2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat: Full Review

Vehicle Highlights

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

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

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

Prices	Good	Average	Poor
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
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
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

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

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

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%. Sideimpact 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%.