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'1998 VW Passat GLS Sedan: A Big VW-- That's Big On Sportiness and Practicality
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
| Rating |
 76 ( -10 -13.15% ) | | Author | Bruce Caldwell |
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Description:
Spacious and luxurious probably aren't the first words that come to mind when you think of a Volkswagen. As more and more people experience the radical new 1998 VW Passat sedan, their impressions of the brand should improve dramatically. Classified as a mid-size sedan, the Passat seems much larger. Front seat accommodations are excellent and rear seat room is ample for large adults. Our test Passat had the optional heated leather seats, but all Passats come with highly adjustable front seats that include lumbar support. Standard tilt/telescopic steering column, a great steering wheel, wonderful seats and excellent leg room make the Passat a joy to drive for hours on end. A unique ratcheting "pump mechanism" adjusts front seat height. The Passat comfortably accommodates a wide variety of drivers. The doors shut with a very solid "thud". A low trunk lip and trunk lid that raises well out of the way lead to the spacious trunk's flat floor. Forty/sixty split and fold down rear seats provide for additional cargo capacity and versatility.
The engine and chassis are virtually the same as the impressive Audi A4 1.8T. Three inches have been added to the Passat platform, but the 1.8 liter 150 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the same. Power seems a little sluggish off the line but it comes on strong once the car is rolling. Our test car was equipped with the optional 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The Tiptronic feature allows the driver to shift manually for sportier performance. Handling and performance aren't up to Audi levels, but the Passat is still quite sporty for such a practical family sedan. It's a very enjoyable car to drive under all conditions with a very European feeling. A unique multi-link suspension system minimizes torque steer. Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, and traction control round out the excellent suspension package.
Fuel economy is parsimonious as you would expect from a VW-- mid- to upper-twenties under most conditions. And the $20,750 list price includes an impressive amount of standard equipment. A two-year/24,000 mile new car warranty goes with a 10 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty, and an impressive 11 year/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty. All scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 24,000 miles is performed at no charge.
The '98 Volkswagen Passat GLS sedan is a distinctively-styled, well-built, spacious, comfortable, fun to drive, economical mid-size sedan that's attractively equipped and reasonably priced. You can't ask for much more from a family sedan. |
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