1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
1994 Volkswagen Passat
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1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat ▼
- Price Range: $600 - $1,200
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Optional antilock brakes
- Traction control (V6)
- Acceleration (V6)
- Passenger and cargo room
- Handling/roadholding
Cons
- Noise
- Ride (GLX)
- Automatic-transmission performance (4 cyl)
Vehicle Highlights
Ranking as VW's biggest car, Passat was available as either a 4-door sedan or 4-door station wagon, in a single GL trim level. Power came from either a twin-cam, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on the sedan, with 4-speed automatic optional. Wagons had the automatic as standard. Four-wheel disc brakes were standard on both body styles, while antilock braking was among the few options.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Volkswagen Passat GL auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| 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 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Power-window switches moved from their original vertical position on door panels, to an easier-to-reach spot on the horizontal surface of the door armrest. An automatic-transmission gear-indicator display was added to the instrument cluster.
1992 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Joining the original GL trim level was a new entry-grade CL sedan with the 4-cylinder engine.
1993 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
A new 4-cylinder GLS Passat became the midlevel model, and the entry-level CL disappeared, making GL the base version. The new line-topping GLX came with Volkswagen's first V6. Called VR6 it displaced 2.8-liters and made 172 horsepower. Traction control also arrived for 1993, only in GLX V6 sedans and wagons. In addition to a slightly different front-end look with integrated fog lamps, the GLX got 215/50HR15 tires on new 6-spoke alloy wheels. All models gained a multifunction trip computer and CFC-free air conditioning.
1994 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Only V6 Passats went on sale in 1994, in top-line GLX trim.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Early automatic transmissions are downright ill-mannered, shifting with unpleasant harshness and responding sluggishly. Too bad, because with the 4-cylinder engine, a Passat accelerates with some briskness, even with automatic. A GLX with the V6 is faster still. Smooth and responsive, the V6 does produce a lot of low-end torque for good acceleration from low speeds. More important, with the V6 engine, the Passat's automatic transmission operates much more smoothly. Fuel economy with the 4-cylinder engine is exceptional, and average for the V6. A taut suspension delivers a stable feel and nimble handling, though the ride grows nasty on rough spots. It's a little softer in 1994 models, but we also noticed some floatiness over high-speed dips. All Passats handle capably, but the GLX corners like a sport sedan. Though power steering demands rather high effort at parking speeds, it's quick and precise at higher velocities. One major negative: Road and wind noise are troublesome. Four passengers have plenty of room, but the back-seat isn't wide enough for three large folks. Leg space is ample front and rear, and 6-footers enjoy good head room. Not merely ample, the sedan's trunk borders on cavernous in size. Folding down one or both rear seatbacks creates even more space. Controls are well laid out and easy to reach. Visibility is good. Optional antilock braking provides strong stopping power and excellent control.
Value for the Money
Roomy and competent, the 1990-94 Passat can be a good choice in a well-equipped compact sedan or wagon, if you can live with the ride harshness and tire noise.
Roomy and competent, the 1990-94 Passat can be a good choice in a well-equipped compact sedan or wagon, if you can live with the ride harshness and tire noise.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Volkswagen Passat GL auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| 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. (1993-94)
Battery:
A broken wire between the alternator and warning light causes intermittent charging. (1992)
Coolant leak:
A low-coolant-level malfunction can be the result of the wrong concentration of antifreeze or a bad coolant sensor. (1990-94)
Hard starting:
No-starts or stalling may be traced to a faulty power relay to the engine-control computer. (1994)
Rough idle:
Backfires due to faulty plugs dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the VR6 engine causing rough, or no idle. (1992-94)
Tire wear:
Uneven tire wear may be due to too much toe-in. A replacement rear stub axle is available. (1990-93)
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 | $400 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $795 |
| Brakes | $450 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $585 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,320 |
| Exhaust System | $410 |
| Radiator | $370 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $610 |
| 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 |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Passat | $1,400-1,900 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Passat | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Passat | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Passat | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Passat | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
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. | 67.1 | 67.1 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.2 | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3152 | 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. | 37.6 | 38.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 43.6 | 43.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.4 | 39.0 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.3 | 35.3 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines have been available in Passats: a 134- horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with dual-overhead camshafts; or a 2.8-liter V6 that developed 172 horsepower. Only the 4-cylinder model was offered until 1993, and only the V6 in '94. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 4-speed automatic optional.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 170 | 172 | 177 | 5-speed manual: 19/27 4-speed automatic: 17/24 |
5-speed manual: 23.1 4-speed automatic: 20.8 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 134 | 133 | 5-speed manual: 21/30 4-speed automatic: 20/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 22.2 |
|
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 | 1993 Passat |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| 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 1990-1994 Volkswagen Passat directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
If engine operates continuously in overheated condition, hot coolant might escape.
1990-92 w/16-valve engine and California emission controls:
Tube in throttle-valve housing can loosen and fall, preventing throttle plate from returning to full idle; results in unwanted engine speed when car goes into gear.
1993:
Lock nuts may break and allow front axles to separate from struts, which can cause vehicle to pull to side and may result in loss of control.
1993-94 w/VR6 engine:
Radiator-fan-motor shaft could wear, get noisy and seize, making fan inoperative and eventually causing engine to overheat and stall.
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