1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1997 Volkswagen Passat
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1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat ▼
- Price Range: $1,000 - $2,100
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Fuel economy (TDI)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Steering/handling
- Traction control (GLX)
Cons
- No glovebox
- Ride (GLX)
Vehicle Highlights
Volkswagen extensively revamped its compact sedan and station wagon for 1995, though using mechanical components similar to those in the 1990-94 version. Passats got a "waterfall" grille and integrated rear spoiler. Dual airbags and manual 3-point seatbelts with emergency tensioners replaced motorized front belts. The GLX model, available as either a sedan or wagon, came with ample equipment and Volkswagen's narrow-angle 2.8-liter V6 engine. A value-leading GLS model, added later in the 1995 model year, came only as a sedan, powered by a 115-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both models came standard with a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 4-speed automatic was optional. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on the GLX, and optional on the GLS.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volkswagen Passat GLX auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
A new high-mileage Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) diesel engine emerged during 1996. TDI Passats came only with 5-speed manual shift. New daytime running lights caused headlamps to illuminate automatically, at reduced intensity, whenever the ignition was switched on.
1997 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
After barely more than a year's run, the 4-cylinder gasoline GLS Passat dropped out, due to lack of buyer interest. Otherwise, Passats changed little. Passats were fully redesigned for 1998, related to the Audi A4.
Our road test for the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Though not as strong or smooth as the engine in a Toyota Camry or Nissan Maxima, Passat's V6 delivers more than adequate power over a broad range of speeds. The manual shift's clutch and gearshift work smoothly. Passat's 4-speed automatic transmission does its job unobtrusively and downshifts promptly for passing. Naturally, the 4-cylinder GLS is slower in both standing-start acceleration and highway passing, but still adequate. For a real eye-opener, take a spin in the diesel-powered TDI edition. Our long-term test of a TDI revealed adequate power and a relatively high degree of refinement. You also get outstanding fuel economy. We've averaged 37.7 mpg, hitting 45 mpg during highway trips. A softened suspension and stiffened body structure in this generation yield improved ride quality. A Passat GLX still offers sporty handling, but absorbs bumps with less harshness. The TDI's suspension is softer yet, thus trading some handling prowess for greater composure over bumps. Controls for the radio and climate system are high in the center of the dashboard, easy to see and reach. The climate system is controlled by three clearly marked rotary knobs. Oddly, too, switches for front power windows are on door armrests, while those for rear windows are on the dashboard--a Volkswagen quirk. Because of the passenger-airbag mounting position, no glovebox is installed. Interior storage is nevertheless adequate. Despite the Passat's compact 103.3-inch wheelbase, its interior is exceptionally roomy--especially in back, with ample leg room and enough head space for 6-footers. Both body styles have a split folding rear seat. The sedan has a large trunk, with a flat floor and bumper-height opening for easy loading/unloading. Wagons have a flat, wide cargo area that provides generous luggage space.
Value for the Money
Roomy, sporty, well-equipped: All told, this is an interesting and competent alternative to Japanese-brand sedans.
Roomy, sporty, well-equipped: All told, this is an interesting and competent alternative to Japanese-brand sedans.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volkswagen Passat GLX auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 47 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Air conditioner:
Models equipped with a variable-displacement A/C compressor may not cool properly due to restrictions in the system. (1995-96)
Automatic transmission:
Automatic transmission may shift erratically due to an incorrect throttle angle setting. (1995-96)
Coolant leak:
Coolant loss on 2.8-liter engines could result from damaged oil cooler hoses. Hoses might be damaged during oil changes. (1995-97)
Coolant leak:
A low-coolant-level malfunction can be the result of the wrong concentration of antifreeze or a bad coolant sensor. (1995-96)
Hard starting:
Intermittent no-start or stalling condition is often due to the #3 relay. No trouble codes are stored in computer. (1995-97)
Manual transmission:
The manual-transmission shift lever may knock or vibrate in forward gears requiring realignment of the selector shaft housing. (1995-96)
Wipers:
The windshield wipers may chatter because of misalignment of the wiper arms. (1996)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $620 |
| Alternator | $640 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $795 |
| Brakes | $390 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $585 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,320 |
| Exhaust System | $440 |
| Radiator | $485 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $680 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $360 |
Our price chart for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1997 | |||
| Passat | $2,300-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $400-600 |
| 1996 | |||
| Passat GLS | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| Passat TDI, GLX | $2,200-2,800 | $1,600-2,000 | $400-500 |
| 1995 | |||
| Passat GLS | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| Passat GLX | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.3 | 103.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.0 | 179.9 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.5 | 67.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.4 | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3140 | 3197 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.4 | 68.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.3 | 39.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 | 37.0 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Volkswagen's narrow-angle 2.8-liter V6 engine was available from the start, installed in GLX sedans and wagons and producing 172 horsepower. A 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder gasoline engine went into the GLS sedan, offered only in late 1995 and '96. The Turbo Direct Injection (TDI) engine has been available since mid 1996. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard on all models. Only gasoline engines could be equipped with an optional 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 170 | 172 | 177 | 5-speed manual: 19/26 4-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.8 |
| Turbodiesel ohc I4 | 1.9 / 116 | 90 | 149 | 5-speed manual: 38/47 | 5-speed manual: 37.7 |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 115 | 122 | 5-speed manual: 21/29 4-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1997 Passat |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1995-1997 Volkswagen Passat directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995 w/VR6 engine:
Radiator-fan-motor shaft could wear, become noisy and seize, rendering fan motor inoperative and eventually causing engine to overheat and stall.
1996:
The ignition switch can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.
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