Overview & Reviews

GLS model vanishes from radar as Volkswagen prepares for launch of all-new Passat in mid-1997.

• Huge interior with lots of leg room, superb seats, excellent road manners

• 2.8-liter V-6 responds sluggishly when harnessed to automatic transmission

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 43.00

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  Miracle MPG with the Passat TDI diesel - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By SchnellAutos - December 27 - 10:00 am

  My 1997 Passat TDI has been great. Theres no smoking or tat-tat-tat engine stereotypes. The torque is high, so acceleration is quite good (better than my 87 Saab 9000). The miracle is the gas mileage! The worst Ive had in 5 years is 41 mpg, while the best was 59.7 mpg on the highway in May 2002. Devoted use of synthetic oil and use of Amacos 47 centane diesel fuel has aided mpg. One quibble...the door handles are bad, but otherwise maintenance has been very cheap, and only for expected items (brake pads, scheduled timing belt replacement, etc.). Replacing the original Goodyear tires with Michelins improved performance. Cold weather has been NO problem at all.

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  Might be the best car Ive owned. - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marc-n-Judy - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car from the 1st owner, with 148,000 miles on it. Have driven it daily, with little or no trouble. Might be the best all around car I have ever owned! Waiting for VW to bring the new Passat (or Toureg) to the U.S. with diesel, plan to buy another when they do!

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Boiler Bob - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Best car for the money in my opinion. Engine, after 139,000 miles is still strong but is noiser. It has comfort, fuel economy, reliability and style, what more can one ask. Last TDI in the Passat VW brought over and it was not a wise decision. I would buy another after 3 years of driving and is the reason I still have this one. The car is like family. Radio is not in tune to distant station as when new. Power windows and door handles are biggest problems with the car.

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  Great car - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By matt - February 23 - 4:43 pm

  I purchased this car at a auction. I had no idea what it was like. I kno it sounds dumb. But I got it and it ran great! (even though it has almost 200,000 miles on it) but its my first car and I have little problems with it. The main problems consist of the two passenger doors, the back which does not open at all nor does the window work, and the front that only opens from the inside. But im not too worried about those... Seeing how I dont sit there. Overall its a great first car. I even raced a 1999 eclipse and blew it away.

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  Happy Long Time Owner - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - January 3 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my manual 1997 Passat new and always took good care of it and did the regular scheduled maintenance. It has over 100,000 miles and it has been great. It is now getting a little long in the tooth and Im evaluating new cars for purchase. This car has been very good for me and very economical to keep for the past ten years.

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  passat - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By aja_614 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has a good amount of power. The space in side the car is much more than you will expect.

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  Volkswagens are the best cars - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By JimBo - May 7 - 10:00 am

  This is the second VW product I have owned and it has lived up to every expectation I have. I was surprised when the right front wheel bearing went out at 50K, but that was easily replaced. A quick V6 that gets 25 mpg, an easy to read dashboard, comfortable riding car. We even took the family vacation with this car, a very large trunk and the room in the back seat is enough the kids cant kick the front seats. I wouldnt tell anyone to stay away. One more thing, I was rear ended and only the bumper cover was replaced on my car, the other car sustained much more damage. I feel very safe in this car.

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  I love Diesel - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean La Garde - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I have put all but 17 miles of the 97000 miles I have on it. I get great fuel mileage and have had very little problems. The only major problem was a cracked valve in the brake vacume line. Scared the pants of me. I plan to keep her for another 100k

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  Update to Hope it lasts forever! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW4Life - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Well, were headed towards 2011, and my trusty Passat now has 138,000 miles. This car STILL drives like the day I bought it over ten years and 100,000 miles ago. Im bored and want something newer, as the plastic trim pieces are falling off and the door handles / window regulators continue to be flaky. However, from an economic AND enjoyment standpoint, I simply cannot beat this car.

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  Gotta love the VR6 - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick in Texas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2001. It only had 15,000 miles on it and it still smelt new! I love it, power is very impressive with the help of a K&M Supercharged Airfilter (which was tough putting in). I have had ZERO problems with it except for the ABS light that has come on about 5 times for a few minutes then goes off. Very quick for what it is and on my last trip (365 miles) I got 26.6 miles to the gallon. In town I normally just get around 18 because I do drive it a bit hard. Wish I had the electric seats because there are way to many adjustments when someone else drives it. Love it!