2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Reliability Review [ 2007 ]

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Reliability

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon reliability score of 4.0 out of 10 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. Volkswagen also supports the Passat with free roadside assistance for four years, a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and 12-year/unlimited distance corrosion protection.

Volkswagen has a problematic reliability record, but VW is trying to change this image. CNET reports, "The car feels well built, as if VW is seeking to combat past quality problems by overbuilding hinges and hatches. The hood and doors all close with a satisfying solidity, while plastic interior hatches and drawers also feel like they're in it for the long haul." However, regardless of VW's achievements in producing such a solid vehicle, most reviewers are still skeptical. USA Today notes, "Reliability's the question mark. The previous Passat shows up as the very worst among family cars in Consumer Reports magazine's predicted reliability chart. The '07 is a new design. That can be good, or it can be otherwise."

J.D.Power Ratings

Initial Quality Ratings

These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after the first few months of ownership.

Feature	2008	2007
Overall Quality - Mechanical
Powertrain Quality - Mechanical
Body & Interior Quality - Mechanical
Features & Accessories Quality - Mechanical
Overall Quality - Design
Powertrain Quality - Design
Body & Interior Quality - Design
Features & Accessories Quality - Design

Dependability Ratings

These scores come from consumer ratings of their vehicles after three years of ownership.

Feature	2004	2003
Overall Dependability
Powertrain Dependability
Feature & Accessory Dependability
Body & Interior Dependability

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