AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Money Magazine has announced the winners for this year's Best Car picks for 2001 and two Volkswagens, the 2001 Passat and New Beetle, received these highly coveted awards.
Winning in the Best Mid-size car category, the Volkswagen Passat proves that its combination of dynamic European styling, performance, everyday practicality and comfort are qualities that attract the attention of the media and consumers. The Passat, first introduced to the market in 1997, is currently the best-selling German car in its class, and has won other prestigious awards such as Automobile Magazine's "All Star" for best family car, "Best Pick" family sedan by Consumer Reports and various others.
In its description of the Passat, Money Magazine says it's a, "star on wheels" [as] "... a sporty yet functional car with a few nice curves, one that really responds when you hit the pedal."
The Passat can only be expected to continue growing in popularity and gaining respect from drivers and passengers alike. Aside from being a stylish and powerful vehicle, the Passat earned a five-star rating in NHTSA's crash testing and top honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Like the Passat, The Volkswagen New Beetle also earned a five-star safety rating, making it the only car in its class to achieve these outstanding results. With high safety standards, a unique style and excellent driving capabilities, it is not a surprise that the New Beetle was awarded Money's Best Pick in the small car category.