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 11 through 20 of 43.00

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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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  Reliable Daily Driver - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Northern VA Passat - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 97 Passat with 15,000 miles, it now has 34,000. I have not had one problem, other than bad factory tires. This car works perfectly, and is a good family, or commuter car. It is very bouncy however, not meant for hard cornering. It is quiet and luxury is at hand. A good buy.

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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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  Crappy Passat - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aarons - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is being repaired every month. Power Windows keep breaking, VW known defect, suspension, bearings, wheel hub. Looks great but what a piece of expensive crap.

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  Great Car if You Take Care of It - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By f1forkvr6 - November 8 - 4:33 pm

  Like any other car, if you take care of the little things, the Passat will be reliable for as long as you wish to drive it. I have nearly 300,000 miles on mine, and other than VWs self destructing heater core, its never, ever left me stranded. Its fuel economy is okay on the highway (27-30), but what makes this car shine is its fun-to-drive factor. Its pretty nimble for its size, and offers very predictable but sporty handling. It has enough room to move a small office, carry a 9 x 12 rug, or a Christmas tree (inside, trunk closed), and offers rear seat passengers enough leg-room to cross their legs withough kicking the driver! this is an all around good, fun, value.

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  one owner TDI - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave - August 26 - 10:13 am

  This car was chosen for size and mpg. Best mpg has been 56 and 36 is the lowest. Performance is suprisingly good with 1 or 2 adults in car. Add 2 more in the back seat and they will be suprised at the space, but driver needs to reconsider passing on two-lane roads. This car does hold its speed very well on the interstate. Climbs mountains as if they are ant hills. As long as the glow plug relay gets the right signal, this car starts like a champ on sub-zero mornings.

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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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  POOR DESIGN - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By ANTI VWS - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought it with 60k miles on it, BIG mistake! I looked everywhere for this car Why??? I loved the car for some reason. Today, this is the WORST car I have ever owned, high repairs all the way. I have spent over 4000k in repairs in the past 3 years. $1500 was out of my pocket.Check engine light has comes on every month sometimes every week. Water pump exploded in a drive through. Belts snapped. A/C went out. Door handle on drivers side is crazy glues on. Interior light is glued on in back seat passanger area. Power Mirrors are alomst done Power Windows are off track and have been repaired. Fog Lights cracked with rocks hitting them. Car was leaking coolant.

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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