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2009 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Bottom Line

June 25, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2009 Volkswagen Passat to bring you firsthand driving impressions and advice. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests and reviews of the Volkswagen Passat to put together a conclusive review that will help you make a smart decision.

Likes:

  • Attractive, well-appointed interior
  • Impressive safety
  • Quiet, refined cabin
  • Responsive, refined powertrain

Dislikes:

  • No Bluetooth hands-free calling interface
  • Prefers premium fuel

Buying Tips:


If you're leaning toward the CC, make sure you sit in each—especially the backseat. TheCarConnection.com likes the 2009 Passat better than the new and pricier CC.

Volkswagen simplifies the 2009 Passat sedan by nixing the manual transmission and whittling the available trim packages down to one, Komfort, now with heated seats and heated washer nozzles.

Most drivers will be happy with the performance from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 200-horsepower engine, which delivers brisk acceleration and is very responsive with the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 Volkswagen Passat handles and maneuvers well, but not as sharply as a sport sedan. The suspension and steering lend the Passat a responsive, tossable feel.

Although the rear door line makes an odd straight cut downward, the door’s unusual shape really helps entry/exit. The ventilation system now has adjustable vents for rear passengers, too. The quality of the materials in the 2009 Volkswagen Passat is quite impressive, and the interior layout feels both luxurious and practical. There are plenty of interior storage bins and even an umbrella-storage area. The Passat now has backseat space that rivals some of the roomiest sedans in the mid-size class; it’s especially leg-friendly for lanky adult passengers.

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is one of the quietest cars inside, a big claim considering its competition. Road noise especially seems much better isolated than in its predecessor. The ride is very well controlled, perhaps making the Passat more refined inside than many luxury-brand mid-size models.

The Passat has done reasonably well in crash tests, with four-star ratings in frontal impact and four- and five-star results in side impact from the federal government, along with top "good" results in frontal and side tests, plus "marginal" ratings for rear impact from the IIHS. Front side and full-length head/curtain airbags are standard; side airbags for backseat passengers—a safety feature that’s rare in any vehicle—are optional on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat.

Large 17-inch wheels, along with heated seats and heated washer nozzles, now come with all 2009 Passats. Standard equipment also includes keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, an eight-speaker sound system, leather steering-wheel trim, manual side sunshades, and a power 12-way driver seat.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, also consider:

Reason Why:

For 2009 the Passat line is cut to a single four-cylinder model, while those who want the VR6 engine will now have to go for the more expensive CC. The Toyota Camry is a best seller that in current form is still the mid-size benchmark, with a spacious interior, a soft ride, and respectable performance, but it suffers from subpar interior materials and build quality that isn’t always perfect. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima both forgo some ride comfort for sportiness; in the case of the Fusion, its interior is quite basic and road noise is higher than in most of the other models, but it’s especially fun to drive, with great steering. The Altima’s backseat is smaller than the others', and its ride a bit firmer, but it feels quite sporty. The new Accord has an especially attractive interior design, while the new Malibu combines a good-looking instrument panel design and comfortable seats with one of the smoothest rides in this class.

The Bottom Line:

Compared to most mid-size sedans, the 2009 Volkswagen Passat is roomier and sportier, and it offers more comfort and luxury.

TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2009 Volkswagen Passat to bring you firsthand driving impressions and advice. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests and reviews of the Volkswagen Passat to put together a conclusive review that will help you make a smart decision. Likes:Attractive, well-appointed interiorImpressive safetyQuiet, refined cabinResponsive, refined powertrainDislikes:No Bluetooth hands-free calling interfacePrefers premium fuelBuying Tips: If you're leaning toward the CC, make sure you sit in each—especially the backseat. TheCarConnection.com likes the 2009 Passat better than the new and pricier CC. Volkswagen simplifies the 2009 Passat sedan by nixing the manual transmission and whittling the available trim packages down to one, Komfort, now with heated seats and heated washer nozzles. Most drivers will be happy with the performance from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 200-horsepower engine, which delivers brisk acceleration and is very responsive with the six-speed automatic transmission. The 2009 Volkswagen Passat handles and maneuvers well, but not as sharply as a sport sedan. The suspension and steering lend the Passat a responsive, tossable feel. Although the rear door line makes an odd straight cut downward, the door’s unusual shape really helps entry/exit. The ventilation system now has adjustable vents for rear passengers, too. The quality of the materials in the 2009 Volkswagen Passat is quite impressive, and the interior layout feels both luxurious and practical. There are plenty of interior storage bins and even an umbrella-storage area. The Passat now has backseat space that rivals some of the roomiest sedans in the mid-size class; it’s especially leg-friendly for lanky adult passengers. The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is one of the quietest cars inside, a big claim considering its competition. Road noise especially seems much better isolated than in its predecessor. The ride is very well controlled, perhaps making the Passat more refined inside than many luxury-brand mid-size models. The Passat has done reasonably well in crash tests, with four-star ratings in frontal impact and four- and five-star results in side impact from the federal government, along with top "good" results in frontal and side tests, plus "marginal" ratings for rear impact from the IIHS. Front side and full-length head/curtain airbags are standard; side airbags for backseat passengers—a safety feature that’s rare in any vehicle—are optional on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat. Large 17-inch wheels, along with heated seats and heated washer nozzles, now come with all 2009 Passats. Standard equipment also includes keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, an eight-speaker sound system, leather steering-wheel trim, manual side sunshades, and a power 12-way driver seat. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, also consider:Toyota CamryNissan AltimaHonda AccordFord FusionChevrolet MalibuReason Why:For 2009 the Passat line is cut to a single four-cylinder model, while those who want the VR6 engine will now have to go for the more expensive CC. The Toyota Camry is a best seller that in current form is still the mid-size benchmark, with a spacious interior, a soft ride, and respectable performance, but it suffers from subpar interior materials and build quality that isn’t always perfect. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima both forgo some ride comfort for sportiness; in the case of the Fusion, its interior is quite basic and road noise is higher than in most of the other models, but it’s especially fun to drive, with great steering. The Altima’s backseat is smaller than the others', and its ride a bit firmer, but it feels quite sporty. The new Accord has an especially attractive interior design, while the new Malibu combines a good-looking instrument panel design and comfortable seats with one of the smoothest rides in this class. The Bottom Line:Compared to most mid-size sedans, the 2009 Volkswagen Passat is roomier and sportier, and it offers more comfort and luxury. TheCarConnection.com has driven the 2009 Volkswagen Passat to bring you firsthand driving impressions and advice. TheCarConnection.com has also researched road tests and reviews of the Volkswagen Passat to put together a conclusive review that will help you make a smart decision. ...

Other Choices:

For 2009 the Passat line is cut to a single four-cylinder model, while those who want the VR6 engine will now have to go for the more expensive CC. The Toyota Camry is a best seller that in current form is still the mid-size benchmark, with a spacious interior, a soft ride, and respectable performance, but it suffers from subpar interior materials and build quality that isn’t always perfect. The Ford Fusion and Nissan Altima both forgo some ride comfort for sportiness; in the case of the Fusion, its interior is quite basic and road noise is higher than in most of the other models, but it’s especially fun to drive, with great steering. The Altima’s backseat is smaller than the others', and its ride a bit firmer, but it feels quite sporty. The new Accord has an especially attractive interior design, while the new Malibu combines a good-looking instrument panel design and comfortable seats with one of the smoothest rides in this class.

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See the Volkswagen Passat Sedan in Other Years:

2012 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Kiyoshi Manabe #1, Posted: 8/8/2009

    I think the current generation VW Passat is one of favourable mid-sized sedans.
    Her quality,once quite patchy,has been vastly improved to be worth while a "precious German product",and she has fabulous handling and stability. So I admire her as a "bargain BMW". Her stability is almost on the rail feeling,in my opinion.
    Along with it,there was a video in Youtube channel,about a VW Passat B6 3.2(247bhp European edition) recording 280km/h(174mph) on german Autobahn(This video is currently removed.). Discounting the speedometer error,she would reach 265-270km/h(165-170mph bracket),thus her stamina in high-speed area is almost mysterious for a 3.2-litres 247bhp engine!
    Her quoted top speed is 246km/h(153mph) and she has a speed limiter working around 250km/h(155mph). But with no limiter and modified V-max module,she has a potential of above 260km/h(162mph). It proves not only her constant engine torque but also plenty of margin for whole mechanism.
    Such immense cruising ability has been the very asset of Volkswagen's products,since the era of Beetle 1200 being able to cruise at 135-138km/h(84-85mph),despite manufacturer data of 115km/h(72mph) and only 34bhp! Along with excellent economy throughout all speed ranges,it proves magnificent mechanical precision,I believe.
    By the way,the forthcoming American successor of VW Passat would be much more American,namely more Ford Fusion than BMW. Such cheap and large sedan is on the hand of American manufacturer,so adopting such American policy will deprive the Volkswagen brand of some exclusiveness,if snobish,and image of German precision in my remark. In the long run,people really want more VW-like Passats and Jettas than Buick LaCrosse like Passats and Honda Civic like Jettas!

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