Volkswagen Passat (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact

Volkswagen Passat (2010 and older) Midsize | Compact 

DESCRIPTION

Pros:

  • Energetic turbocharged engine with good fuel economy
  • Good balance of ride comfort and handling
  • Upscale interior appointments
  • Available wagon body style

Cons:

  • Too much road noise permeates the cabin
  • No V6 option
  • Missing some common options
  • Cost almost as much as its V6-powered competitors
What's New for 2010
The 2010 Volkswagen Passat receives VW's DSG dual-clutch automated manual transmission in place of the old conventional automatic. It also gets a new multifunction steering wheel, a new radio, standard Bluetooth connectivity and optional 18-inch wheels.

On the road, the 2010 Passat hits the perfect blend of reassuring handling, a supple ride, and absolute composure at above-legal cruising speeds. The interior is arguably the nicest in this class, boasting high-quality materials and a classy look. Another feature is the available wagon version, a welcome alternative to the oversize SUV.

The front-wheel-drive 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is VW's responsive DSG, a six-speed, dual-clutch automated manual.

Fuel economy is quite good given the Passat's peppy performance. EPA estimates stand at 22 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.

The 2010 Volkswagen Passat is available as a midsize sedan or wagon. Both body styles come in Komfort trim only. Standard equipment on the sedan includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated windshield washer nozzles, foglights, a sunroof, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, leatherette vinyl upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth and an eight-speaker sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer, an auxiliary audio jack and satellite radio.

Options include 18-inch alloy wheels, a variety of exterior appearance packages (sedan only), an iPod adapter (replaces the standard aux jack) and a hard-drive-based touchscreen navigation system with a USB port, an iPod interface and 20GB available for digital music storage.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 121-130 of 316  
[Dec 09, 2002]
Andy

Strength:

Style and driving handling. Extremely comfortable, roomy and fun to drive.

Weakness:

With 8,000 mi on the car, I already had an ignition coil blow. The dealer mechanic told me VW knows that there is a problem with the 2002 Passat ignition, coils but they will only replace the one blown. That's comforting knowing I might once again be stuck without a car (dealer service closed on weekends), or better yet stuck on the roadside particulary when I drive through a bad neighbourhood everyday. They should recall. While opening my rear door and simultaneously closing the front door, the chrome trim on the two doors caught each other and bent, chipping the paint and nearly bending/denting the door. Apparently the chrome was mounted incorrectly. Dealer initially thought I did something wrong, then several Jetta owners came to him with the same complaint/problem. I would be a whole lot happier if the VW manufacturer and dealer did their job better...the car istself is fun to drive.

I enjoy my car, except for the repairs I have had to take it in for. Dealer also scratched the crude out of the finish of my car leaving buffer marks all over the paint. Dealer refused to fix the problem and VW manufacturer would not force them to do so. I would have had to hire my own laywer to get them to pay the $150 to remove scratch marks...so now I have a new car with buffer marks all over the black finish. When I bought the car, delear service had loaner cars (one of the reasons I bought from them). They discontinued thier loaner program.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Camary...not at all impressed with that one.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Dec 06, 2002]
nemakv
Model Reviewed: .5 GLS 1.8T

Strength:

For more than a year I had only one visit to repair shop for replacing a burned front day-light bulb. Just in case, I purchased 72 mo/100K miles warranty.

Weakness:

No cruise control indicator, missing design feature or something for opening/closing the heavy trunk while VW did not offer a color-coded spoiler which can serve above 'handlebar' need; velour beige upholstery sticks to any lint and fabric; auto-door lock when 6 mph and above is very noisy (actually this feature is already improved for 2003 model); premium gasoline

1.8L Turbo 20-valves engine performes as many V6 engines on the market and it is the cost-effective and fuel efficient option. This car as built-quality and performance should be compared not with Accords, Camrys and Altimas, but with A4, BMW, SAAB, and Mercedes C-series. It is a value/best buy winner for cars under $40K range.

Similar Products Used:

Camry, Accord, Avalon, Subaru, Mazda 6

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Dec 05, 2002]
Vadik Graf
Model Reviewed: GLS 1.8T

Strength:

Could be new warranty- it is the only way to survive. Everything is normal without dissapointment and only.

Weakness:

Extrimely low quality.7000km on it now but had been in shop 6 times - mostly with electronic stuff for brakes. Expencive on parts and workmanship.They too overconfident with qualification and sometimes know nothing and can't advice at all.

Defenetely cheaper than BMW,Audi etc. Real competitor with Subaru only. Looks not bad, finish of interior and exterior is fair. Overall quality is way too lower than expected. Bad on premium gas.

Similar Products Used:

Passats, Golf, BMW 525,M5,BMW325,320,Opel Omega,Senator, SUV's, Audi A6, Lancia Thema etc.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[Nov 29, 2002]
martin_R
Model Reviewed: GLX 4-motion wagon

Strength:

Good looking, german made vehicle. Very solid ride.

Weakness:

After 2 years / 40,000 miles, I replaced two tires and 3 bulbs, and just learned that my steering rack needs to replaced ASAP (problems occured all within 2 weeks). Since the vehicle is a 2001, I am stuck with a lame 2 year / 24,000 mile warranty. The steering rack is going to cost me $1800, in which VW has offered me part only replacement at no cost. Labor is going to cost me around $700 of which I don't think I should be responsible for. Who has ever heard of a "steering rack" failing after 2 years? VW customer care, doesn't really care.

The GLX has all the bells and whistles you need. But after 2 years / 40,000 the car starts having problems. I would never buy another VW.

Similar Products Used:

None, but I am looking at Subaru. You should too.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Nov 08, 2002]
ted decello

Strength:

looks great.

Weakness:

throttle response is weak.trade in value is horrible.i'm trying to trade up to a $33,000.00 vehicle , and can only get $15,500.00 for the passat. where is that great trade in value that was talked about when i was purchasing the car? for some reason you can't find a used passat with 15,000 miles for under $ 20,000 on there lot.

going from an eagle talon , to a passat seemed to be a big enough jump to a family car. but 2 car seats later , it's just not big enough.

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
1
[Nov 06, 2002]
Marc Erickson
Model Reviewed: Passat

Strength:

* pretty zippy * looks nice

Weakness:

Been in 8 times for the following issues: * 5 failed ignition coils (6 visits) * a computer display issue (2 visits) * cracked pollen filter (dumping all rain water into the rear passenger side foot well) (3 visits--and they still didn't get the water out) * grease stains left by mechanics on headliner and hood (1 visit) * speaker short (1 visit) (Obviously, some visits took care of more than one problem.) So, although when this car is running I'm extremely happy with it, it is absolutely ridiculous to have been in the shop 8 times. I had my Honda for 10 years and only had to bring it in once! Thankfully, VW has a standard 4yr/50K now!

This was a big step up from my 92 Civic DX (no power anything, about 90hp) and so it certainly shines in performance and styling. Seems to have good value in its class...It seemed more nimble than the Maxima, and had better styling. I have the leather and luxury packages.

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Nov 03, 2002]
Warren Greenlee
Model Reviewed: Passat 1.8T

Strength:

Quality fit & finish Excellent driver to road feel Smooth, quiet and peppy engine Classy Looks Lots of standard features/extras Solid build Roomy Interior Stylish Body Design (A real head turner) Outstanding Monsoon Sound System And the list goes on...

Weakness:

With a top notch car like the Passat, the VWoA should ensure that all mechanics are trained properly to possess the knowledge it takes to provide the same top notch repairs, living up to the VW name and customer expectations.

After reviewing 150 of the 203 reviews on this page, and reading how some classify the Passat as a cheap version of an Audi A4, I felt compusled to immediately respond. I'm totally impressed and satisfied with my Passat. I truly believe VW has taken into consideration the feedback of the consumers and have built the 2003 Passat with consumer feedback in mind. I feel as thought VW has up the quality Passat to put it on an equal level with the A4. Everything else is a personal preference. Dollar for dollar, the Passat is everything you can expect to find in a top quality in a family sedan. With 29 years in Germany, I know the difference in workmanship and quality, and this car is every bit its money worth. Dealer and customer relationship is not a reason to slam bash the Passat. I would recommend buying a Passat any day over the Accord, Camry or BWM. The question is, "How much do you want to spend and what your expectations are". If problems with my Passat arise, I will hold the VW dealer's feet to the fire for his support. That part of the agreement. Thus far, I've only had nothing but positive relations with the VW dealership and workshop.

Similar Products Used:

Toyota Camry, Audi A4 and Passat.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Nov 01, 2002]
Dan Perovic
Model Reviewed: .5

Strength:

Sophisticated interior/exterior finish and very good european handling.

Weakness:

Electronics problems that plauged the earlier models seem to still be there. Problems with fuel sensor, headlights and instrument panel. Could use stiffer springs. Warranty was weak until they updated it for 2002 models. 2001.5 buyers must suffer though with 2year/40km warranty

Car has proven to be troublesome at times. VW had to repair the fuel tank sensor in the first 3 months. I am now having problems with the headlights and the instrument cluster.

Similar Products Used:

Acura CL

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
3
[Nov 01, 2002]
ddisilva

Strength:

Performance upgrade capabilty: Solid, quiet ride: Spacious. Great mileage and performance.

Weakness:

cup holders,interior fabric shows every bit of dirt.

I purchased this new in 99. This is my 5th VW. This has been the best as far as reliability. I upgraded the chip performance engineering in VA. The performance of my 1.8t went from average to fast. I changed the air filter to a K&N. The car now gets better mileage and will out accelerate most 6 cylinder sedans in the same price range. According to an article in Car and Driver the 0-60 improves to 6.6 when equiped with a manual transmission.

Similar Products Used:

VW Jetta 89, 96

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Oct 29, 2002]
Tim
Model Reviewed: GLS 1.8T Tiptronic

Strength:

Interior finish is nice Tiptronic is handy (automatic trans lags too much) Ride is very smooth and quiet. Ample passenger space.

Weakness:

Reliability. Poor acceleration. Seats and seatbelts collect and transfer lint. Very small storage console. Premium gas.

I am disappointed with my Passat, especially after finding so much research that praised the 2002 model. I have had it worked on twice in the first 4 months, once for a fuel relay sensor, once for the ignition coil malfunctioning. On top of that, I had a burn mark on my passenger door that I'm sure was caused by a mechanic's light, but they won't do anything about it. My 10 year old beater was just as reliable as this new, highly rated vehicle. The 1.8T does not have nearly the pep that I read about, so I just cruise along, and get passed by when leaving the toll booths.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Accord

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
Showing 121-130 of 316  

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