The first generation of Volkswagen Passat arrived in America in 1990. This midsized sedan was promoted as a family car and featured front wheel drive and a water cooled engine. Initially, this car was not widely accepted, in part due to its unusual appearance which included a front end that lacked any form of attractive grille and a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine that did not offer enough power to provide ample performance. A few years later, a 2.8 liter V6 engine was introduced and the Passat started to gain popularity and began to seem a little more acceptable as an adequate, fuel efficient mid size sedan.

For the 1998 model year, a redesigned Passat appeared with a distinctively smaller frame. Although still in the midsize sedan class of vehicles, both the sedan and the wagon versions provided a smooth and comfortable ride and exceptional handling for a midsize car. The 2004 version of this five seat sedan became available with a 2.0 liter turbo charged engine and an updated powertrain that appealed to those who were seeking fuel efficiency and performance. For 2000, all-wheel drive was offered and the wagon - previously only available in base configuration - could be equipped with a full array of trim and engine choices. Styling was updated slightly in mid-year 2001, and the virile V8 engine became available for 2002.

Unfortunately, history has shown that repair costs can be quite expensive for this vehicle. The ride quality is above average, the exterior appearance is sublime and distinguished- as is the interior- and when equipped with a V6 the Volkswagen Passat provides a comfortable ride with adequate acceleration from a standstill or passing along the highway.