1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat: Year-to-Year Changes
Updated: 11/23/08
2005 Volkswagen Passat
View the Photo Gallery
View the Photo Gallery
1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat ▼
- Price Range: $2,400 - $15,000
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Volkswagen Passat/ CC
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Year to Year Changes
1999 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Volkswagen planned an all-wheel-drive system and a V6 engine for the wagon, but both changes were delayed.
2000 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Base-model GLS Passats gained standard heated front seats and windshield-washer nozzles (which previously were optional). A wood gearshift knob went into the GLX, and all models added an antitheft-coded ignition key and a brake-wear indicator. Dealers could install a dashboard CD player. During 2000, Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system became available.
2001 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
No significant changes were made for 2001. Significant changes were made midyear to an '01 1/2 model.
2001.5 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
The 2001.5 sedans and wagons added a new nose with chrome accents, transparent taillamp elements, chassis revisions, and altered gauge appearance. Base GLS models had a 1.8-liter turbo 4-cyl, now with 170 hp, up 20.
2002 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
The W8 sedan and wagon, named for their innovative 270-hp 8-cyl engine made up of two V4 modules, were new for 2002. A 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift gate replaced the 5-speed manual. Introduced later in the year was a W8 Sport Package with a 6-speed manual, plus firmer suspension and 17-inch tires instead of 16s. VW's bumper-to-bumper warranty increased to 4 years/50,000 mi. from 2/24,000, with powertrains covered for 5/60,000 instead of 10/100,000.
2003 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
A base GL model was added and a 6-speed manual transmission became available on the W8.
2004 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
VW made AWD available on more models and added a diesel engine to the lineup for 2004.
2005 Volkswagen Passat/ CC:
Passat sheds its unpopular W8 models, but makes few other changes for this final year of its current design. For '05, GL models are available only with the turbodiesel engine. Also for 2005, GLS models exchange 15-inch alloy wheels for standard 16s, while GLX models swap 16s for standard 17-inch alloy wheels. The discontinued W8 had a 270-hp 8-cyl engine. VW says redesigned 2006 Passats begin sale in late 2005.
Advertisement
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
