Used 2001 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Can't beat the German engineering
Aerospace Gerry, 05/27/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car now has about 35000 miles on it, and there isn't a single squeek, rattle, or annoying vibration sound to be heard anywhere. A rock solid machine, in the finest German tradition. The 1.8T rocks and yet gives me like 29 MPG while doing freeway speeds of 70+ MPH. The clutch has a nice full "throw" to it, and the braking is excellent. Only design flaw I can find is that the drink holder is hard to move to the closed position after it's been opened. And more importantly, it covers the opened ashtray when deployed. This makes it difficult to plug in my cell phone recharger into the lighter receptacle. Big Ger...the Aerospace Guy
Awesome
carole1003, 06/03/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my VW Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I originally thought that I wanted a Honda Accord. However, when I visited Edmunds.com and read the reviews for the Honda, it said to also check out the VW Passat. I'm glad I did! I read its review and then test drove it! I've never been happier. It rides smooth and I haven't had any problems. Also, it comes with a lot of standard safety features that are not standard on an Accord, like the side curtain airbags. I'm really impressed with this car! The only drawback is that it is a little more expensive for servicing than an Accord.
2001 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 4 listings
- GLX V6 WagonMSRP: $5,500287 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $5,500760 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $3,9902,067 mi away
See all 4 listings
An excellent, affordable, driver's car
johnw, 06/04/2003
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A terrific value compared to my previous Saab 9-5 and Saab 9000. Very little, if anything "lost" by "stepping down" to the Passat. The 1.8T engine and manual transmission are both terrific. Great low end torque and plenty of power. Great highway mpg - - over 30 mpg when cruising all day 75- 80mph. Excellent fit and finish throughout. Monsoon radio system is very good. Precise and predictable handling. Comfortable seats with good leg room. Drivers and passengers immediately think this car costs much more than it does. While the Camry and the Accord may be a bit more reliable in the long run, they are transportation appliances. This is a true German sedan.
Fun when it runs
JoeMaMa, 03/14/2008
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought new fall 2000 first problems right away. Coil problems and only 3 months old! Multiple trips to dealer before it was fixed. Over the next 4 years only a few trips to dealer for electrical related problems. Most trips were in the $400.00 range each time. Spring of 06 500 miles from home motor burns up due to oil sludge problem. After being required to produce all receipts for oil changes VW replaces motor and turbo. It's a miracle a trip to dealer that I didn't have to pay for. Except for van rental, crying kids and hotel. All this with only 54K on odometer. 6 trips to dealer since, more electrical problems. It's fun when it runs. (zoom zoom?)
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.
Fun car with spendy repairs
Lily, 09/07/2015
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a super fun and safe car. Lots of go, easy to manage, just all around a bad ass car. When it's not broken down. Mine had problem after problem. The transmission finally gave out at 172,000 and with that being 5,000 to replace plus $1000 for a catalytic converter and $1500 for a timing belt we sold it for scraps and got a reliable Honda. Fun to drive but hard on your wallet
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Passat 1.8T, best combo of fun and room
wwein, 03/24/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving my Passat for a year and a half and putting over 26k miles on it, I am still amazed by how the car does so many thing so well. Its wonderfully comfortable (I'm 6'4") and not tiring even on 500 mile trips to Maryland from New England. I use Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires in the winter and am able to go through almost anything. No surprises in a hail storm with 2 inches of slippery hail on the roadways. I love this car. The engine sounds great and pulls from idle. In traffic I can put it in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear and it will pull itself uphill without me pressing on the gas pedal.
As Mr. T says "Passats are fo suckas!"
FornerPassatSucker, 04/23/2008
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was the German engineering dream I wanted. It started off great but went downhill quickly. If you own any turbo passat, search "Engine Sludge", then walk, no run away from the car. Worse yet, when I could produce the oil change receipts from the life of the car (i bought it used) they would honor their "internal warranty" to replace the engine unless I got $2500 worth of different repairs. I was strong armed by the dealer. Stay away from this car and VW in general. I just got a Merc. Milan. read its reviews and got get one. They are way, WAY better than this hunk of junk. "I pity da fool in a VW Passat."
I LOVE it... When it runs!
Mphillips, 04/22/2008
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wanted a VW Passat for a long time. I looked for over 2 months and finally found a car in great shape. I had the mechanics checked out and drove the car for about a day prior to making a decision. I have now paid to replace the head gasket, valve cover seals, viscous fan, electric fan, radiator, electric fan switch, front wire harness and more. I have spent an additional 2700 dollars in repars since early 2007. I run full synthetic oil as recommended by VW. I change it every 3000-4000 miles (5000 recommended). I change filters regularly and run premium fuel (for the turbo). NOBODY should work on VW but dealer or VERY experienced. Dealer will rape you for part AND labor. Buy new w/full warranty
It will take your money and leave you stranded
Chuck D, 11/13/2020
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
These cars are FAST - well-equipped, comfortable and have a nice ride....but, with each water pump replacement (because the design of the motor equates to spoiled coolant, every 60,000 miles) you have to replace the timing belt. The housing for the air filter, doesn't seal, so you're going to have a lot of dirt in the air cleaner. The struts & tie rods, steering....brakes, all those things last less-so, than other major brands. Do yourself a favor and stay WAY away from VW - because my VW Mechanic in Hillsboro, Oregon said the older ones were made better than the new ones.......so THAT is scary. Sure, an '01 Passat is going to be cheap, and it comes with leather, a sunroof, power seats, remote entry and a fast V6 automatic - but you WILL regret the purchase. Go get a Gen 8 Accord V6.
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Where can I start
Tomy, 09/03/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car realy dissapointed me deeply. So much could be better.
I will never buy a vw again
No More VWs, 02/05/2010
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Got this car at around 18,000 miles and had no problems until 50,000 - right after it was no longer under warranty. Since, I have had the back breaks replaced three times in four years while barely driving it, the front breaks replaced, the rotors replaced, four oil leaks in 6 months, couple coolant leaks, broken keys, seat belt doesn't retract, lights in dashboard starting to fade, two different belts replaced, the whole thing groans when I get into the car, wheels squeak... I am at the mechanics so often they give me a hug when they see me! I'm sure there were more repairs but I've lost track. Bought this car bc of great reputation but too many friends have since had VW lemons. Never again.
horrible car...dont buy
david, 03/03/2010
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
never owned a worse car in my life!! Leaks oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Buying American made cars from now on!!
New 2001 VW Passat
bp1020, 11/18/2002
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Great car with no problems for the first 18 months. Drives and rides great. Plenty of power without the extra cost of the V6. I have the leather package, but without power seats. Seats are still very ajustable and comfortable. I drive 4 plus hours in the car on a regular basis and find it to be very comfortable.
YOUR 1.8T ENGINE WILL FAIL !!!!
Do Not Buy This Car!, 11/10/2004
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Look Out! VW is misleading customers by extending the internal engine warranty by 8 Years, Unlimited Mileage. They have notified customers of an oil sludge issue in August 2004. What do you know...my car is currently in the dealership with this exact issue at 63,000-miles and VW will not honor the warranty because my oil changes did not occur exactly at the 5,000-mile intervals. If you want a car that sits in the dealership a lot and will cost $$ in repairs (this repair is running $2500) then this is the car for you. VW is passing an engineering flaw in the 1.8t engine over to customers, by telling customers that it is normal for a vehicle's engine to fail.
Passat - A Good Vehicle
Paul, 08/10/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my first sports sedan and after four years of owership, I consider the Passatto be a very good choice. The car performs well in all weather conditions in upstate NY and is fun to drive. Its reliability has been significantly better than the new GM vehicles I have purchased in the past. With more hp and the value of a VW (vs. BMW, Volvo, etc.), I would strongly consider buying another the next time I buy.
Used Passat Purchase
mike meltzer, 10/17/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a certified used vehicle and so far has been excellent in handling and ride. The seats could be more plush though.
Fun and Reliable
vandal, 10/24/2006
2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX V6 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
What a great car! It is smooth, roomy, and has plenty of torque. It is well appointed. The interior craftsmanship is top notch. It is easy to get comfortable in any seat, which makes it great for long trips. It is 5 years old and its still as tight and rattle free as when it was brand new. The exterior is a cinch to care for. It handles well in all weather conditions, I've blown by other chain equipped cars on broken snow floor. This is absolutely the most reliable car I've ever owned.