2006-2008 Volkswagen Passat: Overview

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.