The Volkswagen Passat is a pretty classy looking car.

It received a few changes late in the 2001 model year, which make it look much more upscale and expensive.

And Volkswagen added very nice new colors.

One of the main change is in the front of the car, where a lot of chrome has been added. It is usually a cheap way to make a car look more expensive, but it seems to be working very well on this car.

Like if the Passat needed a little chrome all along.

It is also a little bit longer. That's because in early 2002, you will be able to order a V8.

This is the interior of the 4 cylinder with leather seats.

ha That particular car, with a sunroof, was already almost $27.000!

t I think the interior looks very plain for that kind of money. No power seat, and no CD. Just tape, like a lot of other German cars...

p If you want a CD player, you HAVE TO order the CD changer!erticular car was already

The plastics they use inside the car are some of the best I have seen in any car. But it looks so plain, the whole interior feels cold.

The leather seats are also very flat, and you can hardly tell it's not vinyl.

The dashboard is very well laid out. You don't have to spend 3 days to figure things out. But it's really not fun to look at.

Things get a little bit better when you order the GLX model, which comes with wood trim on the console. It brightens things up a bit, and also adds power seats.

But if you want a light interior, you're out of luck. Even it you get the "beige" color, it comes with a black steering wheel, the top of the dashboard and doors is also black. basically, most of what you can see from the driver's seat is black!

Another drawback: the GLX I drove was over $30.000!

So, How does it drive ?

Well, let's start with the 4 cylinder.

When you start it up, it sounds pretty nice. Not totally quiet, but it has a very pleasant sound to it.

The main problem is when you put it in "drive" and start accelerating. Nothing happens! Until you push the pedal down at least half way!

Which is a very strange feeling.

Especially when you are at an intersection, waiting to turn left, and you need to make it before the light turns red again...

I would call this a major problem

I thought that maybe, that problem was due to a lack of torque. It is after all a very small engine. 1.8 liter in size, compared to 2.3, 2.4, and 2,5 liters for other midsize cars with 4 cylinder engines.

Volkswagen makes up for the small size by adding a Turbo, to boost the power. But it doesn't work right away.

So I drove the V6 GLX version. It is a much larger engine, 2.8 liter. And it doesn't need a turbo, so the power should come quickly...

But, it doesn't! There is still quite a pause after you press the accelerator, for the car to start going. Although it is much better than with the 4 cylinder. The transmission is also a bit slow to downshift when you need to.

But this engine is much quiter and smoother .

Don't get me wrong. I think the Passat is a nice car. It looks great, the ride is very smooth and comfortable, it feels solid, there are no rattles, the 4 cylinder doesn't sound cheap, and they finally added a 4 year warranty for all 2002 models.

But for me, the interior is not a fun place to be. That lack of instant power is very disconcerting ( unless you are used to drive an old gutless clinker ), and it is very expensive!

The 2 cars I drove were front wheel drive ( not the more expensive "quattro" versions ), and they were already $27.000 and $30.000!

This is a lot of money for a non luxury brand. This is NOT a Mercedes, BMW, Lexus or even Audi. But it's almost as expensive. And it is NOT perfect!

If you are looking in that price range, also consider:

--Acura TL : V6, no options ( except a useless navigation system), very reliable and comfortable.

- Infiniti I35. Also V6 and loaded

- Volvo S60. 5 cylinder

- Honda Accord.

- Toyota Camry

- Nissan Altima

- Nissan Maxima

- Lexus IS 300. A little more expensive and a smaller car. But a better engine and Lexus quality.

Why don't you find out more over HERE.