1998 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,250 to $26,750

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(23 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
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, 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 Anonymous
Nov 14, 2014
It has been a great vehicle for long road trips. But, I am at a decision-point with the Passat having 287,000 miles on it and a newly cracked and leaking radiator with a front end package of $1,700 to 2,000 - the repair cost being more than book value I would think. And how much more "life" would be left in a vehicle that has had very regular and thorough car by very good independent garages? My household has three vehicles and the Passat is the extra more or less, but owned solely by me. UPDATE: I found Lou's garage on the Boonsboro Road just outside of Lynchburg, VA and he and his crew did the work on replacing the cracked radiator, water pump (probable cause) and some other items for about $1100. The car runs fine and on one trip it got up to 37 MPG. I am very happy I found Lou's garage and I did not have to make the car donation!Nov 14, 2014
by argenis m
Oct 09, 2012
it was a great car to have around everyone in the neighborhood use to give me thumbs up , it was a very cool car and it has great exhaust sound . Ilove it only reason why im selling it is because i bought a new oneOct 09, 2012
by Tomas N
Jul 20, 2011
ha az ember tudja,hogy kell hozzá kezdeni,akkor megteszi amit akarnak töle.fogyasztás a vezetési stílussal megeggyező tuning: angel eyes terv:- xenon - foliák, - hátsó lámpák LED - duplex kipufogó - elektrón ennyi, más nem jut most eszembe ,de majd valamit még tuti kispekulálokJul 20, 2011

1998 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,250 to $26,750
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

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)