Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2004: The Weekly Driver Review

Sports cars to luxury sedans, family vehicles to economy models, the
diversity of cars has never been greater. But what if a buyer wants a
multipurpose vehicle fits into more than one category?

Is there an economical, high-performance, luxurious, family car on the
market?

With its Passat GLS Wagon, Volkswagen can certainly make its case
offering among the most versatile cars on the road.

For my weekly test drive, I drove the wagon equipped with the
manufacturer's 4-MOTION option, the always-engaged system similar to
Audi's Quattro version of four-wheel drive.

The system's efficiency is reason enough to purchase the vehicle as an
all-weather choice. The steering is firm and secure, the automatic
transmission is without hesitation and the ride is smooth without
exception.

But the Passat Wagon has a lot more to offer, both in its appearance and
operation.

One friend (a BMW owner) looked at the vehicle and blurted out: "That
may be the best-designed, most functional vehicle out there."

My friend's quick assessment is hard to dispute.

Car manufacturers no longer use the words "station wagon" while
promoting their vehicles, and with the Pasat's sleek-looking contoured
styling, it's hard to call the vehicle a wagon, let alone adding the word
"station."

The Passat Wagon I drove had a blue graphite exterior nicely matched
with optional gray leather seats. The front and back seats afford plenty of
leg and head room and the advertised "five-passenger" lingo is not a
stretch, as is sometime the case with other vehicles.

The standard comfort, convenience and special feature list is long and
varied and includes: cruise control, remote keyless entry, intermittent
speed wipers, dual illuminate front vanity mirrors, AM/FM cassette and
single CD players and power, daytime running lights and heatable
outside mirrors.

Equally impressive are the console and instrumentation trim and design.
The controls are all easy to reach and pleasantly positioned. As such,
the driving or riding in the Passat Wagon may remind the occupants of a
luxury vehicle. But how could that be? It's a wagon and its base price is
$26,130.

To capitalize on the efficiency of the 4-MOTION system, the Passat GLS
Wagon features a 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter turbo, 4-cylinder 20-valve
engine. While the engine's performance can't be described as a
sportscar-like, when a quick burst or steady acceleration is needed, it's
available.

The $1,800 option package my vehicle featured included leather seats,
wooden trimmings on steering wheel, shift knob and door insert. The
Electronic Stabilization Program ($280) and $575 destination fee
pushed the total price to $28,785. That's still well under the $30,000
price point often associated with luxury vehicles

Still, it's the combination of a smooth ride, precision steering and
handling, sharp and crisp turning, a spaciouss comfortable interior and
its attractive interior and exterior designe that make the Passat Wagon
rare in its class.

It's a fine touring sedan, for sure. But it also just happens to be a wagon
with plenty of room for groceries, home project supplies and the kids'
youth sport equipment.

2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS Wagon

Safety features -- Driver and front passenger front and side airbags and
front and rear seat head restraint airbags.

Fuel Mileage (estimates) -- 21 mpg (city), 30 mpg (highway).

Warranty -- Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 5
years/60,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; Roadside
assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Free scheduled maintenance, 1 year/
12,000 miles.

Base price -- $26,130.00

http://ezinearticles.com/members/mem_pics/James-Raia_871.jpg" border="0" alt="EzineArticles Expert Author James Raia">

James Raia is a syndicated journalist in Sacramento, Calif., who writes
about sports, fitness and business topics as well as the free electronic
newsletters Endurance Sports News and Tour de France Times and The
Weekly Driver, a car review column.

Samples of Raia's writing can be viewed on his web site: ByJamesRaia.com.
His car reviews and newsletters can be viewed at The
Weekly Driver,
Endurance Sports News and Tour
de France Times

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