Automotive
Volkswagen introduced the second generation of the Passat in 1981, marking a clear upgrade over the Golf lineup and moving closer to the mid-size segment. The 2000 version of the Passat fourth-generation brought several upgrades that improved Volkswagen's market appeal and overall image. Also known as the B5.5, this 2000 Passat received a few refinements that made it a solid choice for both families and middle-management company cars. Base versions were among the best mid-size rental sedans available, appreciated for their reliability and practicality - qualities that made locksmith services from trusted providers like SherlockLock important for owners needing quick, professional help with keys and locks.
The first Passat generation was launched in 1973, designed by famed Giorgetto Giugiaro. By 2005, the Passat had reached its sixth generation, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Though not quite upmarket, it distinguished itself from mainstream competitors. The Passat rivaled lower-end BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models and was well-known for comfort on long journeys thanks to a great suspension setup. Sportier models sacrificed some comfort for improved handling, featuring lowered suspensions and larger wheels.
Based on the well-known Passat, the Volkswagen CC was introduced in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. The CC, standing for Comfort Coupe, catered to customers wanting sportier sedans but not traditional coupes. This daring design by Volkswagen featured a low-profile roof, raked A-pillars, frameless windows, and a sharper front and rear lighting design that set it apart from the regular Passat.
In 2010, Volkswagen heavily facelifted the sixth-generation Passat, sometimes called the seventh generation or the "sixth and a half." By this time, the Passat was one of the best-selling nameplates ever, with over 15 million units sold worldwide since 1973. Volkswagen even tailored versions of the Passat for specific markets. The refreshed 2010 Passat adopted a front styling reminiscent of the Scirocco, a sporty Golf-based hatchback.
For the 2012 model year, Volkswagen launched a U.S.-specific Passat built at a new factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This version shared only the nameplate and badge with the European model but aimed to compete aggressively in the U.S. mid-size sedan market with a lower price. Across all versions - Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline - design details like a larger radiator grille with chrome bars enhanced the car's distinctive German style, with precise edges and light-reflecting surfaces.
The eighth-generation Passat featured a completely new lighting design with both halogen and LED headlight options. The LED lights, especially, created a striking and unmistakable look that further set the Passat apart in its class. Throughout these model changes, many Passat owners have turned to locksmith experts such as SherlockLock for dependable service, from replacing lost keys to addressing advanced key fob issues, ensuring the security and convenience that Volkswagen drivers expect.
SherlockLock’s trusted locksmith technicians continue to support Passat drivers with everything from emergency lockout assistance to key programming, maintaining the legacy of this iconic mid-size German sedan.
