Faults:

A coil failed at 25,000 miles and was replaced at no charge. The other coils were replaced later under a recall notice. The initial coil problem left me stranded after business hours 55 miles from home, and roadside assistance would only tow me to the nearest dealership. I had to call the auto club to get towed to my own dealer, and then they (and the rental places) were closed so I was without a vehicle for a day.

A 'computer glitch' caused the car to run rough at 40,000 miles, but this was easily taken care of by the dealer under warranty.

I have had a perisitent squeak emanating from the left-rear wheel since new, but only after the car has been operating for a while. The dealer has inspected it numerous times, but has yet to find the problem. It has not affected the performance at all, but it's a little embarrassing when people look at your seemingly brand-new car because they hear a squeak.

A few rattles developed starting around 12,000 miles, which is much sooner than I expected given how solid the car is.

General Comments:

The car is solid and handles very well, even at 80 mph.

I love the interior lighting, the styling and the quick engine response.

The cruise control button is hidden behind the steering wheel and is hard to see, and the sun visors could be longer (or have extensions) to cover more of the side windows. Other than that, no complaints.

Faults:

The car leaks water into the system electronics.

The transmission control failed.

Engine light is always on.

General Comments:

The car handles well.

However, it is poorly engineered and has cost me $4000 in repairs.

Faults:

Engine coils had to be replaced around 25,000 miles.

General Comments:

Great performance.

All the features of a luxury car.

Cool interior lighting.

Stylish.

Traded it in for a 2004 BMW 325i (at my husbands request) and I could kick myself. The Passat was just as nice as the BMW and cheaper.

Faults:

Radio completely stopped working at 250 miles.

Cam shaft cap came off at 8000 miles, leading to loss of all oil.

High pitched squeaking from front wheels at 25,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car handles very well and has plenty of power.

The ride is very nice and pretty quiet, although the road noise is increasing as the tires wear.

The fit and finish inside and out are excellent.

Because of the cam shaft cap failure, the car was inoperable due to loss of oil. I was stranded on a country road in New Hampshire in February. For this reason, I probably would not buy another VW. This is the first new car I've ever had that left me stranded.

Faults:

Seat memory module replaced.

CD changer replaced.

General Comments:

This car is just as nice as my A6, but $10000 less. It has been much more reliable, but the VW dealer's technicians need better training or something. I will not take it to the local dealer as they cannot seem to fix anything, but go to a dealer an hour away which seems quite competent. If I wasn't close to a good dealer, I would not buy another new VW.

Faults:

Stereo went out at 8,000 miles. Was replaced with no questions asked.

General Comments:

This car is VERY fast. Too bad the maximum speed limit on cars is governed in America. The car handles extremely well. As with ALL cars, I would recommend buying a six cylinder. A 4 cylinder is more apt to incur problems due to the strain put on the engine.

Faults:

Within 1 month, the emergency brake button got stuck in the emergency brake. I was able to pry it out, and immediately drove it to the dealer where they replaced it.

Also early on, the rear trunk lock broke.

Also early on, I noticed a helicopter-like vibration when the sunroof, but no windows are open.

Also early on, I noticed a soap smell inside the car when using the wiper spray.

Five months later, both headlights blew out simultaneously when I turned them on.

Two months later, a slow leak flattened the left rear tire. I noticed that the four tires were Generals, but the spare was a Michelin -- the dealer says they should all be the same...

One month later, the first coil went. The engine light came on, and it needed to be towed to dealer.

One month later, the second coil went; another tow. Not enough parts for them to replace all the remaining coils.

One month later, the third coil went. I threatened them, they replaced the remaining two at once. But they had to keep the car for two weeks, and gave me a cheap subcompact car in the interim.

They said I should be happy that the rear windows haven't fallen into the door frames, because that happens on some models.

Two months later, another slow leak developed in a different tire.

Then it was great for four or five months.

Last week one of the bulbs in the right headlight went out.

Today I picked up the car, after the headlight replacement and an oil change, and on the way home the engine light came on again. I returned to the dealer. The catalytic converter has gone bad.

General Comments:

Very fun to drive -- great pickup, fast.

Reasonably comfortable and quiet.

Horrible nightmarish never-ending maintenance problems.