1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat: Overview
Updated: 12/17/09
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1998-2005 Volkswagen Passat ▼
- Price Range: $1,900 - $11,300
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Pros
- Standard antilock braking
- Build quality
- Cargo room
- Side airbags
- Passenger room
- Ride
Cons
- Acceleration (Turbo w/automatic)
- Tire noise
Vehicle Highlights
Volkswagen borrowed some elements from A4 and A6 models issued by Audi, its sister-company, to give the redesigned Passat family sedan a touch of sportiness. Passat had been around since 1990, as Volkswagen's biggest automobile. Compared to the previous Passat, the new model was about 3 inches longer in wheelbase, 4 inches longer overall, and about an inch wider and taller. The new look reflected the crescent-form styling that had first been seen in sedans from Audi (which was owned by VW).Passat came in 4-door sedan and station wagon body styles. Introduced first was a GLS with Audi's 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Later came a GLS V6 and a top-line GLX sedan, powered by Audi's 2.8-liter V6 engine. Wagons came only with the 4-cylinder this year. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard on GLS models. Optional on the GLS and standard on GLX was a Porsche-designed 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, with manual-shift mode. Antilock braking, seat-mounted front side airbags, and low-speed traction control were standard in all Passats. The GLX added leather upholstery, a Monsoon sound system, and (on sedans) a rear-window sunshade. Rivals included the Ford Contour, Mazda 626, and Subaru Legacy.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | 5 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6, auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 58 |
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