2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Full Size Wagons
Based on analysis of 21 Passat-Wagon reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen Passat Wagon - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon ranks 6 out of 6 Affordable Full Size Wagons. This ranking is based on our analysis of 21 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Passat Wagon, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Passat Wagon offers comfort and utility in an appealing package. In addition to two powerful engine options and superb handling, the new Passat Wagon comfortably seats five passengers, has plenty of room for extra cargo, and offers modern styling and luxury typical of other German manufacturers. Its downfall, however, is that it competes in a highly competitive class.
Though it has some mechanical shortcomings -- such as turbo lag, a transmission that downshifts frequently and abruptly, and light steering -- the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon still has a class-leading powertrain, excellent handling, expansive cargo room and long list of standard features. In fact, most call the Passat a good vehicle that carries on the station wagon tradition of dependable family utility. Car and Driver says the VW is good for those "still mourning the passing of the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry wagons," because of its practicality and value. Changes to the 2008 model are relatively minor.
The Passat Wagon now comes in four trim levels: the Turbo, Komfort, Lux or VR6. Only the Turbo trim is available with a manual transmission.
- "The Jetta wagon is dead, so VW buyers have just one choice if they need an Ikea-invading, sports-gear-swallowing station wagon: the Passat. The redesigned model boasts improvements in all the obvious areas-more size, more power, more safety, and more style." -- Automobile Magazine
- "We were a bit taken aback by the $38,280 sticker on the nicely equipped 2007 VW Passat Wagon 3.6L 4Motion we recently tested. After a week behind the wheel, however, we were won over by the car's virtues -- with a few important caveats." -- Detroit News
Passat-Wagon Performance - 7.9 (Good)
Test drivers, on balance, are impressed with the Passat Wagon's powerful mechanics and surefooted handling dynamics. In fact, the Boston Globe describes its handling as "solid and reassuring." The Passat Wagon ranks near the top of its class for its performance attributes. Continue with our full Performance Review to learn why reviewers aren't very fond of the Passat Wagon's transmission. continue
Passat-Wagon Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The 2008 VW Passat's exterior styling is well-liked compared to its peers, and it ranks in the top half of its class. The Auto Channel states, "In style, it works very well, perhaps even better than the sedan." Continue with our full Exterior Review to read about the Passat Wagon's exterior features, or check out our photo gallery. continue
Passat-Wagon Interior - 7.7 (Good)
The Volkswagen Passat Wagon has a comfortable, spacious and versatile interior, but it's not a standout among affordable full-size wagons. Still, the Detroit News writes, "The materials and the design are top-drawer." Regardless, the Passat Wagon's interior cabin ranks only in the middle of its class. Continue with our full Interior Review to read why critics aren't satisfied with Volkswagen's touch-screen navigation system, or go to the 2008 Passat Wagon Photo Gallery to see pictures of its cabin for yourself. continue
Passat-Wagon Safety - NA
The Passat Wagon fares well in federal government crash tests, and features a wide array of standard active and passive safety equipment -- including an electronic stability system and six air bags. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about the Passat Wagon's other standard safety features. continue
Passat-Wagon Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Passat Wagon comes with a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read about Volkswagen's poor reliability history. continue
