Volkswagen Passat (1996 - 2005) Reviews, Pricing & Specs

This car is great on gas, it's a mid-size sedan that offers a lot of space! The acceleration is pretty impressive and it handles very well. A very good looking car, fun to drive with good visibility. Repair costs are on the higher hand but these cars require really few repairs, they're really well built and the gas mileage is really good. Overall, this car can pack up the miles better than most other cars of its category!Jan 05, 2015

Acceelerates very quickly, brakes in no time, and with a few adjustments handles like a charm. Does have some issues with the emissions workshop checklight, but overall no really expensive fixes. The styling of the car is beautiful and the interior is very luxurious. I can get anywhere from the mid 20s to about the higher 30s for MPG depending on how I drive. One of the most fun cars I've ever drivenFeb 26, 2011

The only problem is the cup holders are essentially nonfunctional. The car is peppy with the V6 although over 200 hp would be better than the 190 it is rated at. Brakes well. Minimal repairs, had to replace the clutch but that's more due to my aggressive driving than the car. No squeaks or squeals. Minimal cost in terms of parts needed. Interior is nice but I would opt for the leather seats if one has the opportunity. Materials are pleasing to the eye and the blue lighted gauges are awesome. Handles the corners well, as a european car should. I have fun driving the car. I have a 5 speed manual transmission, which is a good transmission and makes the driving a bit more spirited. Fuel economy is decent. 22 mpg approximately and that's with a lot of spirited driving. Jan 03, 2011

I drive a 1996 Volksagen Passat TDi. It is a turbo Desiel injection, or TDi, and gets 45 highway and 37 city. This car has a decent resale value but why sell it. You make more money just off the gas mileage alone. Although it is great on gas it isnt the fastest so dont buy it and expect to win races. 0-60 in about 10 seconds isnt racer stats. So if your looking for a fun nice car that wont ruin your wallet size then get this car, but to have more fun i would get the stick, thats what i drive and i love it!Sep 28, 2010

This is a very solid car with many amenities wich compares with more expensive veihicles. It has an excellent ride with the perfect balance between high speed firmness and low speed comfort. The german engineering is palpable in all areas inlcuiding the fit and finish as well as the quality of materials. As all VW it needs special care in the maintanence and accesories wihc tends to show thier age ahead of time. Besides this is trulyan "inexpensive" drivers car.Jun 17, 2010

Performance - acceleration=Good steady pull, Climbs hills, geared for the autobahn braking=Quick and predictable handling=Tight (not 'sharp'), flat (almost no roll), and inspires confidence Build Quality - It came with a thick stack of receipts for repairs (hope everything is sorted) It feels really solid, and doesn't rattle at all, with over 150,000 Mi. Appearance - Quirky/boxy and oh so German. Cost of Ownership - So far so good. The fuel economy is AMAZING, even while driving sporty. Fun Factor - Super conferrable, and fun knowing you aren't spending a ton of cash driving.May 28, 2010

I loved this car - it's why I bought another one. This car was nothing more than a base model GL, but there were lots of features that came standard that in my opinion elevated it to something special. I've replaced it with a 2007 Passat Wagon 3.6L 4MOTION that has everything but navigation. The creature comforts would cost several thousand more in any other German brand.Feb 19, 2010

Superb gas mileage, manual transmission is a joy to swap cogs with, precise (if somewhat numb and slightly heavy) steering, exceptionally dampened ride without feeling at all float, though it does roll a bit in more aggressive maneuvers. Acceleration from 2500rpm onwards is very good; with close to 200hp, though, the limitations of FWD become quite apparent under hard acceleration . Quiet around town, with some road and wind noise at speed. Maintenance is quite expensive.Oct 30, 2009

Overall the car was a good value, had all the toys that a luxury car would have, but had the price tag of an economy car. Performance is solid, the Germans know how to tune a vehicle. Build quality is good, and the car is fun to drive. The best thing about the car is the styling because people always think its a brand new car even though it's an 02. Overall, it is a good choice for a car.Nov 26, 2008

It's a Diesel!! What more can I say about 40 mpg every week! With the Turbo Lag I can pass people easily without losing too much fuel efficiency. Cost of ownership is great - minimal repairs, just regular maintenance. Very fun to drive especially with the Triptronic shifter I can pretend I have a Manual transmission and shift back to Automatic whenever I want!Oct 24, 2008

I bought the car as new. After about 50,000 miles things started to fall apart, coincidentally that was right after the warranty ran out. Inside door trim fell off. Glove compartment latch broke and it cannot open. Moon roof opens and closes at its own will. Lose connections for front lights. Bulbs burn out too often. Protective shield under engine fell off. Difficult to change light bulbs, rear lights need special tools so you need a mechanic. Had to get new waterpump, it is in the timing belt compartment, so also got a new timing belt. Now flex pipes are leaking. Check engine light comes on even when no problems can be detected. VW service dept. always trying to sell you unneeded and expensive service/parts. Like a $600 brake disc. The actual engine and transmission seem to be functioning well. I will not buy another VW nor will I recommend it.Mar 11, 2008

I absolutely love my VW - we have 3 in our household. It is the 2nd brand new car I've purchased - ever, I've had it 3 1/2 years and every time I get in it - it's like the first time. I bought a brand new Saturn Ion just before the VW - drove it for 6 months and after driving a VW Golf, I was thoroughly convinced I had to dump the Saturn and get myself a VW. I originally leased this car, and ended up buying out the lease early because I loved the car so much. I am not sold on the styling change after 04, they look more like Japanese cars to me now....but nothing beats the engineering of a VW.Nov 29, 2007