2006 Volkswagen Passat: Tester's Comments
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2006 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $22,950 -$31,900
- Invoice: $21,118 -$29,413
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. See if the 2006 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2006 Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 2.0 T |
| Arrival Date: | 10/31/2005 |
| Engine: | Turbocharged dohc I4 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 23,900 |
| Price as Tested: | 31,565 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2407 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2831 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 424 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 19.602 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 21.63 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Package #2 (Power Sunroof, Stereo System with In-Dash CD Changer, XM Satellite Radio, Leather Comfort Seats, Four-Spoke Multi-Function Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Leather Shift Knob, Heated Driver and Passenger Front Seats), DVD Satellite Navigation System, 6-Speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission, Premium Sound System, Rear Side Airbags
From the Back Seat
Mark Bilek
I want to like Passat, but at $31,000 this tester is TOO EXPENSIVE, has bad throttle response, and rides too harshly around town. VW screwed up a good car and lagging sales and heavy incentives are sure to be on the way.
Rick Cotta
The V6 cures the turbo-lag problem of the 2.0 T, but does nothing to help the automatic transmission's indecision under crawling-speed acceleration. Otherwise, except for a slightly stiff-kneed ride over bumps (which in our test car, also prompted a buzzy rattle from dash), the Passat comes off as a premium midsize sedan--with a price to match. However, reliability issues continue to haunt the marque, which makes the Passat an iffy investment once the warranty runs out.
Tom Appel
I like this car more than the rest of the staff. I don't mind the ride, can live with the throttle woes, but am really put off by the price. I am also a little disappointed by the apparent down grading of cabin materials from the enthusiast-beloved last generation of this car. Even minus $3000 in unnecessary options, Passat costs too much more than V6 versions of the Mazda 6 or Honda Accord.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2006 Volkswagen Passat |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | 3.6 |
| Arrival Date: | 10/17/2005 |
| Engine: | dohc V6 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 31,900 |
| Price as Tested: | 37,615 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 2317 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 2575 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 258 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 12.953 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 19.92 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Package #1 Luxury, Package #1 Sport, Package #2 Luxury, Package #2 Sport, Satellite Radio, 18-inch alloy wheels, Dynaudio Premium Sound, DVD Satellite Navigation with Glove Box Mounted 6-Disc CD Changer, Bi-Xenons with AFS and Headlight Washers, Rear Side Airbags
From the Back Seat
Kirk Bell
The Passat has taken a step backward in interior materials and noise suppression, and moved forward with better engines and improved handling. Still a very nice car, it also falls down on value, though, with pricing that places it in the luxury category.
Mark Bilek
I am guessing that Volkswagen is trying to move Passat upmarket, and I'm not sure that makes a lot of sense--VW has Audi A4 to compete in that market. Regardless, this tester listed for more than $35,000, and in that price range is it simply ECLIPSED by other near-luxury vehicles like Aucra TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti G35. This car is good, but not great and doesn't have a chance against that competition. Volkswagen should have stuck with what made Passat popular--European flair, lots of interior room, and reasonable pricing.
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