 62k miles and spent $4,815.04 in 2008 on repairs ($391 so far in '09). I've lost track of all the issues I've had. Every time I go to the mechanic I ask "what am I doing wrong" the answer is always "it's not you it's the car, it's a VW." To name a few: Catalytic converter, 3 recalls, front pipe leak, and after a day of heavy rain the electrical unit died.
THE WORST LEMON EVER
I bought this car 4 years old and I can't remember the exact amount of miles then, it has about 110,000 now. Everything that could go wrong went wrong luckily I had an extended warranty. I always loved VWs but this car has turned me off to them completely. From now on I'm sticking with Toyotas or Subarus.
Worst Car I've owned. personally.
Bought the car after wrecking my BMW. The electronic rumors are true about VW's. So many sensors breaking and problems with the car. Had to take out fuse for the horn because it would honk uncontrollably. O2 sensor went out soon after I bought it. Broke down on the highway only after 6 months of owning it because the electronic systems all failed. Plain interior but not a bad looking car. I could have just got unlucky and bought a bad one though.