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Volkswagen Passat - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat ranks 10 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 65 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Passat, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is a competitive midsize car with excellent safety features and spirited performance -- but it's also one of the most expensive cars in its class, particularly when loaded with features. Given what competitors offer for less money, it can be hard to justify the Passat's expense.

The 2009 VW Passat has many virtues. New Car Test Drive calls it "a sophisticated car with a high-quality cabin," adding, "It's roomy and comfortable. ... The ride is smooth and comfortable and the chassis is well controlled at high speed." Plus Volkswagen's reliability history, long a major concern for shoppers, has been improving in recent years. But there are many similar cars available in this class, and most of them cost less than the Passat. Volkswagen's midsize car isn't among the class leaders in fuel economy, either, -- making it an expensive car to own.

These factors might make many buyers want to consider alternatives. The Mercury Milan also boasts European-style handling and a handsome two-tone interior, but with a better reliability history and, often, a lower price.  The newly-redesigned Mazda6 is intruding on the Passat's territory as well.

Even VW loyalists might want to keept their options open.  Later in 2009, VW will introduce the CC -- a step more luxurious than the Passat, but with less rear-seat space.

For 2009, Volkswagen has narrowed the Passat down to a single trim level, available as a sedan or wagon. Gone are the 4Motion All-Wheel-Drive models and the performance-oriented VR6. Only the Komfort model remains, as VW scales back Passat production before introducing a replacement for the 2010 model year. On the plus side, VW is offering free scheduled maintenance for the first three years or 36,000 miles on all 2009 cars.

• "Loaded with features - some unavailable on the competition - and offered in both sedan and wagon forms, the Passat continues to be a more affordable way to enjoy true German engineering without breaking the bank...If its driving dynamics or design distinctions don't make an impression on you, there's little reason to choose the Passat over benchmarks like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, which both feature base models priced well below the Passat." -- Kelley Blue Book
• "This is a mature, fully textured driver's car, appealing on every level." -- Motor Trend
• "As much as we like the current Volkswagen Passat, from its meticulously crafted cabin to its engaging dynamics, this car is the high-end option in a vehicle class patronized by consumers who worry about mortgage payments and preschool tuition." -- Edmunds
• "The Volkswagen Passat is a sophisticated car with a high-quality cabin. It's roomy and comfortable. ... The ride is smooth and comfortable and the chassis is well controlled at high speed." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Powered by the base 2.0-liter turbo four, the Passat is a fine family sedan, offering a sophisticated interior and European road feel. ... The Passat 3.6 offers personality not found in the Camry and Accord, but considering the price point, a value-per-dollar assessment does it no favors." -- Car and Driver
• "Back when the American automakers focused mainly on muscle, and Japanese cars were proficient but boring, VW found a great niche as the maker of affordable European funmobiles. But Japanese cars like the Nissan Altima and the Honda Accord aren't so boring anymore, and domestics like the Ford Fusion are a lot crisper than their bloated predecessor. VW's niche is getting tighter." -- U.S. News
• "If its driving dynamics or design distinctions don't make an impression on you, there's little reason to choose the Passat over benchmarks like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry." -- Kelley Blue Book

Passat Performance - 8.0 (Very Good)

The phrase "German engineering" seems worn out, but writers agree that this compliment is the easiest way to explain the 2009 Passat. In an age of expensive gasoline, it's also worth noting that the Passat's charms are its taut suspension and balanced handling, not its big, thirsty engine. continue

Passat Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

There's nothing revolutionary about the 2009 Passat's shape, but it remains a pleasing alternative in a crowded class. "Like many midsize sedans, the Passat is attractive, but not striking," says U.S. News reviewer Rick Newman. continue

Passat Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)

The 2009 Passat's cockpit can approach what luxury automakers offer -- in just one trim level, it's very well-appointed. Motor Trend says, "Even in its most stripped-down form, the Passat exudes upscale ambiance." continue

Passat Safety - 9.3 (Excellent)

The 2009 VW Passat is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" in the midsize car class. It achieves respectable scores in government crash tests and is notable for offering standard traction control at a time when some rivals still charge for the feature. continue

Passat Reliability - 9.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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 comes equipped with a basic warranty covering three years or 36,000 miles. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about additional coverage. continue