The history of the mid-size Passat traces to the early 1970s when
Volkswagen was struggling to make the conversion from rear-engine Beetle derivatives to more modern front-engine and front-wheel-drive products. The original Passat was known in the United States as the Dasher and then as the Quantum before finally taking its European-market name in the late 1980s. Regardless of name, the car never really caught on with U.S. buyers until the introduction of the fifth-generation or "B5" version. Now a close cousin to
Audi's highly regarded
A4, the B5 Passat offered a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine and optional V-6 engine—both shared with Audi—as well as significantly upgraded and upscale interior. The completely updated “B6” version of the Passat sedan was introduced as a 2006 model, with a wagon joining the lineup for 2007.
All 2008 Passats come with a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty that includes 24-hour road service for four years as well as a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty.
