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2009 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Quality Review

June 25, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

For the money, it’s still not as roomy as other cars in its now-more-expensive class
Forbes.com

Even the front armrest can be adjusted for height.
Detroit News

very well insulated and quiet, an effortless wafter rather than an ambitious carver
Automobile

solid, taut, tuned to handle speed effortlessly
Motor Trend

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat has a high-quality European air, yet costs the same as cars with a lot less personality. Nearly all reviews mention the abundance of space inside the cabin and a good seating position for front occupants. “The ergonomics of this vehicle are simply excellent, providing a good driving point of view, helping to keep fatigue at bay, and creating a comfortable environment that’s perfect for long or short trips,” says Autobytel.

Automobile declares, “The driver environment is one of affordable luxury: materials are as nice to the touch as they are to the eye, standard equipment is comprehensive, and the colors and surfaces are tastefully blended.” “There’s plenty of room in the cabin, the materials mostly look and feel high-quality,” says Motor Trend. “The Volkswagen human-factors engineers didn’t miss a trick in making the cabin feel as if it has a custom fit,” crows the Detroit News. “Even the front armrest can be adjusted for height.”

Edmunds notes that the leather seats just don’t offer enough lateral support for corners, comparing them to “something you’d find in an Italian furniture store: modern-looking although somewhat uncomfortable.” Forbes.com says that backseat headroom and shoulder room are disappointing matched against the Acura TL and Infiniti G35, two vehicles that the top-of-the-line Passat is priced against. “For the money, it’s still not as roomy as other cars in its now-more-expensive class,” the reviewer proclaims. An Autobytel reviewer contends that even people of height or girth can be comfortable in the back, though the Detroit News mentions a lack of headroom.

Several sources report excessive road noise inside. “Most of the noisiness occurs at interstate clips of 70 mph, when both wind and road buzz echo through the cabin,” according to the Forbes.com reviewer. Automobile refers to a “brittle low-speed ride,” while several other reviewers describe the ride quality as firm but relatively compliant.

And when some reviewers take a look closer inside, they aren’t all positive. Autobytel finds a host of issues, including “cupholders that feel as though they were purchased at the 99-cent automotive store, the clickety-clack of the center console compartment lid, and the flimsy hooks for the sun screens.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat sedan has the quality feel of a pricier sport sedan with a roomy interior, though the ride might be too firm for some.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:For the money, it’s still not as roomy as other cars in its now-more-expensive classForbes.comEven the front armrest can be adjusted for height.Detroit Newsvery well insulated and quiet, an effortless wafter rather than an ambitious carverAutomobilesolid, taut, tuned to handle speed effortlesslyMotor Trend The 2009 Volkswagen Passat has a high-quality European air, yet costs the same as cars with a lot less personality. Nearly all reviews mention the abundance of space inside the cabin and a good seating position for front occupants. “The ergonomics of this vehicle are simply excellent, providing a good driving point of view, helping to keep fatigue at bay, and creating a comfortable environment that’s perfect for long or short trips,” says Autobytel. Automobile declares, “The driver environment is one of affordable luxury: materials are as nice to the touch as they are to the eye, standard equipment is comprehensive, and the colors and surfaces are tastefully blended.” “There’s plenty of room in the cabin, the materials mostly look and feel high-quality,” says Motor Trend. “The Volkswagen human-factors engineers didn’t miss a trick in making the cabin feel as if it has a custom fit,” crows the Detroit News. “Even the front armrest can be adjusted for height.” Edmunds notes that the leather seats just don’t offer enough lateral support for corners, comparing them to “something you’d find in an Italian furniture store: modern-looking although somewhat uncomfortable.” Forbes.com says that backseat headroom and shoulder room are disappointing matched against the Acura TL and Infiniti G35, two vehicles that the top-of-the-line Passat is priced against. “For the money, it’s still not as roomy as other cars in its now-more-expensive class,” the reviewer proclaims. An Autobytel reviewer contends that even people of height or girth can be comfortable in the back, though the Detroit News mentions a lack of headroom. Several sources report excessive road noise inside. “Most of the noisiness occurs at interstate clips of 70 mph, when both wind and road buzz echo through the cabin,” according to the Forbes.com reviewer. Automobile refers to a “brittle low-speed ride,” while several other reviewers describe the ride quality as firm but relatively compliant. And when some reviewers take a look closer inside, they aren’t all positive. Autobytel finds a host of issues, including “cupholders that feel as though they were purchased at the 99-cent automotive store, the clickety-clack of the center console compartment lid, and the flimsy hooks for the sun screens.” ConclusionThe 2009 Volkswagen Passat sedan has the quality feel of a pricier sport sedan with a roomy interior, though the ride might be too firm for some. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEDAN STYLING | [7 out of 10] Autobytel: “the Passat is definitely upscale” Motor Trend: “clean, sleek exterior shape” Edmunds: “pleasing to the eye” Forbes.com: “Swiss-watch-perfect styling” The 2009 Volkswagen Passat sedan isn’t going to win friends ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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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