2001VolkswagenPassatVolkswagen Passat2001 Volkswagen Passat New GLS SedanSedanSedanFWDEmden, GermanySide curtain airbags that offer head protection for front and rear passengers are introduced this year, and optional steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise systems are available on GLS (standard on GLX models). All models receive a trunk entrapment release button as standard equipment.Fun-to-drive, excellent value in base trim, roomy/comfortable interior, solid build quality.Slight turbo lag on four-cylinder models, some confusing interior controls, price goes up quick with options.Volkswagen has been busy in recent years. In between buying up smaller carmakers, designing 12- and 16-cylinder engines, and creating a new line of luxury vehicles, the company has had time to tweak its already excellent Passat sedan and wagon offerings. The base Passat engine is a 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 150 horsepower and an almost lag-free 155 foot-pounds of torque. While not a race engine, this powerplant offers adequate acceleration and contributes more to the Passat's overall grin factor than one might think, especially when mated to the company's excellent five-speed manual transmission. Stepping up to the 2.8-liter V6 will net you an additional 40 horsepower and 52 more foot-pounds of torque. The V6 comes standard on Passat GLX models and puts the "fun" back in functional with its broad torque band and responsive acceleration. Volkswagen's responsive, five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is also available on the GLX. Regardless of drivetrain choice, all Passats come with superb steering, handling and braking characteristics. With ABS four-wheel discs standard on all trim levels, an independent front and rear suspension, and perfectly weighted power rack-and-pinion steering, the Passat is one of the most entertaining sedans (or wagons) in the midsize class. Some drivers note a bit too much body roll during canyon runs, but the pay- off comes in its excellent overall ride quality. For those living in cold-weather climates, or drivers who enjoy the added stablity of all-wheel drive, the Passat can be had with Volkswagen's 4-Motion system. In addition to its mechanical pedigree, the Passat offers up an impressive list of standard features. Items like air conditioning, cruise control, one-touch power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, a remote trunk release, a full-size conventional spare, side airbags and heated exterior mirrors are included on the base GLS models. GLX trim adds the aforementioned V6 engine, sunroof, heated front seats with driver's seat memory, leather seat coverings and door inserts, variable intermittent wipers with heated jets and an auto-dimming day-night mirror. New this year as standard equipment on Passat GLX (optional on GLS models) are multi-function steering wheel controls for the audio and cruise systems. All Passats get a trunk entrapment release button and side curtain protection airbags to better protect both front and rear passengers from head injuries. Based on a stretched Audi A4 platform and using plenty of Audi parts in its construction, the Passat looks, feels, smells and drives like a more substantial car than its base price tag would lead you to believe. Its contemporary styling will wear well into the new century and its solid construction should keep the car feeling new as the miles add up. Before rushing out to buy that new Accord, Camry or Taurus, you'd do well to at least test-drive a Passat. Audi A4Honda AccordNissan MaximaToyota Camry224,00010100,0002Unlimited12UnlimitedNANANA41.8 litersInline170 hp @ 5900 rpm166 ft-lbs. @ 1950 rpm185.2 in.68.7 in.57.6 in.3199 lbs.106.4 in.39.7 in.37.8 in.55.8 in.54.6 in.NANA41.5 in.35.3 in.15 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested16.4 gal.24 mpg / 31 mpg394 mi. / 508 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$19,790$21,7507.35%$550N/A2% of the Total MSRPGLS SEDAN (5M): 1.8L I4 DOHC SMPI intercooled turbo 20-valve engine (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed OD manual transmission; engine oil cooler; 90 amp alternator; front-wheel drive, traction control, 3.7 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear semi-independent torsion suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; rack-and-pinion power steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 16.4 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rub strip; body-colored bodyside molding rocker panel extensions; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with daytime running lights; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored heated folding outside mirrors; 15" x 6" steel wheels; P195/65HR15 BSW A/S tires; full-size steel spare wheel;air conditioning, air filter, rear heat ducts; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, in-dash CD pre-wiring, 8 speakers, theft deterrent, and integrated roof antenna; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, child-safety rear door locks, power remote hatch/trunk release, power remote fuel door release; 2 power accessory outlets, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, retained accessory power, smokers' package; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, trip computer, trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, trunk ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's seat-mounted side airbags, overhead airbag; ignition disable, panic alarm, security system; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with driver's and passenger's1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 6-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with front and rear pretensioners; premium cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, chrome interior accents; interior lights include dome light with fade, front and rear reading lights, door curb lights, illuminated entry; steering wheel with tilt and telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors, driver's side auxiliary visor; day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, refrigerated/cooled box, driver's and passenger's door bins;carpeted cargo floor, cargo tie downs, cargo light, concealed cargo storage; black grille, black side window moldings, black front windshield molding and body-colored door handles.
GLS V6 SEDAN (5M) (in addition to or instead of GLS SEDAN (5M) equipment): 2.8L V6 DOHC SMPI 30-valve engine; dual stainless steel exhaust; genuine wood dashboard insert, and genuine wood door panel insert.
GLS V6 4MOTION SEDAN (5A) (in addition to or instead of GLS V6 SEDAN (5M) equipment): 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; auto-manual transmission; full-time all-wheel drive 3.73 axle ratio and rear independent double-wishbone suspension.
GLX SEDAN (5M) (in addition to or instead of GLS V6 SEDAN (5M) equipment): front express open/close sliding and tilting glass sunroof with sunshade; 16" x 6.5" silver alloy wheels; P205/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; climate control, 8 premium speakers, amplifier, radio steering wheel controls; cruise control with steering wheel controls; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers with heated jets, rain detecting wipers, rear blind; heated-cushion driver's and passenger's seats, driver's and front passenger's seats include 8-way power adjustment, lumbar support; leather seats, leatherette door trim insert, wood gearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, driver's seat memory includes 3 settings; leather-wrapped steering wheel; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror.
GLX 4MOTION SEDAN (5A) (in addition to or instead of GLX SEDAN (5M) equipment): 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; auto-manual transmission; full-time all-wheel drive 3.73 axle ratio and rear independent double-wishbone suspension.
WAGON (5M/5A) (in addition to or instead of SEDAN (5M/5A) equipment): 3 power accessory outlets, fixed 1/4 vent windows; and cargo cover.