2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Review
The Passat is a near-luxury midsize car that first debuted in 1974. The Passat Wagon was unveiled in North American for 1990. The second generation debuted for 1998. The current version was released in 2007. It has won numerous international awards and accolades.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Volkswagen Passat Wagon is an upscale hatchback that doesn’t break the bank. With an assortment of unique features, the Passat Wagon combines the luxurious with the practical. While it doesn’t have the best reliability record, or the best price/feature ratio, it is the most luxurious wagon you’ll find for under $30,000.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the Passat 2 stars for mechanical and design quality, and 4 stars for performance and design. Problems with the last generation included coolant leaks, rough idling, vehicle noise and window cracks. It was recalled six times. Problems with the current generation include airbag warning lights, transmission leaks and emission malfunctions. It’s been recalled four times for loose tie-rod nuts, failing wipe motors and fracturing vacuum lines. Expect below average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The Passat Wagon earned 4 stars in government frontal crash tests. In IIHS tests, it earned “Good” for the front and side, and “Marginal” for the rear. Anti-lock brakes, active head restraints, full side airbags, and stability and traction control come standard. Rear side airbags are optional.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Excellent fit and finish
+ Smooth ride
+ Comfortable interior
Cons
– Not a great feature/price ratio
– Lousy reliability history
– Questionable exterior styling
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Subaru Outback costs several thousand less and includes all-wheel drive, but has 30 less hp. The Dodge Magnum costs a couple of thousand less, but has 10 less hp, lacks anti-lock brakes, stability control and has fewer airbags. The Saab 9-5 SportCombi costs over ten thousand more and has fewer airbags, but has 60 more hp.
What Others Are Saying:
“Driving the Passat 2.0T is like dating an unattractive woman with a great personality who’s not great in bed but is always ready to give it the old college try. You have a good time together, you know, generally, but would you take her home to the folks? What if there are better looking alternatives available? Like the old Beetle, the Passat is a kind of automotive litmus test. Just how sensible are you?” – The Truth About Cars
“Dynamically, the new Passat tries to be a baby Phaeton-sumptuous, luxurious, spacious, and comfortable. There is an out-of-this-world cocoonlike feel to this VW. It is very well insulated and quiet, an effortless wafter rather than an ambitious carver.” – Automobile Magazine
“With a high-tech, full-featured car like the Passat, it isn’t possible to list all its attributes, which is why we give you general impressions. And what impressed me, aside from the driving dynamics, were attributes like the roomy rear seat; ease of access; deep pass-through trunk; 8 airbags; crash-active headrests; tire-pressure monitoring; center armrest with cooling storage; leatherette seating areas that feel like real leather: all things most meaningful to the average driver.” – About.com
