As the first model of a new product series the 1. Generation of the Passat saw the light of the world in May 1973 for the first time. The trade wind conquered the hearts of humans in the storm, till the end of 1974 already 430000 customers decided to buy a Passat. After a Facelift in the year 1978 up to the end of production in September 1980 (notchback) or February 1981 (Variant) more than 2.5 million units of the Passat were sold.

Then it went into the second round, with a clearly changed appearance Volkswagens sent its 2. generation of the Passat in running. The production started for the sedan in Octobers 1980 and for the Variant in November 1980. The Passat was larger and more elegantly and better equipped than its predecessor. 1982 associated with the models flow-tail and Variant another third brother: the notchback. At first it was called still Santana and as independent model was led. It can be easily detected by its other headlights. But after the Facelift in the year 1986 all Passat got the same radiator-grille and the same headlights and the Santana was renamed in Passat notchback. Since October 1984 the Variant is available also as Syncro (!!!).

After another 3.1 million Passat in April 1988 (notchback was produced only till September 1987) the hour of the 3.Passat had come. The complete new publication of the Passat without radiator grille excited the mind, additionally that was the first model were the flow tail sedan was omitted. But there were some big changes at the engines. The first 4-Valve- , superchargered and 6-cylinder engines set accents in the middle class. Together with the extremely good air resistance factor of 0.29 and a far improved chassis these Passat performed almost sports car-similar performances. After 1.6 million units the 3rd Passat era found their end.

Because of the big discussions, was the 4.Model of Passat equipped with an radiator grille again. The dimensions stayed nearly the same, only technics site Volkswagens was again able to offer an innovation, for the first time a passenger car with an engine with turbo-Diesel direct injection could be ordered. First only with 66kW and then in addition, with 82kW. 700000 copies of the B4 were built.

The production of the B5 started in September 1996. With its powerful and economic engines and the clear design this is Passat closer at the upper class than ever before.

Now in the autumn of the year 2000 the newest Passat is presented to the public and we are looking forward the experieces with the last member of the Passat family.

to be continued...