where can i find my transmission dip stick,so i can check my fluid
where can i find my transmission dip stick?So i can check my fluid level.
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2001 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons started the 2001 model year as essentially the same vehicles that were offered in the previous two years, with a few minor upgrades to freshen them up. But more extensive changes were rolled out mid-year, including alterations to the Passat's interior and exterior.
The new mid-year models came with a redesigned front end, taillights, and chassis on the outside, and updated instrument gauges, center console, and armrests inside. Also new mid-year was the Passat's 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which now pumped out 170 hp, up from the previous year's 150 hp.
The Passat was still available in two trim packages, the entry-level GLS and the higher-end GLX. The GLS was available with either the new 4-cylinder or the same 2.8-liter, 190-hp V6 offered in previous years. The GLX came only with the V6. A five-speed manual transmission was standard across the line, while an automatic transmission with the Tiptronic manual shift feature was available as an option.
Standard equipment for the Passat included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, a keyless entry system, daytime running lights, and an anti-theft alarm system. The GLX package added a sunroof and leather seats (powered in the front), among other features. A new side curtain airbag system was added in 2001 as a standard feature, while VW's all-wheel-drive system, called 4MOTION, was available as an option.
As with Passats in previous years, a large number of drivers complained of frequent, and often expensive, repairs, as well as such problems as sludge in the engine that had to be cleaned out frequently. On the positive side, drivers found the Passat fun to drive, easy to handle, and comfortable over the long haul.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2001 Volkswagen Passat
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by Ronnie R
May 12, 2021
The features were okay but there were not enough pictures of the torn seats in the car. I bought the car anyway but I may not have if I had known about the seats ahead of time.May 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2015
An excellent family car that is great all year round. Comfortably fits 4 to 5 people for long trips and all their gear. Very reliable if maintained properly. All wheel drive is great in the rain and snow. Despite being a 2001, it's nicer and higher quality than many brand new cars.Jan 29, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 31, 2013
bought this car with 240,000 miles and it runs great, starts every time...love the heated seats and the sleek look. I have owned two other vw's, a jetta and a fox...loved both and is why i bought this wagon...Oct 31, 2013
User rating:
by Ronnie R
May 12, 2021
The features were okay but there were not enough pictures of the torn seats in the car. I bought the car anyway but I may not have if I had known about the seats ahead of time.May 12, 2021
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2015
An excellent family car that is great all year round. Comfortably fits 4 to 5 people for long trips and all their gear. Very reliable if maintained properly. All wheel drive is great in the rain and snow. Despite being a 2001, it's nicer and higher quality than many brand new cars.Jan 29, 2015
by Anonymous
Oct 31, 2013
bought this car with 240,000 miles and it runs great, starts every time...love the heated seats and the sleek look. I have owned two other vw's, a jetta and a fox...loved both and is why i bought this wagon...Oct 31, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 02, 2012
Great second car - except brakes and headlights...Headlights - very dim low beam lights force me to use high beam most of the time. Brakes - seem to be replacing brake pads and rotors way too often. Great handling and upgraded sound options. .Feb 02, 2012
by Paul T
Nov 06, 2011
Powerful turbo, thirsty in petrol guide, opt for a diesel,
Nice looks, good feel on the road, pulls like a train even fully loaded!
good road holding, nice firm seats, tempted to try a TDI varient though
the poor sump design puts me off.
Nov 06, 2011
by Robert D
Jul 08, 2010
The acceleration, braking, and handling are all excellent. No squeaks, rattles, or repairs. Exterior style is nice. Interior style could be better, but very nice. Very good gas mileage-about 21mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. A blast to drive.Jul 08, 2010
by Edgardo M
Jun 17, 2010
This is a very solid car with many amenities wich compares with more expensive veihicles. It has an excellent ride with the perfect balance between high speed firmness and low speed comfort. The german engineering is palpable in all areas inlcuiding the fit and finish as well as the quality of materials. As all VW it needs special care in the maintanence and accesories wihc tends to show thier age ahead of time. Besides this is trulyan "inexpensive" drivers car.Jun 17, 2010
by Jacob N
Jun 11, 2010
a beautiful car for tuning and a very comfortable car for cruises and voyages?
(sorry for my english)
this car is fast and surelly you're gonna be happy driving it!
it is really fan to drive it!
this car is surelly the car from vollkswagen! ;)Jun 11, 2010
by Ryan H
Jun 09, 2010
love the slap stick mode, but hate the cost of prts, not really a family car even
though its a four door car, but great for a single guy that wants to pick up
women,you can either get the v6 or the 1.8 turboJun 09, 2010
by Rodrigo E
Jan 11, 2010
I Like Everything!!!!! It Was Very Funny! To Drive!!! Something New!!! Appear When You Drived it! It Was Just!! Exciting!!! The only Thing! I don´t Liked Was i Never Get Bored!!! hahaha... It Was Just!! Good!! To Be In That Car!!!Jan 11, 2010
by Timmy P
Sep 20, 2009
Be careful, once you get near 90XXX miles the timing belt MUST be changed or else you'll bend a few valves and that turns into an expensive repair. The 4Motion is the way to go, AWD or bust, great handling. Power is limited to 190HP and there's not much out there to upgrade it, but it will get up and go, and once you figure out the TipTronic transmission you'll be setSep 20, 2009
by Joey A
Sep 12, 2009
farrari passat. what can i say. for what its is, its got a lot of heart. its got the power to keep up with a stock mustang but it will kill in the corners cuz of the all wheel. I have the leather interior and the 6 cd changer with the monsoon sound system. it rocks in there. it gets pretty good gas and the storage is great. the only problem is that every liquid i put into to it comes out as a puddle on the ground.Sep 12, 2009
by Dorin B
Aug 30, 2009
Car is super, but on this quiz, I dont have to select diesel versions. And my passat is 1,9TDI , 2001, silver. I want to buy an 18" alu wells, and to tonate a little windows. It have all exept letherAug 30, 2009
by Ben R
Jul 19, 2009
When going around corners it stays flat and fast, the build quality is ok it doesnt fall apart, cost of ownership is high, It looks pretty good, I'd say the car is pretty fun to drive, especialy on curvy roads.Jul 19, 2009
by Amit S
Jul 06, 2009
I love this car, quality is great interior looks good, performance is not bad i own the 1.8T version of this car and i love it. car is very fun to drive really smooth, i got my car for $7,000 and it's a 01' with at that time 94,000 miles on it, so i got a great deal. i would definitely, this car is more of a family car but i love it.Jul 06, 2009
by Tim B
Jul 02, 2009
solid feel, engine like new at 142K, great gas mileage, roomy, great German road feel, safe in crash tests< GLX trim is loaded, best family sedan you can buy! Vw has a bum rap from Consumer Reports, I haev had very few problems with my car!Jul 02, 2009
by Drew W
Apr 18, 2009
- a good car has decent upgrades that make it look a little better
-V6 puts out enough HP to get the car going
-Has decent miles per gallon
-sport shifter allows for manual override of the AT
-6 disc in the trunkApr 18, 2009
by Paul Q
Mar 28, 2009
This was a great car, good looking, beautifully built and very well equipped.
We owned this for 5 years and it was largely reliable to start with, although, in its defence, when we bought it at 2 years old it did have 75,000 miles on it!
It finally had to go when (simultaneosly) the head gasket went and the ABS light stayed on.
Thankfully, the Jaguar dealer who bought it as a trade in didnt notice and gave me three grand for it!Mar 28, 2009
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2009
The V6 has great acceleration in the low gears and plenty of power on the highways. City gas mileage leaves something to be desired, but highway mileage is good. The car does very well in the snow with all season tires-snow tires would be exceptional. Corners wonderfully with a tight turn radius-no control problems due to front wheel drive. Even with the large amounts of torque the traction control keeps the car in line. I own the standard version, and the clutch is still good after 100k miles. It's a fun car-great for long trips and fun on the track.Feb 22, 2009
by Daniel C
Jan 30, 2009
A brilliant all-rounder!
Quite quick (for a big estate car that is almost 8 years old!)
Very comfortable, Well built and solid (German).
Handles nicer than the saloon because of stiffer rear suspension. You can fit tons of stuff in it. Even when you drive it hard, you still get over 4o miles per gallon of diesel! I think it looks cool with the tinted windows and silver paint.Jan 30, 2009
by Bjarni V
Jan 02, 2009
Volkswagen passat 2001 1.8T.
Er á 17 tommu Vw felgum
Með smá sílsakitt
Nýju grilli og enhvað fleira
Er núna í nokkri stórri viðgerð, fór vélartalvan og sennilega núna farið eitt eða fleiri háspennukefli.
Þarf að láta sprauta nánast allan bílinnJan 02, 2009
by Fookie L
Aug 05, 2008
VW's aren't known for their reliability. They aren't known to cost the least to own over the course of 5 years. In fact, not unlike other more expensive European cars, they can be downright frustrating and expensive to own. So why on earth would someone who prides themselves as a car fanatic buy one?
It all boils down to the feeling you get when you slide behind the wheel. Without even starting the engine, you will find the best interior fit, finish, and materials in it's class. You'll notice the subtle touches and hidden features that will make you think, "why have I owned other cars wtihout this?" You'll admire the attractive, timeless design. In fact, if you hid the VW badges marked throughout the car, you may think you're sitting in the next uber-mobile from the "3-pointed star" or the "propeller" guys.
What I have always admired about VW is thier total disregard for how other cars in the same class are designed and built. Their strive for innovation and safety is basically unheard of is this class. I bet you can't find a more finely crafted car for the money. But......
As with anything in this world, there are downsides. They require a stricter maintenance schedule. They only consume the best and most expensive fluids and parts....and the parts that you expect to last a lifetime in other cars simply give out without warning.
This provides owners an opportunity to learn more than they ever cared to know about their cars. It was never made for the weak. Those who choose to do most of the work on their cars themselves are rewarded with a car they will find hard to get tired of. Others will take out second and third mortgages just to pay for the 56th control arm that went out after 37,000 miles.
With the DIY crowd (which I fall into), all this glory and failure lends itself into support groups that consult each other and console each other. This is one of the best features of owning a VW. If you are ever in doubt about something with the 'dub, you can rest assured that someone before you in these "support groups" has been in the same scenario. It's a culture that is only understood when you own a car that you have an emotional attachment to.
Unfortunately, most cars that you can easily get emotionally attached to are far beyond the reaches of my income....except for VW. Aug 05, 2008
by Jess C
Aug 03, 2008
The performance is amazing. The acceleration is really really touchy, so it is quick to get going. Breaks work amazingly well. It handles really well and i've never worried about taking a turn too quickly. It has never had any issues, other than normal up keep. It is a very beautiful car. It is a medium gray color. It has gray leather interior with wood accents. It is a very stunning car. It doesn't get that great of mileage. It gets around 20 city and 28 highway. This car is really fun to drive. Especially with the triptronic transmition. Aug 03, 2008
by Ricardo T
Aug 01, 2008
Lento al arrancar pero con excelente aceleración después de los 40 km/h.
Muy estable arriba de 160 km/h pero pierde adherencia después de los 210 km/h.
Pesado al frenar pero el ABS le ayuda en frenadas de emergencia.
No muy buen consumo, $500.00 por 380 km en ciudad.
Aug 01, 2008
by David F
Jul 04, 2008
decent motor but need decent spec,ie air con or climate,leather as always is a bonus, i have the 1.8 petrol,delivers decent pull even with a full car.Jul 04, 2008
by Josh H
Jun 30, 2008
Be prepared to ass up money to maintain it and keep it running when it gets over 80k miles. I wish I had the TDI version but the 1.8T is efficient and clean enough. The 1.8T was known for sludging, but I change the oil every 5k miles with fully synthetic oil. That seems to deter the sludge. When it was newer I could race and almost outrun a base V6 Mustang. Turbo lags a little bit but one day I will get the turbo rebuilt. It still looks almost as new as it did when I bought it. It's worth the cost, though, because it's so fun to drive and the seats are very comfortable for long trips. Use SilverStar headlights, and disable the DRL's to increase the life of the headlights.Jun 30, 2008
by Brian M
Jun 08, 2008
over all a pretty solid car with a few minor defectsJun 08, 2008
by Huey L
Jun 04, 2008
Best Car EverJun 04, 2008
by Phillip B
May 13, 2008
the best family car ever May 13, 2008
by Rof S
Apr 01, 2008
i love itApr 01, 2008
by Nick R
Mar 14, 2008
2001 passat 2.8 30 valve v6. Mar 14, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 11, 2008
I bought the car as new. After about 50,000 miles things started to fall apart, coincidentally that was right after the warranty ran out.
Inside door trim fell off. Glove compartment latch broke and it cannot open. Moon roof opens and closes at its own will. Lose connections for front lights. Bulbs burn out too often. Protective shield under engine fell off.
Difficult to change light bulbs, rear lights need special tools so you need a mechanic.
Had to get new waterpump, it is in the timing belt compartment, so also got a new timing belt.
Now flex pipes are leaking.
Check engine light comes on even when no problems can be detected.
VW service dept. always trying to sell you unneeded and expensive service/parts. Like a $600 brake disc.
The actual engine and transmission seem to be functioning well.
I will not buy another VW nor will I recommend it.Mar 11, 2008
by Maria M
Mar 01, 2008
so many problems can't even list them. spent way too much $$$ fixing this s*** car that deserted me several times on the roadMar 01, 2008
by Kelvin L
Feb 18, 2008
Has good acceleration despite only having 1800cc.
Good to handle, very well-built, good-to-look-at.
Nice Tiptronic. All in all, sorry to have to let go of it.Feb 18, 2008
by BenJamin A
Feb 14, 2008
this car thinks its a race car. i haven't told it that its not, at least not yet, and if the only car thats beaten us so far is a mustang gt, i don't think she'll listen if i do. the stability control is fantastic, the cornering is unbelievable she gets 35mpg on the thruway @75 mph 50mpg @ 50 mph, very quick for a good sized sedan that will seat four adult males and not loose power like a normal 4 cylinder does. freezing cold ac, lava hot heater, 5 speed manual, 7lb fly wheel, stage 2 clutch, giant inter cooler, oil cooler, automatic windows, UP AND DOWN (for the front), keyless entry (you can open and close all four windows by turning the key in the door). and so much other cool crap i can't think of at the moment... oh yeah i put on a kit and some angels... ye-ah!!Feb 14, 2008
by Jan F
Jan 15, 2008
First I have to say, I bought it used from Germany...
It finally broke totally down after 100.000 km...
Electrical failures, transmission failures, engine failures....
Hated it from day one...Jan 15, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 28, 2007
Radio is funky. Can die. Needs to be pulled out and put back in, but need special tools to do this. After second death, just got new radio.
Safety hand rail on passenger side broke off. Floor pads from Dealer suck. Curl up and locking mechanism worthless.
In general, warranty honored.
Great acceleratiion and handling>
Drives well.Jun 28, 2007
What users have asked
Overheating car
I have a 2001 Volkswagen Passat it keeps overheating what do I do
217 views
Car won’t start what should I do?
My car did not have any oil in it I started it an when I put it in reverse it shut off. I checked the oil there was no oil so I filled it to the line an now it’s trying to start but won’t turn over what do I do
4 views
2001 with a v6- starts right up, but runs very rough, spits and sputters, no power brakes, will not go faster than 2 mph. I do not have access to a vw scanner.
2001 Passat 4 motion with a v6- starts right up, but runs very rough, spits and sputters, no power brakes, will not go faster than 2 mph. I do not have access to a vw scanner. My obd scanner won't read it.
74 views
I have a 2001 passat 1.8T that overheats
Replaced thermostat, coolant temp sensor and coolant flange. The car will run great just pushes coolant out the overflow on the recovery tank then overheats.
143 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2001 Volkswagen Passat?Compare this car
2001 Volkswagen Passat Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,975 to $32,360Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: steel
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent