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2003 Volkwagen Passat W8
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Date:
23 May 2003
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Miles: 3,000
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Volkswagen wants to be more than just the provider of the people's
car, and is preparing for the American launch of its high end Phaeton.
To pave the way, their biggest U.S. sedan currently, the Passat, has
been outfitted with a high-tech W8 powertrain and a higher level of
luxury. It's not only the fastest and plushest Passat yet, but even at a
lofty $37,900, it's the least expensive European 8-cylinder car you can
buy. All the more reason to add it to our long term test fleet, and boy
are we glad we did.
Mixing always-impressive Passat handling with its large interior and
8-cylinder power has yielded a VW four-door that's as solid and
desirable as those from Benz and BMW. Yes, the engine's extra mass does
weigh on the front end a bit more, and yes, it's more thirsty than other
Passats. But, the payoff is high torque acceleration that's rare in any
four-door sedan that's also fit for family life. Our staff loves to
drive it, too , nearly 3,000 miles in less than 2 months. And, 19.6
mile per gallon fuel economy is not only comparable to other V-8 sedans,
it's superior to the majority of 6 and 8 cylinder SUVs.
And thanks to the roomy rear bench seat that folds in an instant,
our Passat W8 with 4Motion all-wheel-drive is almost as cargo capable as
a small SUV, but oh so much more fun to drive. And drive it much more we
will.
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Date:
3 August 2003
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Miles: 7,200
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Here is the question: Would you pay $38,000 for a Volkswagen Passat?
Even with all- wheel drive, and amazing 8-cylinder power, that is still
75% more than the least expensive car to wear the Passat badge. We ask
ourselves that question every time we start our 2003 Volkswagen Passat
W8 test car.
Make no mistake, whether you drive the least expensive 4-cylinder
turbo Passat, or our W8, or the in between V6, you still get the best
buy in a middle-weight European four-doors. Plus the Passat is equally
at home slicing twisty byways and carrying the brood to the mall.
But, we have to admit that the addition of the 4.0-liter,
270-horsepower W8 engine and all-wheel drive does elevate this Passat to
a higher level. We call it Passat Plus. You get all the normal
attributes of a Passat plus power, traction, and interior luxury that
rivals other 8-cylinder German sedans costing half again as much.
We're very happy with our W8. It is fault free after 3 months and a
quick 7200 miles on the odometer. Fuel economy has surprised us, too. At
21.8, it's better than expected and about 10% above other Euro-8s.
So, our answer to the question is "yes." We would pay 38-g for a
Volkswagen Passat W8, and maybe then some.
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Date:
17 October 2003
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Miles: 12,000
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Sometimes you are drawn to a car despite your best intentions.
Maybe it's for styling or convenience, but it's almost always for how it
drives. That's been our experience with the 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8.
While one can debate the rationale for an 8-cylinder engine, not to
mention a near $40,000 price tag, in what was already a benchmark
European family sedan, the Passat remains one of the most pleasant cars
to drive, day in and day out, that we've tried.
We've now logged some 12,000 miles in our Passat W8 and find that
despite more weight over the front wheels, the 270-horsepower W8 is
still nicely balanced. Our staff likes the folding power mirrors, an
unexpected plus, but found the one-touch power window switches too
sensitive to operate with just one touch.
Fuel economy is on par with other premium 8-cylinder sedans at 20.8
miles per gallon. So, the W8 makes it clear that Volkswagen has the
know-how to build premium sedans and speaks well for the 8 and
12-cylinder Phaeton which begins sales here in December.
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Date:
31 January 2004
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Miles: 19,000
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They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If
true, then Volkswagen's Passat should be blushing. We saw more than a
few bits and pieces that reminded us of our long term Passat W8 in the
newest designs at the big auto shows in LA and Detroit.
From the arched cabin shape, to the simple and elegant interior, to
the precision operation of even the simplest controls, not to mention
the driving experience, no wonder the Passat is a benchmark car for so
many new designs.
While our 8-cylinder model is the most expensive Passat, it's also
the most entertaining and invigorating. Initial reservations about the
heavier engine upsetting chassis balance and spoiling our fun have faded
as the miles have accumulated, now standing at nearly 19,000 after 10
months.
Our crew does carp that the marvelous 270-horsepower W8 is thirsty,
that is by comparison to other Passat models. Still, 20.8 miles per
gallon is good for a European V-8 sport sedan.
Problems have been limited to electrical gremlins that sometimes
indicate open doors, and at other times lock and unlock them repeatedly.
Naturally, it never happens for dealer technicians. Otherwise, we love
our Passat, all Passats, and the W8 is simply the cream of the crop.
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Date:
7 May 2004
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Miles: 22,000
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While sales have not been spectacular, the W8 is the car
that virtually all new mid-size entries will benchmark. We're completing
our year test with this excellent German sport sedan, and the driving
experiences were all positive. While we initially felt the heavier W8
engine was too much for the chassis, the combination of 270 horsepower
and all-wheel drive easily conquers slick corners, once you learn now to
nurse the throttle.
After 22,000 miles, we found quality to be very good, although we
did have some electrical gremlins including a faulty door open
indicator, and locks that had a mind of their own. Yet, there is a
feeling of solidity in this car that no Asian or domestic contender can
match.
The biggest drawback to the W8 is economy, 19.8 miles per gallon is
good for an 8-cylinder, but not good for any car in the Passat's size
class. Most people will opt for 4 and 6 cylinder Passats and be very
happy, as we were with the Passat W8, until it had to leave for good.
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