Volkswagen introduced a heavily revised third-generation Passat in 1993 for both versions: the sedan and the station wagon.
The German carmaker was not ready to change its mid-size segment vehicle, the Passat, while Ford was ready to storm the market with a completely new Mondeo. But Volkswagen made an intelligent choice to upgrade its third-generation Passat and named it a fourth-generation, even though the roof, the greenhouse, and the platform were the same as its predecessor. On the other hand, the door panels, the hood, and the fenders were new.

At the front, Volkswagen’s designers created a new front fascia with a slatted grille and elongated, horizontal headlights. Unlike the second generation, from the Passat B3/B4, the carmaker offered it only as a three-box sedan or as a station wagon, dropping the hatchback version. The carmaker installed the taillights on the quarter panels, extended them on the sides of the tailgate. A black rubber strip protected the upper bumper area when loading and unloading.

Inside, the comfortable interior offered a revised interior. The center stack was tilted towards the driver and provided easy-to-access controls and commands. Depending on the trim level and engine version, the Passat featured high-bolstered front seats or plain bucket seats at the front. Volkswagen installed a bench for two in the back, with a 60/40 split seatback, which increased the trunk from 465 liters (16.4 cu-ft) up to1,500 liters (52.9 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the Passat offered a choice of eight engines, either gasoline or diesel. Volkswagen brought only a few of them on the U.S. market: a turbo-diesel and a 2.8-liter V-6. The former was available exclusively with a five-speed manual, while the latter offered an option for a four-speed automatic.