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Volkswagen Passat cars have been in production since 1973 and have undergone six different generations of design. The Passat was originally manufactured in response to the slight decrease in sales of Volkswagen's trademark model, the Beetle. Based heavily on Audi technology, the Passat was seen as a larger, classier and more upmarket version of the Beetle and would go on to be hugely successful around the world.
When the first Volkswagen Passat was unveiled in 1973 it was greeted with a largely positive response from critics. The B1 model would continue until 1981, when an updated B2 model was produced. The B2 Passat was to be manufactured for seven years until 1988, and like many Volkswagen models was given various 'facelifts' year on year.
Volkswagen Passat sales increased in 1988 when the B3 model was launched followed by the B4 in 1993. The Passat B3 was the first model to be completely unique to Volkswagen, and was not based on Audi design plans. Marketed as a family estate car, the B3 Passat was only available in four-door saloon and five-door estate versions, a feature that would remain with the updated B4 model.
Launched in 1996 in Europe and 1998 in North America, the Passat B5 reverted once again to Audi plans, closely resembling the Audi A4. The Passat B6, unveiled in 2005, moved away from the Audi platform once again, and borrowed heavily from the Volkswagen Golf Mk 5. The B7 model, first shown in 2010 is yet another face lifted Volkswagen, this time of the Passat B6.
Due to the successful low depreciation of the model, used Volkswagen Passats should definitely be considered by those looking to buy a time-tested, reliable vehicle at a reasonable price. A nearly new Volkswagen Passat may not be the most powerful VW, but it is more than ideal for those with a family looking for a multi purpose vehicle.