Overview & Reviews
The 2001.5 Passat arrives this spring with updated exterior styling, minor interior changes and a more powerful four-cylinder engine, but if you liked the "old" styling, a few 2001s should linger on dealership lots for a while. New features for the 2001 model year -- standard front and rear side curtain airbags, optional steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise for GLS (standard on the GLX) and a standard trunk entrapment release button -- carry over into 2001.5 Passats.
- Fun-to-drive, excellent value in base trim, stronger 1.8T powerplant in mid-2001, roomy/comfortable interior, solid build quality, available all-wheel drive.
- Some confusing interior controls, price goes up quickly with options.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 207.00-
German engine-rng, Grt Dsgn, Headturner - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By xandre - November 11 - 10:00 amI traded Audi A4 for a Passat. Other than losing the name-plate and sportier handling (esp. stability at high speeds and on curvy roads) that Audi A4 offers, Im very satisfied with my Vee-Dub. Its reliable, and built like the upscale luxury sedans. Materials quality is great. I got rear- ended once but the bumper bounced back out leaving no scratch. But the panel and other stuff inside the trunk were slightly damaged. I replaced everything anyway (including the bumper) since insurance paid. When I decide to change, Ill most probably go for another Passat with more HP. I havent tried 4Motion yet, may be I should.
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Awesome - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By carole1003 - September 9 - 10:00 amI love my VW Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I originally thought that I wanted a Honda Accord. However, when I visited Edmunds.com and read the reviews for the Honda, it said to also check out the VW Passat. Im glad I did! I read its review and then test drove it! Ive never been happier. It rides smooth and I havent had any problems. Also, it comes with a lot of standard safety features that are not standard on an Accord, like the side curtain airbags. Im really impressed with this car! The only drawback is that it is a little more expensive for servicing than an Accord.
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Top Notch - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Wizard - May 24 - 2:00 amA fantastic buy. Mine was one of the first 2001.5 "New" Passat delivered to the area. The 4 Motion has been a dream in the cold frozen tundra of NE Ohio during the winter months. No problems with the car and I have 62000 miles on it. I experienced minor damage to the car in a collision when a vehicle hit me at about 45 miles an hour... I came out without a scratch... I attribute the car with being able to take a huge hit and keep on ticking.
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Love this Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By SweetPea - April 24 - 8:03 pmI am as tough on cars -- I have 4 dogs -- and I am not diligent about maintenance. I have put 170,000 abusive miles on my Passat in six years and have driven it to death. Except for oil issues in last two years -- I have not had much trouble. I replaced the oil pump twice and the water pump once -- thats been it, besides brakes and tires. VW dealer prices are stiff, so I use a reliable local guy for repairs. The Passats tyling and drivebility are great. All of its interior features continue to work perfectly. The trunk space is great and the back seat collapses for extra room. I think this is a great car and would buy another, even though oil issues prevail. I have learned that timely maintenance is key.
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55,000 Happy Miles! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By passate - March 5 - 2:00 amI love my Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I thought that I wanted a Honda Accord because of reliability. But the passat had only one problem... a burned turn signal bulb... Thats it! really impressed with this car! The german solid feel and the expensive look is a great feeling! After two years and 55k miles Im still enjoy driving the car... This is a drivers car...
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Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Susan - February 8 - 8:33 amThis has been a very reliable car. No problems. Only needed required maintenance. Brakes last beyond 50,000 miles. Great gas mileage and great in the snow. Has a lot of pick up for a V4 engine... no need for a higher end, gas guzzler for pick up.
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Terrific car but expensive to fix - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Susan - December 13 - 10:00 amWe love this car. It is so comfortable, secure, tremendous dexterity, tight driving circle, and compares really well in performane and looks and comfort to our friends more expensive BMWs. Have had 9 years, bought new, mid-year, i.e. new model. It was perfect for about 50,000 miles and then things started happening. I just replaced the water pump; the really bad thing is there is no warning that it is going to fail soon... I could have fixed before starting big road trip. But, we may well buy another Passat; they just feel so good to drive and you feel safe. Thinking this time of a lease so as not to keep an older car that we need to worry about.
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Excellent Car for New Married Couple - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By five - October 7 - 2:00 amThis car is Excellent! We drove to the coast twice, Tennesse mountains once, 14 hours to Texas twice, and St. Louis once. This has been our luxury car. I have parked side by side to a 323i BMW, and the Passat has better ergonomics, design, layout, and comfort. Everywhere I go people ask me about the car. They want to sit in the drivers seat and take off! This 1.8T 2001.5 Sedan has serious POWER! I raced my grandmas Lincoln sedan and beat the snot out of her in the quarter mile. I have had the car up to 126mph without any quivering. Handling on the road - superb! I get 28.6mpg combined (city&hwy). I would recommend anyone to get this Volkswagen!
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Steal of a car! Audi in VW clothing... - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By wario - August 4 - 2:40 amWe bought our 01 Passat GLX 4Motion this past January and LOVE IT! What a solid car, even with 110000 on it. We purchased it from a reputable dealer who inspected it and serviced it before we bought it. They replaced the belt, water pump, and brakes... the car needed nothing else! Its a dream to drive in all weather. Looking forward to putting the next 150k on it!
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Passat - A Good Vehicle - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Paul - June 10 - 3:20 pmThis was my first sports sedan and after four years of owership, I consider the Passatto be a very good choice. The car performs well in all weather conditions in upstate NY and is fun to drive. Its reliability has been significantly better than the new GM vehicles I have purchased in the past. With more hp and the value of a VW (vs. BMW, Volvo, etc.), I would strongly consider buying another the next time I buy.
