Volkswagen Passat (2001 – 2005) Review
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Volkswagen Passat (2001 – 2005) At A Glance
A better drive and better equipped than the previous Passat. Comfortable and has more status than, say, a Ford Mondeo.
A Ford Mondeo outdrives it in every respect and is cheaper to buy. Not immune from leaks and reliability problems.
Some refer to this 2001-2005 Passat as the Passat B5.5, still longitudinal front wheel drive.
There is no doubt that VW improved its 2001 model-year Passat over the Passat it replaced. The body structure is 10% stiffer. Equipment levels are higher. Prices are down 10-15%. But the question was how good could it be compared to the Mk III Ford Mondeo that shifted class goalposts into the next county.
Happily, for VW fans, it became a much better car than it was. On most versions much of the overlight deadness of the steering had been eliminated, the handling and roadholding was more secure, the fit and finish was of even better quality than before and the two new diesel engines knocked the old ones for six. VW believed they were the most thermally efficient car engines in the world, converting no less than 43% of the thermal energy in fuel into power. What had happened, though, was that VW's VAG parent put more distance between the 2001 Passat and the Audi A4 than between the previous versions. Whereas the new A4 was very classy, the new Passat was simply the new Passat, an improved version of the old Passat. Not the serious Mercedes Benz C Class rival the 2001 A4 was clearly intended to be.
Reviews for Volkswagen Passat (2001 – 2005)'s top 3 rivals
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Volkswagen Passat (2001 – 2005) handling and engines
I tried four versions of the new Passat, all saloons. The four-wheel-drive V6 4Motion doesn't get the same 225bhp 3.0 litre V6 engine as the new A4. Instead it has to make do with the same 193bhp 2.8 it had before. And this engine does need to stay on cam to give its best, which can mean a lot of gear changing with the none-too-precise lever. It handles a lot more capably than it did before though, feeling nothing like as remote. A fast driver can make very quick progress in this car. But why would he choose it over and above the TDI PD 130?
In terms of usable grunt this is actually a better car because the wallop is more available from lower revs. Its driving characteristics are actually very like those of the Audi A4 PDI 130, and the example I tried had a slightly better but still not completely foolproof gearchange. If Chrysler can come up with a snicky-precise cable-change gearshift for the PT Cruiser, why can't VAG for its A4 and Passat? But the spread of power is so great you don't really have to worry. Leave it in third in traffic and you will rarely need another gear. After all, its 228lb ft of torque at just 1,900 rpm is phenomenal for an everyday diesel. The V6 4Motion actually develops less, just 199lb ft, and at a much higher 3,200 rpm. VAG have also got the gearing right on the TDI PD 130. Every 1,000 rpm in top gives you over 30mph on the speedo. So at 90mph the engine is turning over at less than 3,000rpm and quite possibly giving you well over 40mpg. What more could you reasonably want?
The other huge benefit of this car is its relatively low CO2 emission of 154g/km, which puts it in the lowest-benefit tax group of the new company car taxation rules, even after the ridiculous 3% diesel penalty. Combine this factor with the car's lower price (£16,310 for the S) and it would be illogical for a user-chooser company car driver to go for anything else.
On to the 1.8T, which has the same 150bhp turbo engine that I took to 140mph on a closed-off section of Autobahn during the 1997 Passat's launch. This one felt tighter, punchier and much smoother than I remember in previous Passats. And with the vagueness taken out of the steering, it was a much more confident car to drive.
Last of all, I took out the TDI PD 100bhp, which replaces the old TDI 90. It was much noisier than the PD 130, but TDI engines have always varied one to another in this respect. It actually drove very well, so anyone nervous of going from an old TDI 110 to a new TDI 130 would probably be happier saving some money and going for it instead. (There is no TDI PD 115 in the new Passat line-up.)
A future addition to the range will be the flagship 3.7 litre 280bhp W8 4Motion which VW hopes to be able to offer at under £30,000. This will have a six-speed gearbox, 258lb ft of torque and be capable of 0-60 in 6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Finally, to answer the question I posed at the beginning, is the new Passat better than the new Mondeo? It gives the impression of being slightly better built, and from slightly better quality materials, than the Mondeo. But it still doesn't steer, handle or change gear as well, the wind noise is worse, it isn't fun like the Mondeo can be, and, though prices are as good if not better than those of the Mondeo, you don't feel you're driving a bargain. But you are driving a Volkswagen rather than a Ford, and if you're not prepared to cough up the extra for an Audi A4, you will still feel superior to Roger the Rep in his Mondeo.
That shouldn't be the reason for chosing one car over another, but in the car snob society VW caters for so well in the UK, it will be.
Model History
March 2001
Much more than merely facelifted Passat. Looks classy and hides very comprehensive improvements under the skin. Now with a 12 year body warranty.
New engine range begins with 2.0 litre 8 valve 115bhp shared with Golf Mk IV GTi, but at a low price of £14,495 which includes ABS, climate control, Thatcham 1 alarm immobiliser and much more. TDI 130 S was an excellent car for company drivers because it combines a low CO2 output of 154 g/km with a low on the road price of £16,310. Has no less than 228 lb ft torque and goes like a steam train. Range also includes a 100bhp TDI PD, a 150bhp 1.8 petrol turbo, a 150bhp V6 TDI, a 170bhp V5 and a 193bhp V6 4Motion four wheel drive. 6 speed manual gearbox on TDI PD 130 Sport and TDI V6 Sport. Others have 5 speed manual, 5 speed Tiptronic auto or 4 speed auto.
Rare 280bhp W8 4Motion capable of 0-60 in 6 seconds and 150mph top speed for less than £30,000
May 2001
150bhp petrol turbo S versions of saloon and estate introduced May 2001 with 5-speed Tiptronic auto option.
May 2002
In May 2002 115bhp 8 valve 2.0 litre engine replaced by by the 130bhp 20v 2.0 litre as used in the Audi A4 B6. 0-60 comes down from 10.9 seconds to 9.6 seconds, top speed goes up from 124mph to 130mph, fuel economy improves from 32.8 mpg to 34.9 mpg on the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions are down from 206g/km to 194g/km. Price for the S spec with standard a/c up by £155 to £14,850, but because CO2 emissions are down company car drivers actually paid less BIK tax than for the old car. Passat S Estate with the 2.0 130bhp engine is priced at £15,800.
July 2002
Three 3-point rear seatbelts standard spec from mid 2002. Massive discounts on petrol Passats at end of 2002 in order to meet targets (2.0S 130bhp saloons advertised for £11,500 by VW dealers). TDI 130 4-Motion introduced at end of 2002 with six speed box and 228lb ft torque (18 lb ft up on 5-speed TDI 130). This is huge fun, with plenty of grip and steering feel. The best Passat of all to drive. 0 - 60 10.1 secs. Top speed 127mph. Mpg: 43.5 combined for saloon; 42.8 for estate. CO2: 176g/km for saloon and 178g/km for estate. Prices: £18,815 SE saloon; £19,775 Sport saloon; £19,765 SE estate; £20,725 Sport estate.
May 2003
Improved 2.5 V6 TDI from May 2003, now with 163PS and 258lb ft torque. Conforms to Euro IV emissions regs, bringing 3% saving in BIK liability. Prices: £21,875 saloon; £23,990 estate.
What to watch out for
Also see Passat 1997 - 2001.
Petrol and diesel engines can hydraulic for an extraordinary reason: water built up in the ventilation plenum chamber due to failure to clear the drains can perforate the seam of the two halves of the brake servo, rust the inside and make the brake pedal hard. That water can then get sucked into the engine if the servo diaphragm becomes perforated. Class action against VAG for this at www.volkswagen-classaction.com.
Additionally water sucked from a flooded vent well into the brake servo can have the effect of removing all servo assistance and making the brakes feel solid.
In 2007 VAG issued a dealer TSB 51B8 to check for blocked drain holes in the plenum chamber. Trouble is, they do not send recall notice letters to owners who have not used their franchised dealers for servicing. The first signs are a flooded vent well with water slopping about and emulsified oil under the oil cap. Apparently this water can be drawn into the brake servo and causes corrosion to the servo housing and brake master cylinder that can result in reduced brake force or failure altogether. Replacement of perforated brake servo, pipework and tandem pump be replaced can cost £980.
Check very carefully for signs of water leaks (feel footwell carpets for damp). May be a structural leak, may be a blocked ventilation plenum chamber drain, or may be because the a/c condenser drain pipe is blocked leading to water being dumped into the footwell. Very important to clear plenum chamber drains of leaves, particularly the one under the battery, as water damage to the ECU can wreck the engine. Many owners remove the plastic plugs from the plenum chamber drains to aid draining. This can also infiltrate the brake servo causing it to fail. Class action about this at http://www.volkswagen-classaction.com/
Guide to cleaning out drains here: A4/Passat scuttle drains
The original pollen filter holder in the vent well is inadequate; the water ingress seal breaks down with age and allows water to leak into the front passenger foot well. There is a modified filter holder available from VW which it seems is only fitted once the leaks happen - too late! Replacement is less than £100 including labour.
Due to the water ingress from the vent well the stepper motor for the air-con re-circulation flap can seize with the flap in the fully closed position, preventing fresh air from circulating the cabin and causing severe misting of the cabin windows. Replacing the motor is a nightmare dash-out job and can easily cost £600.
Failing electric locks on tailgates of estates can lead to a discharge that flattens the battery.
1.8 20v engines are snapping their timing belts at 70,000 - 80,000 miles and the extensive damage this causes is not repairable. The car will need a replacement engine. Timing belt of 1.8 20v needs changing before 4 years or 60k miles (whichever comes first).
All 1.8 20V turbos built from around August 2001 to October 2002 can suffer from failure of one or more of the four ignition coils, which lead to a dispute between VAG and a supplier and a severe shortage of coils from November 2002 to January 2003.
'Creaking dash' might actually be the underbonnet plastic cover over the scuttle plenum chamber creaking. Cured by silicone grease on the tough points. Leaks into the car often the result of blocked plenun chamber drains which are hard to find under the battery.
Check rear number plate lamps and area around them for rust.
Complaint of repeated failure of cruise control, even after replacement of all relevant components.
Increasingly high failure rate of dual mass flywheels on diesels.
Radiator failures common at about six years old.
Feb-03 Alarm fault - faulty bonnet sensor. Emergency service called
Feb-03 Faulty throttle body replaced
13-Mar-03 5221 Water leak in front passenger footwell due to faulty pollen filter
11-Jun-03 8477 Oil leak necessitating removal of Gearbox, Cyl Head, Manifold and Timing chain cover
30-Jun-03 9003 Sticking front seatbelt
8-Mar-04 15783 Oil Leak between gearbox and block. Gearbox removed. New clutch fitted
18-Mar-04 16161 Vibration from gear lever - new linkage fitted
8-Aug-04 21578 Fix rattles in rear seats and dashboard
22-Apr-05 31731 New boot hinges fitted - originals had seized
26-May-05 32607 Oil leak from cylinder head and joint with gearbox. Parts removed and new seals fitted
11-Oct-06 50682 New bonnet pull handle fitted and faulty coolant sensor replaced
21-Dec-06 52995 Wiring failed to fuel filler cap. New wire fitted. VERY ANNOYING.
13-Feb-07 54244 CV boot split - replaced
13-Feb-07 54244 Oil leak from crankcase seal. Gearbox removed and new seal fitted. Contribution
of £640 from VW. My cost £300
16-Feb-07 54308 Alarm fault due to loose connector in front passenger door
15-Mar-07 55000 Oil leak from crankcase seal again. Remedial work done 13/2/07 repeated
18-Jul-07 60000 Front passenger door lock replaced- cost £168
60000 New idle control box required as engine not running properly (RAC called out) cost £492
14-Nov-07 63333 New ignition coil fitted New Glove Box fitted
21-Feb-08 65000 Water leak in rear footwell. Drain cleared in front bulkhead Fit another new coil
9-May-08 67000 Fit new boot lock
30-Sep-08 69000 Replace leaking coolant hose
14-Jan-09 71000 Fit new pollen filter seal. Replace connector block in n/s A pillar to cure alarm fault
3-Oct-09 77000 Further engine oil leak occurred
30-Oct-09 Gave up - traded in car!!!!!! (NOT FOR A VW!!)
By 2013, front wings could have rusted through on cars subject to harsh conditions. VW has been meeting 12 year no perforation bodywork claims and replacing them on cars with full VW service history.
22-12-2013:Another case of front wing rust-through, this on a 2004 Passat, but because car did not have a full VW service history and had not complied with the warranty conditions VW would not pay.
08-12-2014:And another case of VW Passat B6 estate front wing rust-through, this one a 2003, at 10 years old. Owner asked to pay 25% of the cost of repairs.
09-03-2015:Front wings rust claim met in full on 2004 Passat under 12 year body warranty, leaving a happy customer. (Car originally bo ught 2nd hand in 2007 on HJ's advice in Telegraph Choose a Car.)
21-11-2015:If oil level warning light comes on with 1.8 or 2.0 20v engine, opening and closing the bonnet (as if you were refilling with oil) re-sets it for 150kms. If the bonnet sensor becomes disconnected then the oil light will stay on permanently.
16-06-2016:With ageing, if the car has a sunroof, the rubber drain tubes fron the sunroof surround can close up, causing water to dribble down the A pillars with the potential to damage electrics, some of which sits under the driver's seat. Possible cure might be to replace with plastic drain tubes.
05-12-2016:Problem reported of 2002/52 VW Passat 2.0 20 Valve activating its door locks while driving along. Interior light comes on and won't turn off unless its overhead switch is set to the central off position. Once this has happened pressing door open/lock from the drivers door control has no effect and will only reset and interior light also will go off after the ignition is shut off. The fault occurs when the drivers side mirror control is set at the defrost (central) position. It doesn't matter if the center console defrost button is on or not. Garage says needs a expensive new Passenger Courtesy Module.
26-01-2019:Report of footwells of 2013 VW Passat TDI being flooded and damaginfg"comfort module". Likely to be because the bulkhead vent well drains have become blocked.
11-07-2019:Report of 2013 build (registered 2014) VW Passat Trendline continually blowing fuses. Moisture will be getting into part of the electrical system somewhere, maybe the locking and windows ECU inside the driver's door. Another possibility is a flooded bulkhead vent well that can play havoc with this model Passat, leaking rainwater via the pollen filter into the passenger compartment and electrical components under the seat. (Clean the vent well drains either side with a teapot spout brush.) Need a local <car electrical specialist> (http://www.yell.com) to try to trace the fault. If it's a significant fault requiring a new Body Control Module and/or a new loom could be in for significant expense. If it's something trivial, such as moisture in a light cluster then that's easily fixed.
