The Volkswagen Passat was Volkswagen's largest vehicle, although only a midsize, during the 1990s.
Available as either a 4-door sedan or wagon, the Passat competed with the Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord and Ford Taurus.
Year-to-year changes[]
1993[]
New this year were two trim levels: GL and GLX. The GL came with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 134 hp and an optional 2.8-liter VR6 with 172 hp, which was standard on the GLX.
1995[]
In the same way that the Jetta was a longer, fancier Golf, the Passat was a longer, fancier Jetta. Its wheelbase was 6 in. longer, but the front-drive powertrain, MacPherson struts and rear twist-beam axle remained.
The Passat's styling was smoother for '95, with larger taillamps and a new "waterfall" grille.
Every Passat was a GLX early in the model year, which means it came with a long list of standard features including ABS disc brakes, electronic traction control, dual airbags, trip computer, cruise control, air-conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors/seats/sunroof, heated front seats, central locking with remote control, 8-speaker AM/FM/cassette sound system, antitheft alarm, 15-in. BBS alloy wheels, tinted glass, a dust/pollen filter in the ventilation system, folding rear seatbacks and a 5-speed manual transmission.
The only options were a 4-speed electronic automatic transmission, leather seats, a CD player and a power glass moonroof.
The only engine was VW's unique narrow-angle VR6, which produced 172 hp. The two banks of the V were only 15 inches apart, and actually fit under one broad twin-cam cylinder head. In effect, it was an inline Six, with slightly staggered cylinders. It was as smooth as an inline-six, but shorter and cheaper to build than a true V6. Since the Passat weighed about 300 pounds more than the Jetta GLX or Golf GTI with this same drivetrain, it wasn't as perky as its smaller, less expensive siblings.
Retail prices[]
As of August 31, 1994:
- $20,890 (1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX Sedan)
- $21,320 (1995 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon)
As of early 1995:
- $17,990 (1995 Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan)
As of October 1, 1995:
- $18,490 (1996 Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan)
- $19,430 (1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi Sedan)
- $19,860 (1996 Volkswagen Passat TDi Wagon)
- $21,890 (1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX Sedan)
- $22,320 (1996 Volkswagen Passat GLX Wagon)
Gallery[]
