Faults:

Ongoing problem-- car will not completely fill up with fuel unless topped up. Fuel shutoff engages when tank is 3/4 to 7/8 full. VW is unable or unwilling to diagnose any problem.

Cruise control has worked intermittently since I bought the car. It works, quits, mysteriously starts working again, quits, etc.

Needed front brake pads at 28,000 miles.

Radio reception is poor outside urban area. My other car seems to have twice the reception.

Significant interior rattle when temperature is below 25 F. This appears to be from the rear-view mirror.

Many recalls, including tie rods and, most recently, front control arms.

General Comments:

The car handles and performs very well, especially in highway cruising. I often find myself driving 90 mph without even knowing it. It seems like it has more than the rated 190 hp. I love driving it. It makes 60 miles of commuting a day tolerable.

Body has held up well with a nice finish.

Despite some of the bizarre problems (namely the fuel issue and the cruise control), I seem to have had better luck with my V6 Passat than others who purchased the 1.8T model and have experienced numerous and costly repairs. Of course, I have relatively low miles (40K in five years) and am concerned that the car will become very expensive to maintain as the miles increase.

Faults:

Arrived with bad manual transmission. Made grinding noise at highway speed. Bought on Internet new, but local dealer replaced transmission as part of warranty.

Trunk light does not work and alarm resets itself unless a door is opened when using trunk.

Check engine light just came on, dealer says it's the purge thing (filter?)...$200 incl labor, not bad.

General Comments:

I've had this car for five years and it's been a very good car. Great acceleration because it's had it's CPU upgraded to 200hp.

Chipped the engine cpu to gain a further 50hp (150hp --> ~200hp) for ~$400.

Amazing braking power, stock.

Although more maintenance is required than a Honda or Toyota, I feel Volkswagen makes a more drivable car. Equivalent Honda and Toyota sedans are boring, but may be more dependable.

Faults:

At time of purchase trunk light did not work (warranty).

Rear cup holder would not close (warranty).

Shortly after purchase car would not start after moving car short distances. First time this happened dealer towed car and replaced battery. Second time it happened dealer replaced temperature sensor (warranty).

Interior cloth window molding came loose and had to be replaced (warranty).

Antenna corroded. Replacement cost $90.

Antenna gasket cracked, allowing moisture into stereo components. Estimate for complete repair $469.

At 70,000 Oil plug was stripped. Dealer wanted to replace entire oil pan. Estimate: $500. I was able to find a mechanic to remove oil plug and re-thread pan for $140.

Coolant leak from corroded hose and clamp at 80,000. Cost to replace: $200.

Keyless entry remote has started to fall apart.

General Comments:

I am sad to report that I can emphasize with most of the reliability complaints listed at this site.

I've had other VW owners tell me the same thing happened to their antenna and oil pans.

After hearing a whining noise and seeing traces of oil from tailpipe, my mechanic said the turbo may need replacing, among other items. Estimate to replace turbo: $3300.

I have started shopping for another car, and it won't be a Volkswagen.