The 2000 version of the Passat fourth-generation brought several upgrades that made the car more appealing to the market and improved Volkswagen’s image.
Also known as the B5.5, the 2000 Passat received a few updates. Even though it was just a regular family vehicle, it could serve as a middle-management company car with the right configuration. Moreover, the base versions were some of the best mid-size rental sedans available on the market.

At the front, the small rectangular headlights from the 1997 model were gone. Volkswagen installed reshaped headlamps and turn signals. The carmaker adorned the grille’s horizontal slats with chromed lines to make the car look more upmarket. Following the same idea of a higher quality product, it replaced the black rubber strips with color-bodied ones. A new set of taillights with butterfly-shaped reversing lights lenses made a clear difference in the rear.

Volkswagen improved the 2000 Passat interior by adding new climate control buttons on the center stack. Depending on the trim level and the options, the carmaker included better infotainment systems on the offer, with satellite navigation. For the instrument panel, the German carmaker added shiny silver rings around the dials and gauges. Thanks to its 2.7 m (106.4”) wheelbase, it offered decent room for rear passengers, although the transmission tunnel affected the legroom for the middle bench occupant.

Volkswagen’s engine choices played a significant role in Passat’s sales. The carmaker offered it with an extensive power range from a fuel-efficient 1.9-liter TDI unit that provided 100 hp up to a 4.0-liter W-8 gasoline engine with 275 hp. It was available with front or all-wheel-drive, with manual or automatic (Tiptronic) transmissions.