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1998 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,250 to $26,750

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(6 reviews)
1998 Volkswagen Passat Preview summaryImage

All-new for 1998, the Volkswagen Passat shared a platform with the Audi A4, and in fact borrowed a number of other elements from its higher-end cousin, which also is owned by VW. Slightly larger (by about four inches) than its predecessor, the new Passat was available in two trim packages, the GLS and the GLX.

The base GLS sedan came with two engine options -- a 1.8-liter, 150-hp 4-cylinder and a 2.8-liter V6 that generated 190 hp. (Both engines were borrowed from Audi.) The top-of-the-line GLX sedan also came with the 2.8-liter V6, while a Passat wagon was available only with the 4-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, while optional equipment included a four-speed automatic transmission with the Tiptronic feature, which enabled drivers to manually shift, depending on conditions.

The list of standard features for the 1998 Passat was fairly extensive, and included front and side airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power brakes, power door locks, daytime running lights, cruise control, a trip computer, a keyless entry system, an anti-theft alarm system, anti-lock brakes, and an eight-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system. The GLX package added leather seats and a sunroof, among other features.

Generally, drivers appreciated the Passat's handling, styling, spaciousness, and comfort, though many pointed out that their cars required frequent and expensive repairs.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 1998 Volkswagen Passat

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User rating:
by Mattias P
Jul 07, 2010
A nice car. Reasonable comfortable, good handling, spacious. The 125 hp 1,8 without turbo is a bit of a bore though. Noisy, no spunk and a pretty heavy drinker. If you decide to buy one you should make sure that the links in the front chassi has been replaced with better stuff than the original ones. If you don't chances are that they will cause you a great deal of grief.Jul 07, 2010
by Gabriel B
Jun 04, 2010
fast 150 bhp turbo engine good quality build great leather interior nice overall looking car nice thrill when you race it,people do not expect much from a passat but not all are diesel avoid this sport trim passat because parts cost double the price then usual passat specially suspension and engineJun 04, 2010
by Mehmet E
Nov 15, 2009
It has a 150 hp 1.8 turbo engine.yeah i love my car.It can accelerate to 100 km less than 8.5 seconds.It's a veryy gun tu drive.Thank you.IT is a very high quality carMy daddy oened it for 2 years (2003-2005) even it was already 5 y.o. when we bought it we didn't go to service unless it was time to periodic maintence.It's really a masterpiece-both interior and exterior.-Ergonomy is excellent everything is at a place where they should be.It has relatively low fuel consumption.But of course it has a higher cost of ownership than a 1.4 liter car.But it has nearly no cost of maintence.I guess this car won't need a high cost operation even it's 10 years old.Nov 15, 2009

1998 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,250 to $26,750
Price range
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Average price on CG
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YoY price change
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Volkswagen Passat price trends

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags

Audio System

AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (4)

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