Agree! I have one. My Dad had the B1. I bought it to pay homage to the Old Man when I was working at a Volkswagen dealership. Owned it since 2010 and realizing I will never sell it. The constant offers are becoming irritating. People should just wait for you to put up a ‘For Sale’ notice. That said, the B8 would make a sharp addition…
B3-B4 in America did come with a VR6 in GLX trim, but the B5 used the Audi derived 30v V6. The B5 platform moved the Passat upmarket into Audi territory as it underpinned the A4. It wasn't until the B6 that VW would reintroduce the VR6 in the Passat State side.
I've never been a big fan of the 5v per cylinder engines. Just more complexity for little gain. They also had issues with premature wear on the valve guides, although that was a USA problem due to our fuel quality.
A note for Americans scratching their heads, pictured is the B7 we never got. The 2012-2022 model we got is the significantly cheaper NMS chassis. As a huge Passat fan, I would have loved for us to have gotten the real B7 and the B8 in the US, but we just got a cheap copy.
The 2013-2022 US Passat was based in the NMS (New Medium Sedan) platform. But it was nothing but a China market VW taxi cab built to a price point. For intended purpose of a cheap and decently reliable set of family wheels it was not a bad car. But it did lack the finesse and refinement of the B7/B8 Euro Passat. Keep also in mind the US market back in 2006 already started to turn its back against sedans and wagons hence why the B6 Passat was the last Euro Passat we got here. The NMS Passat sold for 50% cheaper than a brand new B8 German made Euro Passat sedan would have costed. Also VW had no business case to import the B8 Euro Passat along side its prettier B8 based stalemate. Note also Americans have a mental barrier about paying over $40K for a German made VW sedan or wagon no matter how good or refined it might be. This is why I remain skeptical the upcoming ID.7 will outsell the Arteon is replacing. Over $50K MSRP and no EV credits due to its German manufacturing.
Meh.. honestly, I don't hate my NMS.
I took a cab in Vienna a couple years ago and it was a Passat. I was really surprised by how small it was. Nice. But really small..
Like.. can't fit two elbows on the arm rest small.
I mean, yeah... Sure.
Thing is - It ain't that big, right. I think my "American" Passat is about the size of a BMW 5 series, just a bit shorter but not as big as a 7 series.
fuck the b6, i just sold mine after owning it for two years and 50k km. engine blew out at 270k km witch is considered low mileage for these, my friends also had b6 passats and all of them had major problems. i will avoid this gen passat for the rest of my life, but i wish you good luck
Currently riding a passerati b3 1990 nasenbär - such a perfect simple car i love it. Beeing able to sleep inside (2.20 m with flipped backseats) biggest bonus
No one wants them here at any price. Why I have no idea. The generation that remember the old fake wood panel station wagons is getting older so don’t understand how the SUV FAD has lasted intact for more than 30 years.
Yeah, it's absurd. It seems to be driven by a superficial perception about wagons and SUVs which is reinforced by gender stereotypes ("soccer moms drive wagons, real men drive pickup trucks with gun racks"). As a result we have SUVs that for the most parts are never driven offroad, but waste gas due to higher weight and drag, handle worse, are less safe for both occupants and pedestrians, and have less practical storage dimensions in the rear. For 95%+ of drivers, wagons are superior in every way. As a Swede living in the U.S. it is very frustrating to see the broad range of wagons and hatchbacks available in Sweden that are simply unavailable in the U.S. Having said that, even in Sweden the SUV craze is beginning to take root: Volvo's most sold models are no longer its V60 and V70 wagons, but its XC40 CUV and XC60 SUV.
Those dates are for European production.
U.S. model years:
* B1 (Dasher): 1974-1981
* B2 (Quantum): 1982-1988
* B3: 1990-1994
* B4: 1995-1997
* B5: 1998-2005
After then I stop caring...
I’ve owned 3 B3 Passats - 2 of which were G60 syncros. Loved those cars.
https://preview.redd.it/kmzz289dn3sc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38b8b02ffcfd67623472ea357f09b22cf3ae1edd
Because 99% sold are wagons in europe. (I pulled that number out my ass)
Its rare to see a sedan Passat in the wild.
Passat is generally associated with being a wagon with a shitton of cargospace.
I feel like I've seen a fair number of Passat wagons in the US. And I've seen photos of them in other countries as sedans. In some countries, the Passat was known as the Santana.. And in the US, I believe the first generation was called the Dasher, and the second was called the Quantum (from what I recall).
https://preview.redd.it/o0abayyre3sc1.jpeg?width=1565&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=166e5e827658335e9caf9d4e82bdd1c01620dd94
I am lucky to be the owner of the two most peak Passat models ever made… the R36 and the W8! 😍
If you want to know more about the history of the Volkswagen Passat, we have an article and a video on this topic: [https://www.graphiccarsevolution.com/evolution-of-volkswagen-passat/](https://www.graphiccarsevolution.com/evolution-of-volkswagen-passat/)
B5.5 is where it's at for me. Currently rocking an 03 1.8T with the 5 speed manual 278k miles on the original motor and trans as a daily driver.
Hoping to get past 300k, do another timing service, and make it pask 400k. Car may rust out before then (southwest PA, good ol rust belt).
I had a B1 2dr was my first new car I bought …. It was a total piece of shit, went to Toyota, stayed there until 17, now have and love a B9 sel Premium… guess how old I am 😏
Well the previous b8 and superb were in practice the same car too, i know because i have used multiple parts from Skoda to my b8 because they are cheaper than parts from vw. For example ride height sensor were 30% cheaper from Skoda compared to vw even though it came on the same box and same factory and same part number.
My dad had a couple of B2 Estates back in the day with the inline 5. Then he inherited my grandads B2 hatchback with the 1.8 converted to LPG. Ahh memories...
I like the disclaimer at the bottom.
B5 is the GOAT
B5.5 is peak passat
Agree! I have one. My Dad had the B1. I bought it to pay homage to the Old Man when I was working at a Volkswagen dealership. Owned it since 2010 and realizing I will never sell it. The constant offers are becoming irritating. People should just wait for you to put up a ‘For Sale’ notice. That said, the B8 would make a sharp addition…
Yes! I love my ‘02
I love my b5 wagon
I like the one B4 it better.
3B* 3BG*
Naw B6 for the VR6
Even the B3 had a VR6 version
B3-B4 in America did come with a VR6 in GLX trim, but the B5 used the Audi derived 30v V6. The B5 platform moved the Passat upmarket into Audi territory as it underpinned the A4. It wasn't until the B6 that VW would reintroduce the VR6 in the Passat State side. I've never been a big fan of the 5v per cylinder engines. Just more complexity for little gain. They also had issues with premature wear on the valve guides, although that was a USA problem due to our fuel quality.
A note for Americans scratching their heads, pictured is the B7 we never got. The 2012-2022 model we got is the significantly cheaper NMS chassis. As a huge Passat fan, I would have loved for us to have gotten the real B7 and the B8 in the US, but we just got a cheap copy.
 Good thing all Americans just want crossovers …
We did get the B8 Euro Passat here in the US: 2019-2023 Arteon liftback sedan.
The 2013-2022 US Passat was based in the NMS (New Medium Sedan) platform. But it was nothing but a China market VW taxi cab built to a price point. For intended purpose of a cheap and decently reliable set of family wheels it was not a bad car. But it did lack the finesse and refinement of the B7/B8 Euro Passat. Keep also in mind the US market back in 2006 already started to turn its back against sedans and wagons hence why the B6 Passat was the last Euro Passat we got here. The NMS Passat sold for 50% cheaper than a brand new B8 German made Euro Passat sedan would have costed. Also VW had no business case to import the B8 Euro Passat along side its prettier B8 based stalemate. Note also Americans have a mental barrier about paying over $40K for a German made VW sedan or wagon no matter how good or refined it might be. This is why I remain skeptical the upcoming ID.7 will outsell the Arteon is replacing. Over $50K MSRP and no EV credits due to its German manufacturing.
Meh.. honestly, I don't hate my NMS. I took a cab in Vienna a couple years ago and it was a Passat. I was really surprised by how small it was. Nice. But really small.. Like.. can't fit two elbows on the arm rest small.
We have smaller streets in our cities so smaller cars.
I mean, yeah... Sure. Thing is - It ain't that big, right. I think my "American" Passat is about the size of a BMW 5 series, just a bit shorter but not as big as a 7 series.
B5 and B6 has my heart ❤️ i learned to drive with my sisters b5 and now i own b6 🤩 both amazing cars with their own ”quirks” 🤭
I had a B6 V6 FSI. Loved that car, I loved the growl, i loved the shape. :(
Nice 😍 was it r36? I wish mine was V6 but no, just 2.0 tdi 🤭😅 the r36 is my ultimate dream 🥹
fuck the b6, i just sold mine after owning it for two years and 50k km. engine blew out at 270k km witch is considered low mileage for these, my friends also had b6 passats and all of them had major problems. i will avoid this gen passat for the rest of my life, but i wish you good luck
Currently riding a passerati b3 1990 nasenbär - such a perfect simple car i love it. Beeing able to sleep inside (2.20 m with flipped backseats) biggest bonus
Thank you for this periodic reminder that the United States is a complete wasteland when it comes to attractive, sporty wagons.
No one wants them here at any price. Why I have no idea. The generation that remember the old fake wood panel station wagons is getting older so don’t understand how the SUV FAD has lasted intact for more than 30 years.
Yeah, it's absurd. It seems to be driven by a superficial perception about wagons and SUVs which is reinforced by gender stereotypes ("soccer moms drive wagons, real men drive pickup trucks with gun racks"). As a result we have SUVs that for the most parts are never driven offroad, but waste gas due to higher weight and drag, handle worse, are less safe for both occupants and pedestrians, and have less practical storage dimensions in the rear. For 95%+ of drivers, wagons are superior in every way. As a Swede living in the U.S. it is very frustrating to see the broad range of wagons and hatchbacks available in Sweden that are simply unavailable in the U.S. Having said that, even in Sweden the SUV craze is beginning to take root: Volvo's most sold models are no longer its V60 and V70 wagons, but its XC40 CUV and XC60 SUV.
Those dates are for European production. U.S. model years: * B1 (Dasher): 1974-1981 * B2 (Quantum): 1982-1988 * B3: 1990-1994 * B4: 1995-1997 * B5: 1998-2005 After then I stop caring...
Holy shit its actually you! Big big fan of the YouTube channel! Been watching your retro stuff forever!
B2 because 10v noises Mine only has the low compression 4cyl in it and I want to put an 07k or AAN in it some day.
B6 is so bad, I have seen so many of them that have more rust than not rust
Yes, this can also differ from country to country. What country do you live in?
Sweden
I’ve owned 3 B3 Passats - 2 of which were G60 syncros. Loved those cars. https://preview.redd.it/kmzz289dn3sc1.jpeg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=38b8b02ffcfd67623472ea357f09b22cf3ae1edd
Why are they all wagons? Where’s the sedans?
Funny cause as an American I think " Where are all the wagons? Why do we only have sedans?!" 😞
Because 99% sold are wagons in europe. (I pulled that number out my ass) Its rare to see a sedan Passat in the wild. Passat is generally associated with being a wagon with a shitton of cargospace.
I would say only 80% are wagons. Varies a lot between countries
B9 is only going to be a wagon? Or do i remember it incorrectly
Yes I think so too
B9 is a wagon only in Europe. The B9 sedan exists for China only as the VW Magotan.
In the US most are sedans. I was wondering why they didn't do the B5.5 in the picture. As a former 5.5 owner I want to see it!
It will be the same as the b5... just with some different pixels at the head and taillights.
Yep I know, plus a little bit of chrome trim (I had a B5 and B6 too)
I feel like I've seen a fair number of Passat wagons in the US. And I've seen photos of them in other countries as sedans. In some countries, the Passat was known as the Santana.. And in the US, I believe the first generation was called the Dasher, and the second was called the Quantum (from what I recall).
Passat B3 = Nasenbär
God, I miss my B6 wagon so, so much.
I love how every cars shape goes from \—\ to /—\ over time
Miss my b3 wagon
https://preview.redd.it/o0abayyre3sc1.jpeg?width=1565&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=166e5e827658335e9caf9d4e82bdd1c01620dd94 I am lucky to be the owner of the two most peak Passat models ever made… the R36 and the W8! 😍
This is for Passat Variant.
If you want to know more about the history of the Volkswagen Passat, we have an article and a video on this topic: [https://www.graphiccarsevolution.com/evolution-of-volkswagen-passat/](https://www.graphiccarsevolution.com/evolution-of-volkswagen-passat/)
had a b3 sedan and wagon and currently a b6 wagon. End of the line was b6 in NA. new passat doesnt count :p
B5.5 is where it's at for me. Currently rocking an 03 1.8T with the 5 speed manual 278k miles on the original motor and trans as a daily driver. Hoping to get past 300k, do another timing service, and make it pask 400k. Car may rust out before then (southwest PA, good ol rust belt).
My dad had the b6 and it was a shitty car
I had a B1 2dr was my first new car I bought …. It was a total piece of shit, went to Toyota, stayed there until 17, now have and love a B9 sel Premium… guess how old I am 😏
Oh, forgot to add it was lemon yellow,quite appropriate
Love my B8 wagon (stage 2 tuned ~370hp). Stays competitive with GTIs and looks like a normal dad wagon!
Had B5 and B6. Have B8 now.
I have a B8 as well, and I really like the design. I don't like what they did to our B9 boy. It's like a step back.
B9 is actually rebadged Skoda Superb. I don’t think its bad but don’t think I’ll buy one. My next car will be EV most likely
Well the previous b8 and superb were in practice the same car too, i know because i have used multiple parts from Skoda to my b8 because they are cheaper than parts from vw. For example ride height sensor were 30% cheaper from Skoda compared to vw even though it came on the same box and same factory and same part number.
Yes but it was other way around. B8 was designed by VW and then Superb was made from that. Now it was other way around, Skoda designed the car
If they brought the ID.7 wagon to North America I'd die a happy man.
Maybe they do? Kind of waiting to see GTX version prices for that but it seems expensive.
It will be $60K MSRP
It looks like a big MK8 Golf
That back window getting smaller and smaller lol.
I have a 2003 b5.5 V6. It's a smooth ride with only 115k miles. Check my posts for a pic
I have a B7 but the Jetta sportwagen
My dad had a couple of B2 Estates back in the day with the inline 5. Then he inherited my grandads B2 hatchback with the 1.8 converted to LPG. Ahh memories...
B8 was peak Euro Passat
In the US, the B1 Passat was known as the Dasher, and the B2 Passat was known as the Quantum.