Volkswagen Passat reviews

2001 Volkswagen Passat Driving Impressions

Although we have driven a variety of Passats, we focused this year on the Passat GLS with the manual transmission to see how much VW you can get for under $22,000. The V6 only provides twenty more horsepower and, besides, the 1.8T was the engine that was changed this year. By VW's testing, the V6 accelerates the Passat more quickly, but a 1.8T-powered Passat with the manual transmission is quicker than the V6 with the automatic.

Volkswagen shares the 1.8T with corporate cousin Audi. This relatively small (1781cc) four-cylinder engine uses a double-overhead-cam 5-valve per cylinder design combined with an intercooled turbocharger to produce a prodigious 170 horsepower. Even more impressive is the broad torque spread, 166 pound-feet from 1950 rpm all the way up to 5000 rpm. The only downside is a thirst for unleaded premium (91 octane) fuel. The larger (2771 cc), naturally aspirated 2.8-liter V6 also has five valves per cylinder but offers only 20 more horsepower than the four. Torque, important for those using the Passat's passenger or cargo capacity, is, however, a healthy 206 pound-feet.

Raw numbers aside, we like the eager feel of the 1.8T. It has a solid punch down low, thanks to careful tuning of its turbocharger, but really sings at the upper rev range. This engine truly enjoys its work, and working it is especially enjoyable as well. The five-speed manual gearbox contributes an operation delight of its own, with a feel of quality material shaped by careful hands. The shifter slides effortlessly from gear to gear.

We drove the Passat GLS 1.8T on winding roads in the Georgia red clay hills north of Atlanta and were impressed by the Passat's ability to accelerate away from slow corners with little drama from the chassis. The Passat had none of the squirreliness suffered by many front drivers, due in large part to its sophisticated front suspension.

Cornering is balanced front to rear, with little understeer. The four-link front suspension uses coil springs and an anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension uses VW's trusted and true torsion beam axle with trailing arms, coil springs and an anti-roll bar. The suspension absorbs bumps and potholes like a dry sponge attacks spilled milk. The Passat is solid, with no shakes transmitted through the steering column or the chassis. Want confidence? It comes bundled even in the base Passat.

There is a cost to the Passat's competence, however. There's road noise, especially over tar-and-chip type pavement. And there's wind noise, although that could be from accidentally traveling 80 mph. It's a good thing that cruise control is standard as it can help drivers avoid tickets in this superb sedan. The Passat's competence on the superslab no doubt springs from its upbringing in Germany, the home of the Autobahn. The Passat cruises, almost lazily, at any legal speed in the U.S.

Four-wheel disc brakes are standard along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Traction control, which Volkswagen calls ASR, or Anti-Slip Regulation, is standard to reduce wheelspin and improve stability under acceleration. Also standard is EDL, an Electronic Differential Lock, which helps apportion torque between the front wheels, again for improved stability, less wheelspin, and quicker acceleration performance.

Steel wheels (6x15-inch) are standard on the GLS. Optional alloy wheels are an inch wider than the standard rims. GLX comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels. Steering is by power-assisted rack and pinion; the turning circle is a not especially tight 37.4 ft curb to curb.