2001.5 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
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2001.5 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $21,750 -$32,375
- Invoice: $19,790 -$29,739
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Our road test for the 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2001.5 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.9 |
Fairly spirited. A test Rodeo ran 0-60 mph in 9.3 secs. and showed good passing power. The automatic transmission is smooth and mostly alert, but hesitates to make full-throttle downshifts from mid-range speeds.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 5.4 |
In our tests, the 1.8T with manual averaged 21.0 mpg, vs. 22.2 for the prior 150-hp model. A 4Motion wagon averaged 17.8, and front-drive GLX/automatic sedans returned between 19.2 and 21.6. All models require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.3 |
Impressive. Solid basic platform used by near-luxury Audi A6 contributes to controlled, comfortable ride. Suspension firm, but easily smothers all but the worst bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.1 |
Confident cornering, responsive steering, arrow-true straight stability, but just short of sport-sedan crisp. Exemplary "panic stop" performance, but front brakes on our latest GLX smoked a little and showed signs of early fade.
QUIETNESS
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Both engines smooth and generally subdued. Wind rush low, as is tire thrum except on very coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Restyled gauges slightly less legible than prior design. Dashboard otherwise intuitive, well-organized. Night lighting for most every switch and knob a plus. Cabin materials and workmanship exude high quality, with leather-trimmed models better than some near-luxury-class cars.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Basically fine, but 6-footers have only about a half-inch of head clearance in sunroof models. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable seats- with power and memory for GLX drivers--are appreciated. Visibility uncluttered in wagons, a bit less so aft in sedans, which now include a manual rear window sunshade.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.1 |
Leg room plentiful for the class, head room and entry/exit more than passable. The firm seat is nicely contoured, but not wide enough for three adults.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 8 | 4.5 |
Sedans have a big trunk with low liftover and large opening. Note that 4Motion reduces sedan trunk volume from 15 cu. ft. to 10. Wagons are useful load luggers with well-finished cargo bays.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 9 | 5.8 |
Performance doesn't impress in 4-cyl/automatic form, but all Passats are sporty, spacious, loaded with features, and brim with quality and European flair. Availability of excellent 4Motion system is a bonus. A well-deserved Recommended label, despite relatively high prices.
Total Score
| GLS sdn, 4 cyl man. | GLS/GLX wgn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 | 64 | 51.8 |
Total Score: 63
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