Everything! Great engine, great handling, comfortable, good automatic transmission, high quality, and an excellent standard sound system.

We've had quite a few manufacturing defects; hopefully it doesn't translate into long-term reliability problems.

I've been really happy with this car. There's no other car that could compare with it in terms of driving enjoyment. It handles excellently, the four-cylinder engine isn't too powerful but still has enough pick-up and a very linear torque curve. The only problem is that it has to be maxed out to make a passing manoeuver on a two-lane highway.

It's also the most comfortable car that we tried. The ride is fairly firm compared to the Camry or Intrepid, but that's the price of good handling. And it is in no way unpleasant. Also, some people might find the firm front seats a little too firm for them, but I think they're okay.

The interior has a quality feel to it. There is very little cheap plastic lying around and the cloth is fairly high in quality.

I think this is a great family car with a nice performance side to it. You can't find a better car for this price!

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Tried lots of other cars ie. Camry, Accord, Intrepid, Taurus, Intrigue, Audi A4, but none of them could compare.

The best thing about the Passat is that it is a complete car. It is fully equiped, fun to drive and has a lot of little things that make it seem finished. Little things like "touch lite controls" front & rear, rear seat heat vents, heated outside mirrors, a useful computer that helps you keep track of things, doors that lock automatically while also giving a very solid Ker-klunk when you close them. Big items like traction control that keeps you going in the snow and anti-lock brakes that stop you in a straight line. Anti theft for the car and radio. Safety items like air bags for the right and left in the front and side impact bags. There is even protection for people in the rear seats. The wood accents on the interior really provide a nice finish touch. The Passat may seem to cost a bit more, but when you compare all the features you find it is very competitive.

There are some things that make you wonder "just what were they thinking". Based on the cup holders I guess the Germans do not take cups in the car. The sun visors are too short to be effective. My sound system is nothing great. 4 speakers with low quality sound. The sound system gets a c-. If you get the "moon roof", remember that headroom in the rear is reduced. My taller friends have remarked about their hair brushing the headliner. The surface applied rear window defroster is just not as effective as the "in glass design". VW can do better.

Passat in German refers to a strong and steady wind. The name fits. The V6 Passat is a car that loves to run. It has good power throughout the entire range that makes climbing hills and passing effortless. The car seems to want to break into a sprint in that 40 to 80 mph range. The suspension has that solid "on-track" feel that only the better European cars have. It gives a great feel for the road on the highway and is quick around town. The transmission has a short, quick shifter that means I do not miss an automatic, even in the city. I find that I just enjoy driving the car, no matter where. Mileage is as advertised, low 20's in town, upper 20's on the highway. Too bad it has to be high test. First time riders always remark on the dash lighting. The blue and red takes some getting used to, but you get to like it. The Passat is a little bit different. But, if you enjoy driving and want a car that wants to be driven give it a try, you will be pleased. I enjoy driving my car.

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My last car was an Accord (good car). I also looked at the Maxima and Volvo. The Passat hase more pazazze than the Accord and with the V6 is a better value than the Volvo. I found the Maxima to feel a little big and heavy.

Both the front and rear seats are comfortable, and the back seat folds nearly flat to accomodate lots of cargo. Fit and finish are impeccable, and the quality of interior materials is top-notch. Although the 1.8T wagon could use a bit more power, the engine and transmission are well-matched and the transmission intuitively reacts to driver inputs; the tiptronic feature is rarely needed because I find that the transmission shifts exactly when I want it to. Also, the Passat has been a great snow car.

Steel wheel covers; cup holders

List price was $24,500 with tiptronic, sunroof, and destination charge; paid $23,000, which wasn't bad considering it was the only wagon at any of our three local dealers at the time.

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1995 Honda Accord -- Although the Passat cost only about $1000 more than the Accord, it feels like a far more expensive vehicle. The steering is more accurate, the ride is smoother, the handling is a bit sharper, and it is noticeably quieter. Also, the engine and transmission work well together. Volkswagon could easily sell the Passat for far more than they do, and they are actually starting to do this by offering expensive options like 4Motion All Wheel Drive.

Outstanding acceleration and handling. Very functional on-dash computer/intrument panel. There is so much headroom I feel short (and I'm not). Very stylish looks, not a typical VW, more like an Audi (no suprise since its mostly Audi). I can't wait for the Syncro (4wd) to be available. I always look for excuses to take it out for a spin.

Gas mileage could be better for an in-line 4. Acceleration suffers with 4 passengers.

$21,700 would highly recommend!

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VW Golf (can't even compare) BMW 5 series (Passat is more fun but can't touch the quality).

I initially was drawn by the styling, very Teutonic and efficient. Also, like the generous interior. I'm 6'4" and fit very comfortably, and my son can sit behind me, even with the seat all the way back. The engine is spunky, and the tiptronic is fun to play with. I like the magic black paint--it kind of hides the dirt.

The brakes are kind of "grabby". It has a rattle that emanates from the the gear shifter area-that drives me nuts, hope they can fix it when it goes in for its 5000 mile check up. Also the headlight beams go way right--hope to fix it also at the 5000 mile service. No major weaknesses apparent...yet! (knock on wood). Oh yeah, the front cup holders are a joke, almost like they forgot about them, and scrambled to come up with something quick.

I think I paid about 22K for it, got a good discount since it was the last '99 on the lot. I traded in my Jetta, which they basically stole from me (should've sold it myself). I am leasing this, which is new for me, feel I got a good deal and do recommend the car. It is great for a young family, and I really hope the quality holds up over time. I have owned other German cars (BMW and VWs), and they are not cheap to repair.

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I bought a 99 Jetta, but quickly outgrew it. My 2 kids didn't fit in the back; and the trunk, although large, had a small opening. The Passat far surpases the Jetta in every aspect, things like: ride quality, power, trim, but like my Passat it had an annoying rattle that came from the chrome gear shifter thing-a-ma-jig.

Build structure, V6 engine, handling, amentities

Stereo (blown speaker), cup holders

Overall, I am extremely impressed and satisfied with my VW. I love to drive this car, which is good considering how much I do. I have had zero problems with this vehicle, and find the build structure to be superior to all Japanese autos I hae previously owned. I do dislike the cup holders (what were they thinking?), and the cheesy stereo (Panasonic, yuck!) Blue is cool!

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Honda Accord

The car feels solid. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of leg room in the back seat. The heated seats are wonderful. Lots of cargo space, made better by the fold-down rear seats. The engine is spunky, with a growl to it even during high-speed passing. Automatic (Tiptronic) transmission is smooth. Handles great, except for cross-winds. The included maintenance is a nice benefit. With the added side air bags, combined with the solid feel of the car, I feel very safe and well-protected.

The car is just funny looking, compared with the Audi A4 and BMW 323. The LCD Dashboard displays are difficult to see in bright daylight. The chrome fitting on the shifter reflects the sun's glare. The radio controls are too small and poorly arranged. The 2 year/24,000 mile warranty is too short. My Park Cities VW dealer is very friendly and helpful, but grossly under-sized, causing delays for scheduled maintenance. The mileage isn't great (22 MPG city/highway average) and the fuel tank (16.4 gallons) seems small.

My Passat GLX listed for about $29,000. After playing with the numbers on my trade-in, I got about a $2,000 discount, not too bad. I'd feel better if I saw more of them on the road, indicating a wide-spread attraction and endorsement. The car has been virtually problem-free. At 6'2" tall, I appreciate the head room. My friends appreciate the head room, leg room and elevated sitting position in the back seat, more than I've seen in any car this size. I notice more women driving this car, maybe most other men need to satisfy their ego with the Audi or BMW. If you can get past the appearance of the car, it's a great value for that solid German feel.

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Audi A4 Quattro, nice looking but not as roomy
BMW 323, also nice looking, not as roomy, and overpriced

It is running well after 90,000 miles. I was looking for a new car which is how I came across this site. After test driving various cars, I decided to keep this for another year since I believe that I have had fixed/replaced enough things to make it worthwhile. I also found some of the other cars I was looking at didn't have some of the features that I have gotten used to like the 60/40 split seats and lots of storage.

I bought the car new and I have had various problems.
I am on the 3rd battery, the transmission was replaced at 60,000 miles, I am on the 3rd power window motor, and now the power side view mirrors are not working.

If you don't have the electrical and mechanical problems that I have had, it's a great car.
I purchased it in Summit and I am not happy with there service department. I purchased the car near by for easy access for service; bad choice.
I found the service rep that I had was condescending and not very interested in my needs or concerns.
I don't know if things changed but they do not have loaner cars not even when they kept the car for almost a week to replace the trans.
When the power window motor was replaced they said that they would need to keep the car since they didn't have a part. (They started working on the car late even though I dropped it off in the AM.) I wanted to pick the car up that evening and drop it off the next morning but I was told that I would have to pay extra since the door was disasembled. So, I would have to pay for time and labor to put the door together and have it disassembled the next day.

I guess the moral of the story is quality of service is as important to me as the car. So, if you know of a great service dept. near summit, let me know.

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In '95 looked at saab, vw, and bmw.
This year looked at Lexus 300es, Chrysler 300m, Acura TL, Lincoln LS.

Exterior Design, Interior Design, Standard Features, Handling

Not One Appearent

$22,500 +financing

As an previous owner of two German automobiles I was very impressed with the quality VW has risen to with the 1999 Passat. Although the 150hp 1.8T doesn't have the acceleration of the 323i or the A4, the turbo is smooth and lacks nothing in response. The Tiptronic transmission needs a bit more hp behind it, but makes this car alot of fun once the rpms are up there. The exterior is a refined and clean, and the extra few inches in the wheelbase make a dream on longer trips.
The interior is very solidly designed and simple with a few classy chrome touches. The instruments are well placed and beautiful at night. The interior is very spacious, room for five adults, or four adults and a baby seat with the three three-way belts in the back seat. I am 6'4" and have more than enough room in the front and back seats. Even with the full-size spare, I think this car has the biggest trunk in its class.
I test drove Maxima, Cirrus, Camry, Taurus. For $10,000 less than a comparable BMW or Audi the 1999 Passat can't be beat. If you appreciate the ride of a German sedan, need room for some kids, and want some space for travelling this car will not disapoint you.

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Audi A4, BMW 323i, Honda Accord

Great performance, high quality interior, tons of standard features, to include ABS, Front side airbags, and security system. Handles well on windy roads, fun to drive and great styling for a wagon.

Flimsy cup holders, stock tires (Continental) noisy,

Sticker price $24600 plus $525 destination charge. Paid $23500. I researched several other vehicles to include Subaru Outback, Volvo V40, and Saturn LW2. The Passat was by far the best of the bunch. The fit and finish of the interior is superb. Everything feels tight and solid. With the exception of the front and rear cup holders everthing seems built to last.

I haven't seen any crash data on the passat but it definitely looks and feels like it would be a very safe environment in a crash.

I would highly reccommend this vehicle to anyone considering a midsize sedan or wagon

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Honda Accord, Toyota Camry