Volkswagen Passat Named Large Used Car of the Decade

The fifth generation Passat, produced between 1996 and 2005, has been awarded the coveted title of Large Used Car of the Decade by the used car valuation specialists, CAP.

The ‘all-new’ Passat, revealed to the public at the 1996 Paris Motor Show, was hailed as a step forward in the upper medium class setting new benchmarks for quality, refinement, styling and performance. These improvements were recognised at the time with the Passat receiving a string of industry accolades including the prestigious European Car of the Year at the 1997 Auto 1 awards.
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MSP6 - 12/18/2009 12:44:22 PM

+7 Boost

Large used car of the decade !?

Bmw8ter - 12/18/2009 12:57:57 PM

+3 Boost

I'm puzzled by the title as well.

david999 - 12/18/2009 2:28:25 PM

+6 Boost

I did not realize the Passat is considered a large car.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/19/2009 5:14:44 PM

-1 Boost

In all but the FAT_ARSED US of A the passat would be considered a Large Car.

_43LE - 12/18/2009 3:00:23 PM

+3 Boost

I love VWs, but even I am realistic. This statement just does not make sense:

"I think it is a real credit to Volkswagen’s consistent focus on build quality and reliability that the previous generation Passat has performed so strongly and has been awarded this accolade."

I know of many people that would never touch VW again after having owned this generation Passat.

t_bone - 12/18/2009 3:37:03 PM

+5 Boost

I think this is nuts. Every VW owner I've known has been in love with their car for the first few years...and then ticked off as it starts having multi-night affairs with the auto shop. This award is for USED cars???

commander104 - 12/18/2009 3:48:12 PM

+2 Boost

here here, you are correct. fyi, my dream car would be an 05 passat tdi wagon--at least the engine will keep working if nothing else.

izfuney - 12/18/2009 3:50:12 PM

+2 Boost

Where do you get all these organizations from , CAP ? Large Used Car ?..
by simply saying " the prestigious European Car of the Year at the 1997 Auto 1 awards." ...
None of those are legit awards !!!!!! Its like printing out your own certificates from the Univerity of Printer technology.. or "Society of concerned Technologist For a Brighter Future"

whats next ... "Mid size slightly soiled dealer car of the year" or
"Used Pickup for marijuana transport award".... the list goes on and on.

M35MT - 12/18/2009 4:16:38 PM

+1 Boost

Perhaps the Maxima would be a better fit for this title?

Can't really think of another large, mainstream car that's reliable and at least somewhat cool.

FanboyOfTheTruth - 12/18/2009 7:23:08 PM

0 Boost

I think the title means that the Passat loses so much value in such a short time that it's the bargain of the decade, since you don't usually get to buy such a large pile of metal for practically nothing.

Joe_Limon - 12/18/2009 9:39:58 PM

0 Boost

What? The passat has excellent resale. It has better resale then most jap scrap.

dotuno - 12/18/2009 9:57:47 PM

+1 Boost

The clumsy and prosaic name of the title itself already invalidates the "award", IMO

yoyo123 - 12/19/2009 2:18:13 AM

+2 Boost

My first car was a Passat 1.8t back in 2000, which was very enjoyable to drive. It had ABS, great safety features, heated seats, heated mirrors, a great sound system, audi interior, perfect turning radius steering, large trunk to fit 3 dead bodies, and all these little features count which they were simply not offered in accord, camry,and altima or and werent even close to quality.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/19/2009 5:30:42 PM

0 Boost

3 Dead Bodies ???

What kind of Measurment Unit is that ?

Htay7500 - 12/20/2009 2:30:19 PM

0 Boost

Have you fit 3 bodies in your car before? -_-

M53R - 12/21/2009 1:44:21 AM

+1 Boost

LOL @ 3 dead bodies!