Another in a series of my reviews that appeared in the online version of African Americans On Wheels, a now defunct automotive magazine that was included as an insert in the Sunday newspapers of major cities.
This Passat will always make me think of Consumer Reports. When this generation was able to achieve average reliability, the organization not only recommended it, but placed it at the top of its mid-sized sedan recommendations. That Consumer Reports recommended the Passat ahead of the Camry and Accord, primarily due to its [don’t say it don’t say it don’t say it] fine Teutonic handling and luxurious accommodations for the price was a big middle finger to those who consistently, and falsely, claim that CR gives the number of cupholders equal or higher weighting than ride and handling, and that Toyota and Honda are always given preferential treatment.
My other favorite CR myth along these lines are the claims that, for example, the Toyota Corolla always received a higher predicted reliability and overall ranking than the Chevrolet Prizm because one was a Toyota and one was a Chevrolet. This is blatantly false since CR always clearly stated that the Prizm/Corolla and Vibe/Matrix were basically the same car, sometimes even testing them together with different powertrain combinations, and encouraged readers to buy whichever car they preferred or were able to negotiate the better deal on.
Back to the Passat, please remember that while the previous generation Passat had VW’s narrow angle VR6 mounted transversely, this generation had Audi’s 60-degree V6 mounted longitudinally. The subsequent generation reverted back to a transverse-mounted VR6, though it was enlarged to 3.6 liters.
I honestly have little recollection of this car and wish I could remember the long trip I mention below as well as the person or couple we took along who reviewed the rear seat.
The below review ran on October 19, 1998.
“I took my Jetta in for servicing, saw the Passat, and had to have it!” says a 31-year-old female. Before the introduction of the all-new 1998 Volkswagen Passat, it is doubtful that you would have heard a comment like this about VW’s mid-size sedans, much less noticed one on the road. Remember the Dasher? Quantum? Last year’s Passat? Thanks to its stunning new look, “Passat” is now becoming a household word.
The new Passat inherits the rounded look started by VW’s upscale Audi A6 and which also has been passed on to new versions of the Jetta and Audi A4. The “look” is highlighted by a dramatically sloping roofline and short trunklid. While not as curvaceous as the A6, its sharper edges actually make the Passat appear more muscular.
The real muscle is supplied by a slightly de-tuned version of the 30-valve, 2.8-liter V6 that powers the A6, which is mated to the five-speed Tiptronic “manumatic” transmission. Power builds quickly, and shifts are almost imperceptible. A digital display in the gauge cluster tells you which gear you’re in if you choose to shift yourself. Entry-level Passats come standard with a five-speed manual transmission and turbocharged 1.8 liter four, and a wagon is also available. Passat buyers benefit from its excellent ride and handling since it is built off the same platform as the Audi A4.
Our GLS was equipped with features and trim found on most entry-level luxury cars, such as power moonroof, multi-function computer, remote locking, and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. The high-quality cloth interior features heated front seats with driver lumbar support and real wood trim. Rear passengers have plenty of legroom, and the rear bench is quite supportive. An all-day trek left no one fatigued or uncomfortable. The trunk is large, but the sloping roof line results in a small opening.
Our only complaint was the blue lighting for the instruments. Although it looks groovy, we agreed it provides poorer contrast than green, beige, or even red.
If you want a genuine European sports sedan that turns heads but you’re on a tight budget, take a look at the Passat.
For more information contact 1-800-444-8987
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 4-Door Sedan
Engine: 190-horsepower, 2.8 liter V6
Transmission: 5-speed Automatic with Tiptronic
EPA Mileage: 18 city/29 highway
Tested Price: $25,765
By the way, I didn’t make up the quote at the beginning of the review. She was someone I met at a party a few months prior and was telling me about her new Passat. Also, this review doesn’t hold a candle to Jack Baruth’s reflective review, which not only accurately describes the impact of the early B5 Passat, but offers a valuable lesson for us car guys whose significant others couldn’t care less about cars, but know what they like.
The B5 Passat was a breakout hit that finally made VW a serious player in the midsize segment, after decades of false starts. These are some lessons that were apparently forgotten on the current Passat.
I was seriously smitten with the looks of this car, and the B5.5 refresh in 2001 made it even better.
This car (and the Phaeton) became part of Ferdinand Peich’s push into the luxury car space. Remember the W8 engine?
This is my favourite Passat. The design still looks modern. VWs RO80.
I did not really want this car. I had a Jetta VR6 that I liked. I got my 2000 1.8T GLS 11 years ago from a customer who had neglected to change the timing belt. It failed. Goodbye cylinder head! It was $200! I couldn’t say no. Rebuilt the head and some other minor things. The old girl is now 20 years old now and still going strong with the help of the local pull-a -part salvage yard. Surprisingly, for length of service vs. amount invested, this is the best car I’ve ever owned
I had the kissing cousin to this car in the form of a ’01 Audi A4 with the same 30 valve 2.8L V6. Hardly a rocketship by modern standards (I had a hard time beating a college kid in a CVT 2.5i Legacy to a merge lane), and quiet thirsty when coupled to the Quattro AWD. But it had this very satisfying smoothness and immediacy to the throttle, especially on the highway where the short gearing had you right in the meat of the torque curve in 5th gear at around 70-80mph. The thing just wanted to run at 85-90mph.
Agreed about your CR comments. And there’s a few others too. I’ve heard them all. It never fails to amaze me at the depths of CR hate. It’s clearly a reflection of how divided we’ve become. CR, as a longtime champion of consumer’s rights, has been brandished with a political image. Oh well…
My SIL and her husband bought a B5 1.8T wagon new, back whenever that was. They still have it, barely. Their mechanic told them it wouldn’t pass the smog test in CA next tie around so it’s on borrowed time. They claim it’s been a great car, but I’m not privy to the details.
I’m curious if anyone has sales figures, as this generation Passat seemed to be much more common all over the US than later decontented versions. There are still many on the roads here – sedans and wagons. My neighbor has a W8 manual wagon, which he’s holding on to until the Tesla Model Y is available. An AWD wagon would be a useful addition to our two car fleet. Should I … ?
This generation of Passat is still common on the roads here in DFW, too. It seems to be a favored vehicle of a certain college-age demographic which appreciates its European design yet seem to be willing to put up with the spotty reliability.
if you do get one that has been well maintained. If it’s a 1.8l 4 cyl look to see that oil changes were frequent and with full synthetic and not dino oil. Those engines in the Passat held only 3.7 quarts. Many a 1.8l suffered blown turbos and sludge build up. Once the oil pick up screen is clogged the engine is starved for oil even if the pan is full.
I bought a ’98 wagon with a 1.8l and 5spd manual new and took it to 244,000 miles before it went to the scrap heap. It is not the fastest car I have ever owned but I loved the way that car drove and handled. It brought my oldest home from the hospital when he was born and he drove it as his first car for 3 years before it was too compromised by rust to continue. He drove it to the recycling yard and sadly accepted $100 for it. My online name is based on that car.
I still really like these. They used to be somewhat common cars parked on the streets of my neighborhood as recently as maybe five years ago, but all but a few seem to have disappeared. It’s hard to believe these cars first appeared over twenty years ago. Like others have said, they still look modern.
I know a few people that owned this generation Passat purchased new and it made them never own a VW ever again. I still see a good number of 20+ year old Camrys on the road, but I never see these Passats anymore.
I swore of VW as a result of owning a new 2000. I started falling apart @ 20,000 mi. That and the dealer unwilling to fix the car under warrantee.
A B5.5 Passat got me back into VWs again, after a 10-year hiatus. Loved my 2004 V6 GLX with all the options – felt like an Audi with its solidity, firm but compliant ride and excellent steering response. The 2010 Passat (among the last U.S. Passats built in Germany) that I owned concurrently was nowhere near as nicely finished and did not ride or handle as well. There is something to be said about sidewalls on tires yielding a far more pleasant ride-handling compromise than today’s 20-inch wheels wrapped in rubber bands. What ultimately ended the love affair with both cars was the need for expensive repairs after five years, which made it harder to overlook little things, like switchgear breaking with regular use, wiring harness clips disintegrating over time, and door latches refusing to open.
I’ve had my. 2003 Passat for a year, paid $4,700 for it, only a 123,000 miles on it and it looks great. This car runs awesome. Love that when it’s on cruise control mode, it runs so smooth, even when it goes into passing gear, love the way it handles on those mountain roads. I highly recommend an older it newer model. Very well made.