Overview & Reviews

After promising the availability of all-wheel drive this year, Volkswagen, in a last-minute product change, has cancelled the Synchro all-wheel-drive option on all Passats for 1999 and will not be offering the GLS wagon with a V6 engine.

• Tight structure, fun-to-drive, comfortable seats, nice sound system, artful design, an Audi at Volkswagen prices.

• Excessive squat and dive when accelerating and braking.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 202.00

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  So far, so good - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathryn B - August 5 - 6:00 am

  This is an update on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS that I bought to bring to Athens two years ago. There have been very few problems with the car, including a broken window track that Superglue took care of, and an intermittent refusal to start when warm that turned out to be a faulty O2 sensor. For that, I blame the repair crew: they couldnt find the problem for weeks, but when I took it to a dealer they knew what it was and fixed it quickly and cheaply. I drive very fast (routinely up to 100 mph for hours at a time) but smoothly, so dont I strain anything. I also tackle dirt tracks and very rough city streets. The car is still rock-solid at 67,000 miles, and running as if it were brand new.

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  dont be a victim of the dealer - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By keith_g - July 2 - 3:51 pm

  Like many I have been told for years to stay away from German cars. However my average repair on an American car was always $750. So how bad could it be? I bought a 99 V6 Passat in Nov of 07 with 112K on it. I was the 3rd owner. I have had to fix the ECU, Control Arm and Power steering pump. But with the car this age and miles that did not seem bad to me. Also, if you have a German car and you need a part! LOOK ON LINE for it and save! Example, the ECU “traction control computer” dealer and private shop cost, 1K4-1.5K$. To buy new with 1 year warrantee, “600$”. To take it out myself, have it sent to a company that fixes it and ships it back with a 3 year warrantee, “$168.00” DO YOU SEE MY POINT! I would trust this car to get into it right now and drive to Alaska! Love it! Get the 2.8

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  1999 Passat GLS 1.8T. Just the facts. - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By OnTheFence - July 2 - 1:43 am

  Bought used with 40K miles in Feb 04 Sold with 115K miles in Aug 09 Control arm link. $700 Computer replaced. $600 ABS failed in 06 but never fixed. Rear Axle went out of alignment. With the B5 frame, the entire axle must be replaced. I never replaced it because it would have cost $1.2K. Leaks 1 quart of oil per month. Heated side mirrors failed in 05. Timing belt never changed. I loved my Passat but never felt confident to take this car on long trips with the family. It is a nice car but the repairs are expensive. My new ride. 2003 Passat Wagon with 73K miles.... :) As I said, apart from the reliability, I love this car. Enjoy, this is just my facts.

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  Excellent car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By pdxpdx - July 1 - 10:00 am

  We bought our 1999 Passat Wagon brand new and have been thoroughly satisfied with it since. The fit and finish were superb from the start, a very high quality feel and SO fun to drive! The seats are incredibly comfortable, with firm support, and easy on the driver even on long drives. After 11 years now, we have only had almost no problems, outside of normal wear and tear. Very good gas mileage as well. Very happy with this car!

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  Worst car EVER! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By SLC71 - June 30 - 5:46 pm

  BUYER BEWARE! Almost everything has broken (mult. times) on this car ($8K in 6 y - not incl. maint). Mechanics say they see this all the time w/ Passats & VERY spendy to fix! *CRAZY low clearance - 3 belly boots & 2 oil pans *Window motors - repaired/replaced chronically *Doors/locks w/ chronic problems (cylinders, housings, mech., elect., etc.) *Faulty factory sunroof leads to flooding & since electrical is in the floor behind driver, this shorts out the comf. cxl module. *Turn lights have poor quality plastic causing lights to fall out (has happened 3x on each side) *Misc. crap in & out breaks and falls off (latches, dials, etc.) *Mechanic refers to it as "The Dutchman & The Dike"

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  used to love her - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anonymous - May 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 99 Passat for about 2 years. She has well over 200,00 miles and i have had no engine problems. however, i have replaced the drive axle for the second time in about 4 months. Im still not positive if the first replacement was defective or if there is an unlying issue with the car. Other than that however, i have absolutly no complaints!

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  Beware the Turbo - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Let Down by VW - April 29 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car off lease with only 32,000 KM on it in 2002, price was high but it had all the bells and whistles and the extremely low mileage was a bonus. In 2003 a fuel injector went and was replaced under warranty. By 2004 the back lighting for the center console were not working and by 2005 the cruise control was also shot. 2006 the inner and outer tie rods we shot and the lug bolts had seized in the hubs needing to be cut out and new hubs installed. Known design issue but not recalled. Finally in January of 2008, at 100,000KM the timing belt went and the engine seized. I got about $1000 from the wrecker who was surprised as he said most go at about 170,000KM.

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  Just say no to SUVs by a VW - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By smithy - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car brand new 4 years ago. It was my first "four-door family car" but I insisted on a manual trans for a sporty feel. I love the get-up and go. Someone tailgaiting? Put it in fourth and watch them disappear in your review mirror. My friends loved the leg room especially in back. Now it carries 2 kids in carseats. Followed the scheduled maintenance and the only problem was with the keyless remote for the trunk lock. My husband thinks it is time to upgrade to a monsterous SUV. Over my dead body! I love my VW! Ive had sport vehicles all my life -- this car by far is the most fun with the most pep!

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  luvin it! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By lilfay - March 24 - 12:02 pm

  I received my passat by accident, but it was a miracle, when i first drove it i was shocked by the solid drive and how smooth it was, it just felt good, i am blessed to say i have had no problems thus far and i am almost on my 1st year with it, only gripe is the anti freeze leaks and must be replaced every 3weeks or so, its a 250 job i dont wana pay for so ima just keep replacing the antifreeze, but this car atleast lets you know that it is low jus like the over protective gas tank which also alerts u when u r at the 1/8 mark, over all this car has been very good 2 me, i do my scheduled maintainence and it maintains, i am lookin 4ward 2 more german cars and ill keep this til its dead :)

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  Looks good, eats money for lunch - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Z75 - March 22 - 10:00 am

  As other reviewers have said, the Passat is a good-looking, great-feeling ride. It hasnt been very reliable, though. In the first week, it failed inspection because of a leaky brake caliper (fixed under warranty). 4 years and 56k miles later, I had to replace the water pump, fix two oil leaks, replace all four disks and pads, replace all 4 tires, and replace another brake caliper. Not to mention the fuel filler neck recall (free, but annoying). Ive spent about $4k on my car in the past 8 weeks. A lot of it is routine wear, but I wish it werent so damn expensive.