Used 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Nice toy for people who have the time and money
Mike, Ashburn, VA, 08/24/2016
Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you have other cars, time and/or money to tinker, and want a nice and occasionally practical enthusiast's vehicle, the Passat 2.8 5-speed might fit the bill. As reliable daily transportation, not so much. Had issues with the cam tensioners, and I can see online that this is a frequent VW/Audi problem. Other problems with body hardware (back door not opening, trunk not closing, cornering light falling out), electrical, brakes, suspension, etc. It's great when it's great, but that's rarely the case. Actually, it's a very nice ride on the open road, but a beast in heavy city traffic. Next time, I'd sooner get a Mazda 3/6, or even a BMW 3-series for a small to mid-size sedan with a little sportiness. I will say that there is an active community that supports these B5 Passats, with online chat groups, and there are specialty shops that understand these cars and don't charge dealer prices. Just got quoted $800 for a clutch locally, and I hear of dealers charging several thousand for the same repair. Just no reason for it. If you buy a Passat used from a dealer, get the best warranty you can afford. You will need it, and soon! When checking the classifieds, it seems all of these have had a good deal of work done, and still have some issues, never being 100%, but still lasting quite a few miles, sometimes upwards of 250K. They sell in a tight range, not much more for relatively good shape vs. a fixer with potential. I'd say get it checked out first, but the average local mechanic is afraid of these cars, and for good reason.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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Handle with care
Bart, 08/01/2009
Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Solid feel, great seats, excellent dashboard lights, likes to run like a horse. Has an impressive look. The V6 is a better engine than the Turbo and gets the same gas mileage. Fun to drive. Unfortunately the car must be meticulously looked after. Control arms damage easily, electrical nuisances, check engine light goes on if gas cap is not tight, rotors are prone to warping. Poor cup holders, premium gas. Only 45000 miles.
2001 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
3 of 3 listings
- GLX V6 WagonMSRP: $5,500718 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $3,9902,027 mi away
- GLX V6 Sedan (Midyear)MSRP: N/A468 mi away
2001.5 GLS V-6
Summit, 02/02/2004
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.
Be Careful of Ball Joints
Greg, 01/28/2006
Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Except for annoying problems with lights or dashboard lights, my 2001 Volkswagen Passat was largely OK until around 55,000 miles. At the 55,000 mile mark, the ball joints and tie rods rendered the car unsafe to drive without significant, costly repairs. I've heard this problem isn't uncommon among Passat owners. I would never buy a VW again.
Huge Repair Bills
Frustrated, 06/06/2006
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.