Used 2001 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
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.
55,000 Happy Miles!
passate, 12/17/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I thought that I wanted a Honda Accord because of reliability. But the passat had only one problem... a burned turn signal bulb... That's it! really impressed with this car! The german solid feel and the expensive look is a great feeling! After two years and 55k miles I'm still enjoy driving the car... This is a drivers car...
What a nightmare
SoCalGirl, 01/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new and it started giving me problems before the 6 month mark. At one point the dealership had my car for 3 weeks. Is currently at dealer again and will cost $780 this time for a chip. Electronics choose not to work from time to time and close to impossible to maintain on your own.
2001 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- GLS 1.8T Sedan (Midyear)MSRP: $6,495862 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $5,500931 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $3,9901,330 mi away
See all 4 listings
A Sleeper that Does Everything Well
Solar1, 12/26/2005
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have put 15,000 miles on my 2001 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T with no major problems and I REALLY, REALLY enjoy driving it. My car has an Autotech rear sway bar and a GIAC chip (www.giacusa.com) which makes it quite fun to drive. it's sure footed, roomy, quiet, has a STRONG midrange and has responsive, well-weighted steering. The interior trim quality needs improving and yes, the headlights burn out quickly but these are not critical flaws. I just drove from Boston to LA and it was AWESOME. This is a great touring car and it really surprised me in the twists! It's no Honda Accord but I think that's a good thing - for a little more attention to maintenance, you can have a car with a lot more character. It is a nice sleeper.
VW New Passat GLS V6
jbaril, 11/09/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
good car; far more interesting and attractive than Accord, Camry, Hyundai. Probably just as good as Audi A4, but less expensive.
2001.5 GLS V-6
Summit, 02/02/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle new in 2002. Within three weeks, two taillights had gone out (bulbs). At 45,000mi the rear brake calipers had to be replaced as they were warped. Warranty did not cover it. On long trips, both my wife and I find the seats very uncomfortable, causing backache! Two speakers were blown with the Monsoon system. Great styling, no doubt. However, concerns about reliability haunt me. As this is my wife's car, I am used to the rock solid reliability of myToyotas. The Passat is a great road car though. Would I buy one again? Nope.
Fun to Drive, Very Luxurious
Yak, 02/09/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2001 Volkswagen Passat is a great car. It is fun, reliable, comfortable, and really feels like a luxury car. I get many compliments when I give people rides, or pick clients up from the airport with it.
2001 GLS Manual
euphoria68, 02/18/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this car about half a year ago and I love it. It's fun to drive and has better accelaration than old BMW 528. Great gas mileage once you get the hang of the trip computer. This car has most of all small features that others cars don't offer (Honda, etc)
My Passat
phista4169, 04/11/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has everything I have ever wanted except for a moonroof. this car is great, from being able to fit four guys my size in it with no problems and to how quick it is, It may not win any races, but it gets there with plenty of frills including windows that automatically go down and up.
Some bad things some good things
Not Too Happy, 02/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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...
fun to drive pain to fix
carmom22, 07/01/2009
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
No compromises!!!
LJWalters, 03/23/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic all-around vehicle! The car looks great, it's fast enough to be fun to drive (though it might be underpowered compared to competitors) and it's very luxurious, which helps enjoying the car on a day-to-day basis. I've had the car for over 3 years now, lease is almost up and I'm even thinking of buying the car b/c it's so great for my family & fun for me.
my car
Joel, 09/10/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
German engine-rng, Grt Dsgn, Headturner
xandre, 05/26/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I traded Audi A4 for a Passat. Other than losing the name-plate and sportier handling (esp. stability at high speeds and on curvy roads) that Audi A4 offers, I'm very satisfied with my Vee-Dub. Its reliable, and built like the upscale luxury sedans. Materials quality is great. I got rear- ended once but the bumper bounced back out leaving no scratch. But the panel and other stuff inside the trunk were slightly damaged. I replaced everything anyway (including the bumper) since insurance paid. When I decide to change, Ill most probably go for another Passat with more HP. I havent tried 4Motion yet, may be I should.
Great car
GregBlatty, 04/18/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car very reliable and fun to drive
Great Car
Jim Gaiser, 06/18/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great Car--Fun, Safe, and good for a family.
VW Passat GLX
akillebrew, 11/11/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exceptional choice, fun to drive, well built, just look at the number of copies for style.
Three year update...
jrb333, 03/25/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've now owned this vehicle for three years, and thought I'd do an updated rating. This car has been just excellent in every respect. It still looks as sharp as any car on the road, and it has been 100% reliable. Build quality is fantastic-paint, trim, and interior all look new. Still one of the best values out there. I highly recommend this car.
Passat: An Enthusiast's (Family) Car
Doug, 12/22/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Do your research before buying!
Nick, 01/21/2009
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
2001 Passat Manual Tranmission 1.8T
cnelson, 10/26/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Top Notch
Wizard, 04/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A fantastic buy. Mine was one of the first 2001.5 "New" Passat delivered to the area. The 4 Motion has been a dream in the cold frozen tundra of NE Ohio during the winter months. No problems with the car and I have 62000 miles on it. I experienced minor damage to the car in a collision when a vehicle hit me at about 45 miles an hour... I came out without a scratch... I attribute the car with being able to take a huge hit and keep on ticking.
Sweet Car!
boiselifer, 04/21/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this Car! Was looking at a Honda Accord or Passat and very glad we went with the Passat. Just as dependable as a Honda but with that great European style!!
Electrical Problems
Troy Gilbert, 05/15/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I based this car based on a recommendation and the lack of competition. Within 40,000 miles I have had to ake this car back numerous times for electrical problems. I have gone through three sets of headlights and three electrical clusters (Not sure of technical term). This cluster controls all interior lights within the car. Fortunatley I bought the extended warranty or I would have been in trouble by now. Each time I have had this cluster replaced it has managed to go faulty again within a year. To date we have spent almost $4,000 in maintenance related issues on this car.
Complete Package, Zoom, Boom and Wow
Chowdhury, 11/20/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really fun to Drive. I bought the car at 43000 miles. I have already put in close to 3000 miles. Still feels like I am driving brand new car.
Worst Car I've owned. personally.
palm, 08/19/2009
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Passat
shannyb, 12/09/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. I have had a couple minor problems with the glove box latch and the trunk latch not working, but both were easily repaired at no cost to me by the dealer.
Falling apart
Jacek, 07/07/2008
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new as a second car. In seven and a half years put on 42,000 miles. First thing went the batteries, little over two years old just after the warranty. Then the interior 'moving accessories', ashtray lid, broke twice, I don't smoke use it to keep change. Then the cup holder -terrible design every time I use it it feels that it will break. The wood trim and the shifter was next, new shifter over $180! Antenna and the rubber trim on it and around the base; need to remove the roof panel and the skylight to replace a $.50 gasket cost over 400 bucks! All the rubber trim is falling apart. Then the console mounting brackets broke, had that replaced for $370 Now a $3.5K bill for front end!
Reasonably Adequate / Leather Lacking
wpederson, 12/08/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This vehicle replaced my 01 Jetta which was too small. I love the endless list of features, like the auto up/down windows, and rear window shade, but the leather in my car looked fake (my Honda Accord has better leather) On a long road trip in a Montana winter the heating fan went out, if it wasn't for the heated seats I would have froze to death.
Absolutely Excellent till now
dechatts, 05/25/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I never had to go to a shop to fix anything other than the standard 5K oil changes and maintenance. Given 90% of my mileage is highway, I haven't replaced any part of the car till now except the front headlights at 42K miles. Well every time I go on trips and drive around in a lousy compact car, I realize how I value my car so much. I have driven this car at 100mph occasionally over brief periods although I would advice against doing it. A crash at this speed is a ticket to instant death. It is truely a autobahn car. Last time it was a little duel with a Audi TT roadster who finally decided to drive behind me for the next 30 miles.
This car was a dissapointment
SILVERADO1, 12/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had this car for 2 1/2 years and 13 visits to the dealer. Everything that can go wrong with a car has gone wrong. From interior trimming coming apart, the built garage door opener breaking in pieces, electric locks replaced, throttle body replaced, electronic dash console, faulty seatbelts, 2 recalls, power window failed at last minute before trade in. This car was a nightmare, couldn't wait to get rid of it.
Great Performer
PeterF, 04/02/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Nicest car I've owned
EchoBlu, 02/04/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although we bought this car used, it's still in fantastic shape and a dream to own. Very powerful (love that Turbo!) yet I feel perfectly comfortable and safe. Ton of features -leather heated seats, moonroof, power everything, floormats that lock into place-I love that! Very pleased with the purchase.
Best Money Can Buy
yulsa, 10/07/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having owned 2 older VW in the past I can say, that the new ones a greatly improved machines. They comprise a perfect combination of style, performance, reliability and value. You have the agility and fun of a German autobahn cruiser without having to pay through the nose for maintenance and repairs. Reliability is excellent!
Nice car
maggy, 05/17/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car drives well, plenty of performance and handling. Well designed and built solid, all of the whistles and bells come standard.
What a Great Drive!!!
Jen Blake, 06/22/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Love it
mel primmer, 01/09/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st German car I have had, will never go back!
Beats my Mazda 6
KJBell, 03/13/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used as a VW Certified vehicle for my wife. Since, I own a new 2003 Mazda 6s, I was amazed at how well this car compares and excels vs. the Mazda. Once you get used to some of the quirky German engineering controls for wipers and onboard computer, all the controls become intuitive. This car is as fun to drive as any I have driven and when compared to my Mazda 6s, exceeds in just about every category. I especially like the cool blue glow of the instruments.The 4Motion is great in the snow and ice of New England winter's.
Better than anything in it's class.
DSM, 10/10/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car simply blows away anything in it's class in terms of quality and drivability. It is an absoulte dream to own. Sure, it is a bit of a premium compared to other cars, but it is worth every penny. And as for "higher end cars" near it's class, still no comparison. The Passat is a classy car that is fun to drive. I have had no real problems with my Passat, and I have no intentions of parting with it anytime soon. And when I do, chances are it will be another Passat.
Huge Repair Bills
Frustrated, 06/06/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was fine until at 36,000 miles I had to spend $1,000 on the front end. It now has 58,000 miles on it, and I have spent over $7,000 in repairs in the past 2 years. I am a safe and careful driver, and have done proper maintenance. The front end just keeps falling apart. The CV joints, CV boots, axles, tie rods, and control arms all had to be replaced on both sides. It has had oil leaks and brake problems too. I am extremely disappointed. I wanted to drive this car for 12 years, not five.
Great Long Term Relationship
taxman, 06/01/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
just over three years with the car and couldn't be more pleased with the overall experience. A little more excitement would be nice but absolutely nothing has gone wrong - not a hiccup. Fresh Poetenza 950s have made a difference over OE Michelins. Sylvania Silverstar bulbs also. Other than these and Mobil 1, ain't done nothing else.
Love it
dy, 04/06/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought as used after 3rd child. Went from pick-up to a very fun to drive car. Power is adequate and handles well. Hopefully, this car will hold up. So far so good after 10 months and 10k miles.
A Dud
DaveGr, 05/21/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
A Practical Sportster
Merckx2, 04/24/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is unbelievable value for the money. It's incredibly fun to drive- very comfortable,too. The longer I own it,the more I like it,and I loved it the day I bought it. The exterior design is very pleasing. The domed roof is just now being copied (Altima);it is the handsomest sedan on the road right now. There is just something very engaging about it.
Don't go near this car!
stayaway, 05/31/2008
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stay away from this car, unless youre OK spending thousands of $ on repairs. Unreliable, constant repairs. VW Service Center unable to appropriately diagnose. $1OO each visit for them to even diagnose - never fixed. From check engine warning light to cracked hoses, leaks throughout the history of the car. A Lemon. Worst all around car experience from purchase.
Pretty, fun
SpaceDude, 04/21/2010
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this 2001.5 model (2001 base with updated looks of 2002) = driving older car that looks like newer. Overall quality of the car was pretty good, no dingelingding during driving, doors closed with a good, Mercedes like smack. Engine was so-so: The turbo kicked in a bit late, which created interesting situations as 4 way Stops: You step on the gas, nothing happens, so you step more into it, and all of the sudden the care takes off (rubber donuts, squeeking wheels, the whole show). Once moving, car was fun to drive. The mirror-adjustment joystick's position is inadequate when you're 6"+ tall: your knee will rip that thing right off while getting in. Had quite a few electrical issues though.
Passat
Doc Padre, 01/28/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, but small things are breaking constantly. Primarily cosmetic. Trim has come off three times, two inside and one outside. Warranty is covering, but a nuisance.
best car
roy, 04/26/2010
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
very nice car
lyons, 02/04/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Whenever I read a review of a Passat, it usually states that it was just like a Saab but didn't break down. After being left stranded more times than I can count with Saab, I drove the Passat and fell in love. This has been a flawless car - and it's never left me stranded.
This is a nice car
Mike Mc, 02/16/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pretty reliable and the V6 with manual is a fun combo!
Best Car I have had!
Zablan, 06/01/2009
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.