Solid build. Firm ride. Confidence-inspiring performance. These are descriptions that have been applied to German automobiles.
Conventional styling. Lack of interior conveniences. These descriptions have also been attached to German cars.
Both sets of descriptions apply to the 1994 Volkswagen Passat GLX. Our test vehicle was somewhat boxy and didn't display the attention to interior detail that we would have liked. But it was a strong performer on the road, thanks to its responsive power plant, road-gripping handling, precise steering and effective braking. As a matter of fact, the latter two attributes were instrumental in saving us from a potentially dangerous accident during our test drive.
Our Passat GLX Wagon's MSRP base price was $23,500. We added an electronic four-speed automatic transmission and a Brilliant Black Clearcoat Metallic paint job that brought the MSRP to $24,940.
The Passat GLX Wagon we tested had clean, horizontal lines, reminiscent of the
Mercedes-Benz wagon of a few years back. It was boxy, yet everything seemed to flow in one sweeping expanse from front to back. The roof-mounted storage rack, for example, had no obtrusive cross members; its two long rails hugged the roofline all the way back.
Our Passat Wagon boasted a finish as good as that of any vehicle we've tested. Halogen fog lamps imbedded in the front bumper, tinted windows and 15-inch alloy wheels even added a touch of sportiness to the exterior package.
Decorative hardware on the Passat was minimal. The prominent VW logo and large European-styled headlamps highlighted the front of the vehicle, overshadowing a conservative black wraparound bumper and a subtle grille indentation. Color-matched bodyside molding blended smoothly into the sides, speaking well of the vehicle's overall fit.
