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Volkswagen Passat
2008 Volkswagen Passat mid-size car comes in sedan and wagon versions2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon - enlargeComplete Volkswagen Passat New Car Reviews listed below
The 2008 Volkswagen Passat mid-size car comes in sedan and wagon versions, and both have four trim levels available: Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The sedan (MSRP $23,915 - $37,940) competes with the Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Honda Accord, Hyundai Azera, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES350, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz C Class, Mercury Milan, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Saab 9-3, Saturn Aura, Subaru Outback Sedan, Toyota Camry, and Volvo S60.
The wagon version (MSRP $25,115 - $39,140) competes with the Audi A4 Avant Wagon, BMW 3 Series Wagon, Ford Tarus X, Saab 9-3 Sports Combi, Subaru Outback Wagon, and Volvo V50.
The Volkswagen Passat had been produced in many forms since its introduction in 1973. It is an important model in the VW lineup, falling between the Jetta and Phaeton (which is no longer sold in the U.S.), and positioned somewhere between a sedan and a saloon car. It was part of a new generation of Volkswagens evolving from the Audi product line after the German automaker VW purchased that manufacturer. VW was able to adapt Audi’s technological and platform expertise to address the problems causing the decline in Beetle (and other models) sales.
For both Passat versions, the Turbo, Komfort, and Lux trim levels come with front-wheel drive, a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, I4 T (turbocharged inline 4-cylinder) engine and a choice of either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The VR6 trim comes with a 280-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine, while the VR6 4Motion comes with an all-wheel drive system.
Basic features for the Passat include four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, power and speed-dependent steering, power and heated door mirrors, spoilers (optional on the sedan version), body side moldings, and power and heated door mirrors. Sport suspension is optional on both versions.
Convenience features include tilt and telescopic steering wheels, HomeLink garage door transmitters, speed control, driver vanity mirror, and illuminated entry. Features such as automatic temperature control, memory seat, distance-pacing cruise control, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors, and GPS capability are optional on all trim levels. Some entertainment features included are AM/FM radio, MP3 capability, CD player, and eight Dynaudio speakers.
Lighting, safety, and security features include brake assist, compass, hill hold, occupant-sensing airbags (overhead, driver and passenger front and side impact, optional for rear side impact), rear window defroster, panic alarm, trip computer, ignition disable, low tire pressure warning, traction control, tachometer, anti-whiplash front head restraints, and variable-intermittent wipers. Perimeter/approach lights are optional on all trim levels.
A safety and crash test report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 Volkswagen Passat sedan scored four stars out of five in frontal crash and rollover tests, five stars out five in front seat side crash tests, and four stars out of five in rear seat side crash tests. Similarly, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat wagon scored four stars out of five in frontal crash and rollover tests. [1]
A reliability history report for the Volkswagen Passat V6 FWD from ConsumerReports.org for 2007 showed excellent ratings for its engine, major transmission trouble spots, drive and climate system, suspension, exhaust, and paint/trim, very good ratings for its brakes, good ratings for minor transmission trouble spots, electrical system, squeaks and rattles, and body hardware, and fair ratings for its fuel and audio system and power equipment since major redesigns in 2006. [2]
The first generation Passat (branded in North America as the Dasher) was launched in 1973. It was styled by Italian designer Giorgetto Guigaro, whose previous project was the Lamborghini Espada. The resulting Passat was very reminiscent of Guigaro’s Lamborghini design. The second generation Passat was launched in 1981, called Quantum in North America, and debuted a wider range of engines. The third generation Passat was launched in North America in 1990, sported a curvy design unlike its predecessor, and boasted fuel-injected gasoline engines. The fourth generation (1994-1996) saw new body panels and improved safety features. The fifth generation Passat was launched in North America in 1998, and featured a shared platform with the Audi A4. The sixth and current generation was launched in March 2005. This time, the Passat no longer shared a platform with the Audi A4, but was based instead upon the Volkswagen Golf Mark V.
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The mid-size Passat series also grows from new designs that position the car close to the luxury class.
•2003 Volkswagen Passat Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon
The flagship series from Volkswagen divides into a four-door sedan and five-door wagon, each packing either a four-cylinder or V6 engine, manual or automatic transmission with standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) or VW's optional 4Motion AWD.
•2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 Mid-Size Sedan
The Passat W8 - Passat's top-of-the-line model - becomes Volkswagen's flagship car in North America and, defines its position with a combination of power, standard amenities, and German engineering. This is the first 8-cylinder powered Volkswagen offered anywhere and the Passat W8 is just the start of VW's attempt to move its Volkswagen brand uptown.
•2006 Volkswagen Passat Mid-Size Near-Luxury Sedan
The mid-size Passat sedan grows up with a new design in 2006 that positions this car closer to the luxury class. Passat's body expands by three inches in length and width, which translates to more room for riders
•2006 Volkswagen Passat Mid-Size Sedan
Long one of the names families turn to for comfort and safety, Volkswagen has been making a lot of changes recently.
•2005 Volkswagen Passat Mid-Size Sedan and Wagon
The mid-size Volkswagen Passat in sedan and wagon formats returns with a five-seat passenger compartment filled with the appointments of a luxury car. Each packs a 4-cylinder or V6 engine, manual or automatic transmission and standard front-wheel-drive (FWD) or VW's optional 4Motion AWD.
