Volkswagen Passat Overview

The Passat is offered in three front-wheel drive trim levels - GL, GLS and GLX - and three all-wheel drive trim levels - GLS, GLX and W8. The GL and GLS are powered by a 170-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine; a new 134-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with direct diesel injection (TDI) is also available, generating an impressive 247 pound-feet of torque. The GLX is outfitted with a 190-hp 2.8-liter V6, while the W8 boasts a 270-hp 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine. Available transmissions include a five-speed manual, six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic with Tiptronic. Standard features on the GL include air conditioning, cruise control and a CD player; the GLS adds alloy wheels, a power sunroof and upgraded audio, while the GLX and W8 trims are further outfitted with heated power front seats, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Safety features found on every Passat include six airbags, traction control, four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS and a security system; electronic stability control with brake assist is standard on GLX and W8 trims, and optional on all others.

For 2004, a new 2.0-liter tubocharged four-cylinder diesel engine debuts on the front-wheel drive GL and GLS trims. New standard equipment for this model year includes Homelink and a Monsoon sound system on the GLS, while the GLX gets electronic stability control and Volkswagen Telematics. Additionally, Passat models equipped with 4MOTION now get the GLS trim level, and the GLS V6 trim is dropped from the front-wheel drive model lineup.