2008 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
2008 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $23,990 - $39,200
- Invoice: $22,359 - $36,669
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Our road test for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2008 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Only automatic-transmission models have been made available for Consumer Guide testing. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine is likely to satisfy most buyers. It is sprightly from a stop and is impressive in midrange and highway passing. It depends on a blend of turbo boost and transmission downshifts for best response, however. VW pegs 2.0-liter Passats at 6.9 seconds 0-60 mph with manual transmission and 7.4 seconds with the automatic. VR6 Passats have robust power. A front-drive VR6 sedan did 6.3 seconds 0-60 in our testing, but it had significant wheelspin from a stop. With better traction, the 4Motion version is slightly quicker off the line. Power delivery with either engine is often imprecise due to nonlinear throttle action. VR6 models in particular suffered extreme low-speed throttle lag. No opportunity to test a wagon.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5.5 |
In Consumer Guide testing, automatic-transmission equipped 2.0-liter models averaged 19.6 mpg overall and 26.9 in mostly highway use. Test averages for VR6 sedans: 18.2-19.9 with front-drive, 22.1 with AWD in mostly highway driving. VW recommends premium-grade gas for all Passat models.
RIDE QUALITY
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
The ride is firm in the European tradition, with the entire car reacting as a unit to bumps. Around town, sharp imperfections register with a jolt felt through the seats. Passats are reassuringly stable at highway speeds. There is little evident difference between base and sport suspension, or the 16- and 18-inch tires.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
The steering is firm, accurate, and nicely weighted. Straightline tracking is confident at highway speed. Good cornering grip and balance, especially with the sport suspension and 18-inch tires. Quick acceleration from low speed in VR6 models triggers annoying torque steer. There is fine stopping control, though some testers cited overly long brake pedal travel on some test cars.
QUIETNESS
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Good isolation of wind rush, though road noise is evident on coarse surfaces, especially with 18-inch tires. Rapid acceleration has the 4-cylinder growling, and the VR6 purring, though the VR6 can be slightly rough at idle.
CONTROLS
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
The angle and location of the speedometer and tachometer render them difficult to read for some testers. Climate controls are too low for best access. Navigation system thankfully incorporates few audio or climate functions, but some programming steps seem illogical, and the screen is illegible in direct sunlight.
DETAILS
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Passat's interior is a puzzling mix of high-quality materials offset by budget-grade plastics and some dashboard panels that ring hollow instead of solid to the touch. One 4-cylinder powered test car suffered instrument panel buzzing and rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Generous room. A manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel is standard, but not all testers are able to find a comfortable driving position. Some cite the shape and support of the seat cushions. Outward visibility is good in all directions.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Knee clearance is plentiful, but foot space is tight beneath the front seats. Taller passengers may want more headroom. Wide-opening doors make for fine entry and exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Passat sedan's shielded trunklid hinges eat into cargo space. The trunk is otherwise deep, wide, and easy to load, and is enhanced by a 60/40 split folding rear seatback. The seatbacks don't fold fully flat. Plentiful and clever cabin storage includes small dashboard drawers, liter-bottle holders in front doors, a cooled glovebox, and even an umbrella slot with drain in the driver-side door.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
A carefully optioned Turbo or Komfort model is the smart Passat choice, given the steep prices for lavishly equipped versions. Passat prices can easily move into premium-midsize-car territory, where, unlike Passat, the best entries have unassailable interior materials and something more than a 4-cylinder as the base engine.
Total Score
| Lux sedan automatic | VR6 sedan | 4Motion VR6 sedan | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 64 | 64 | 63.1 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Midsize Cars
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