Faults:

Monsoon stereo head unit failed at 15,000 miles, and again at 19,000 miles. Dealer says this problem is common with Monsoon stereos.

General Comments:

Stereo system sound quality is excellent for original equipment.

Handling is incredible. My Passat can turn 90 degree corners at 30+ MPH, and stop quickly at high speeds. Very refined and precise handling.

Exterior and interior fit and finish is the best I have seen. My Honda seems like a Chevy when compared to my Volkswagen. People are amazed at the quality of the interior when riding in my sedan.

The engine is underpowered at 190hp for a V-6. Nissan's V-6 Maxima has over 250hp, and even the conservative Accord has 240hp.

Acceleration is uninspiring, at least until 60 mph. Above 60mph the Passat handles like a true Autobahn influenced road car- extremely stable at high velocity and quiet cabin interior.

Faults:

Recall at 20,000 to install protective shield in right rear wheelhousing.

Front headlight went out at 17,000 miles.

Stop Engine light went on at 16,000.

Breaks went out at 11,000 miles

(they didn't fix it correctly the first time, so I had to bring it in again.

General Comments:

I am very disappointed with the quality of the VW Passat. For a brand new car it sure has a lot of problems. The reason why I decided to purchase a Passat was because I could not afford a BMW. Now I realize that the time I have taken off of work to bring my VW in for repairs would have paid for the BMW.

Other than that I do like my Passat. It's a nice ride with some good pick-up.

I am not sure if I like the 'steptronic' since I have to look at my dashboard to see what gear I'm in.

Faults:

Before I even drove my Passat out of the dealership's parking lot, I discovered that the stereo was broken. After two months, and five trips to the dealership I was given a new stereo. However, the stereo was not installed correctly and the rear speakers did not work properly. This problem was only fixed, when at 17,500 miles the stereo stopped working again and a new system was installed.

On purchasing the car it also became apparent that there was a problem with the ventilation system. Even though the air that comes out of the vents is much hotter than that of any other Passat I have been in, the dealer stated that he could not find a problem.

The moon roof does not always close. Because it does close some of the time, we have been unable to get the dealer to repair the problem, because when we have brought the car in it has worked.

The indicator lights stopped working at about 15,000 miles.

The headlights stopped working at 12,000 miles.

The engine ignition failure light periodically goes on and off. If it is not "on" when we bring the car to the dealership, then the dealer will not look at the car, so we have not found the cause of this problem, and Volkswagen will not look at the problem.

The car will not turn over without turning the key twice. Volkswagen has stated that it does not consider this to be a problem.

Worst of all is Volkswagen of America. The customer service representatives are rude and unhelpful. I have repeatedly asked that someone look the car over to find the source of the electrical problems, they refuse.

Apparently Volkswagen does not consider it to be a problem that an owner has to bring a car in almost monthly to deal with service issues.

General Comments:

Although I like the Passat, somehow I have ended up with a lemon, but because something different seems to break every month or so, the car is not protected under the lemon law. Before the warranty expires I will sell this car, and will never by a Volkswagen again.