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2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Volkswagen Passat/ CC.
2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Review
Volkswagen redesigned its midsize car for 2006, with fresh styling, larger dimensions, and more power. Sixth-generation Passat sedans arrived first; wagons debuted later in the model year. The 2006s retained virtually the same wheelbase as the 1998-2005 sedans, but their bodies grew 3 inches longer and 3 inches wider overall, promising 2.4 inches of additional rear leg space. Available features new to Passat included a navigation system and steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, plus manual and automatic transmissions with six speeds instead of five. Base engine remained a turbocharged four-cylinder, but it was a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter versus the prior 170-horsepower 1.8-liter. The 2.0-liter was used in the Value Edition and 2.0T models. These came with front-wheel drive and either six-speed transmission. The V6 was now a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter, versus a 190-hp 2.8-liter, and was used in the 3.6 models. Passat V6 models came only with an automatic transmission, and were available with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive. Volkswagen said a diesel model would not be available before the 2008 model year. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes and antiskid/traction control were standard; so were front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Rear torso side airbags were optional. Four-cylinder models came with 16-inch wheels; 17s were optional on 2.0T models and standard on 3.6 editions. The 3.6 was available with 18-inch wheels and a sport suspension. Leather upholstery was optional on 2.0T and 3.6 models, with wood interior trim available on 3.6s only. All models had air conditioning, but the 3.6 version added dual-zone automatic control. A navigation system was optional. With the Passat, Volkswagen competed against the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, and Toyota Camry.
Year to Year Changes
2007 Volkswagen Passat/ CC: Adaptive cruise control was a new option for 2007 models. Passat came in base, 2.0T, and 3.6 versions, with AWD available only for the 3.6. Firmer suspension tuning was used for the Sport Package, optional for 2.0T and 3.6 models.
2008 Volkswagen Passat/ CC: The 2008 Volkswagen Passat got several new trim levels. Sedans and station wagons are offered in Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and 4Motion VR6 models. The front-drive VR6 sedan was new and powered by a 280-hp 3.6-liter V6.
2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Road Test
Pros Cons
Brake performance Ride (rough pavement
Quietness Cargo room (sedan)
Acceleration
Passenger room and comfort
Steering/handling
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Value for the Money
Volkswagen said four-cylinder models would account for 80 percent of Passat sales, and a sparsely-optioned Value Edition or 2.0T has indeed been the smart new-car choice, due to hefty prices for lavishly-equipped versions. Near-average resale values help keep secondhand prices reasonable. In materials quality and driving poise, Passat was once a match for cars in the premium-midsize class, but the latest edition struggles to justify such comparisons.
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Volkswagen Passat 3.6 AWD sedan Rating
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 6
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 7
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 6
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 4
Total: 59
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Reliability
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on because of high resistance in a connector under the driver and/or passenger seat which must be replaced. (2006-07)
Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on due to a malfunction in the evaporative emission system requiring the lines to be blown clean and the purge regulator valve replaced. (2006)
Transmission leak: Transmission fluid may leak from the fluid cooler lines due to defective O-rings. (2006
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,480
Alternator $1,170
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $4,695
Brakes $1,350
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $1,120
Constant Velocity Joints $1,190
Exhaust System $400
Radiator $500
Shocks and/or Struts $1,120
Timing Chain or Belt $750
NHTSA Recall History
2006: Left and right tie-rod securing nut on certain vehicles may be insufficiently torqued and could loosen, resulting in tie-rod separation and loss of steering control.
2006: The wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. The wipers could become inoperable, resulting in a possible crash. Dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit.
2006-07 w/2.0-liter engine: Vacuum line could fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperature, causing brake power assist to fail.
2006-07: Wiper motor on some vehicles may fail during heavy rain, due to excessive moisture.
2007 Passat w/2.0-liter engine: These vehicles may have a vacuum line that could fracture and become disconnected at low temperatures. If this happens, the brake power assist can become fail, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brake. Dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line.
2008 Passat sedan and wagon with 2.0T FSI ULEV II engines: These vehicles have an engine-control module (ECM) containing software that may not properly control engine idle with the air conditioning turned on. In rare cases, the ECM may unexpectedly increase engine RPM. Dealers will inspect and update the ECM software.
2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Prices
Prices Good Average Poor
2006
Passat $14,500-17,000 $13,200-15,500 $9,000-10,500
Passat 3.6 $19,000-22,000 $17,500-20,200 $12,400-14,300
2007
Passat $16,700-21,500 $15,200-19,600 $10,700-13,800
Passat 3.6 $21,700-26,000 $20,000-23,900 $14,100-16,900
2008
Passat Komfort, Lux $20,500-23,500 $18,900-21,600 $13,300-15,300
Passat Turbo $19,000-21,500 $17,500-19,800 $12,400-14,000
Passat VR6 $24,000-28,000 $22,300-26,000 $15,600-18,200
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification 4-door sedan 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 106.7 106.7
Overall Length, in. 188.2 188.0
Overall Width, in. 71.7 71.7
Overall Height, in. 58.0 59.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 3305 3468
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 14.2 35.8
Standard Payload, lbs. -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5 18.5
Seating Capacity 5 5
Front Head Room, in. 38.4 38.3
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 37.8 38.6
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.7 37.7
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Powertrain Options and Availability
Passat could have either a turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.6-liter V6, producing 200 or 280 horsepower, respectively. Four-cylinder models might have a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, but the V6 mated only with automatic. For 2008, a new, front-drive VR6 sedan was powered by the 280-hp 3.6-liter V6.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V6 3.6 / 219 280 265 6-speed automatic: 19/28 6-speed automatic: --
Turbocharged dohc I4 2.0 / 212 200 207 6-speed manual: 23/32
6-speed automatic: 22/31
6-speed manual: --
6-speed automatic: --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test 2006 Passat
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
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