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2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Review

September 30, 2009

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sleek, flowing lines
Kelley Blue Book

Styling is handsome inside and out
ForbesAutos

sleek and aggressive in the sport wagon tradition
Cars.com

Nearly all the reviews TheCarConnection.com surveyed heap praise on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon’s styling and design details, many of them noting its blend of sportiness and functionality.

There are no exaggerated flares or curves, just sloping lines (the roof) and smooth undulations in the body work (wheel arches), as described by Kelley Blue Book. “Up front, the lines are clean and uncluttered, with the shiny chrome grille serving as a love-it-or-hate-it addition.” ForbesAutos uses similar words: “Exterior styling for the Volkswagen Passat Wagon is smooth, sleek, and uncluttered, and it’s capped with VW’s signature two-piece front grille.”

Several other comments focus on the brightly chromed grille. “One of its most visible features is a plunging, V-shaped front grille that bisects the bumper,” says Cars.com, also noting that “the optional 17-inch alloy wheels fill up the wheel wells nicely, and 18-inchers are available.”

“If you live in a state that requires a front license plate,” Cars.com warns, “the plate will likely mar the look of that front end.”

“Standard roof rails are a wagon exclusive, while mirror-integrated turn signals are a nice touch,” says Kelley Blue Book, pointing out a few other details that help with the Wagon’s overall appearance.

The interior design, though geared to be especially functional in the Wagon, also garners compliments. Most notably, Kelley Blue Book declares, “The interior is a cut or two above that of any comparably equipped wagon in its price range.”

The Passat Wagon’s interior styling brings the same flowing instrument panel design and attractive soft-touch materials as seen on the Passat sedan. From the outside, as judged by TheCarConnection.com’s editors, the Wagon’s design is more cohesive and attractive than the sedan, with better proportions--at least until the racier Passat CC sedan arrives next year.

Conclusion

Despite being the model meant for hauling kids and cargo, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is sleekly styled and good looking—perhaps more so than the sedan.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:sleek, flowing linesKelley Blue BookStyling is handsome inside and outForbesAutossleek and aggressive in the sport wagon traditionCars.com Nearly all the reviews TheCarConnection.com surveyed heap praise on the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon’s styling and design details, many of them noting its blend of sportiness and functionality. There are no exaggerated flares or curves, just sloping lines (the roof) and smooth undulations in the body work (wheel arches), as described by Kelley Blue Book. “Up front, the lines are clean and uncluttered, with the shiny chrome grille serving as a love-it-or-hate-it addition.” ForbesAutos uses similar words: “Exterior styling for the Volkswagen Passat Wagon is smooth, sleek, and uncluttered, and it’s capped with VW’s signature two-piece front grille.” Several other comments focus on the brightly chromed grille. “One of its most visible features is a plunging, V-shaped front grille that bisects the bumper,” says Cars.com, also noting that “the optional 17-inch alloy wheels fill up the wheel wells nicely, and 18-inchers are available.” “If you live in a state that requires a front license plate,” Cars.com warns, “the plate will likely mar the look of that front end.” “Standard roof rails are a wagon exclusive, while mirror-integrated turn signals are a nice touch,” says Kelley Blue Book, pointing out a few other details that help with the Wagon’s overall appearance. The interior design, though geared to be especially functional in the Wagon, also garners compliments. Most notably, Kelley Blue Book declares, “The interior is a cut or two above that of any comparably equipped wagon in its price range.” The Passat Wagon’s interior styling brings the same flowing instrument panel design and attractive soft-touch materials as seen on the Passat sedan. From the outside, as judged by TheCarConnection.com’s editors, the Wagon’s design is more cohesive and attractive than the sedan, with better proportions--at least until the racier Passat CC sedan arrives next year. ConclusionDespite being the model meant for hauling kids and cargo, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon is sleekly styled and good looking—perhaps more so than the sedan.  2008 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “sleek, flowing lines” ForbesAutos: “Styling is handsome inside and out” Cars.com: “sleek and aggressive in the sport wagon tradition” Nearly all the reviews TheCarConnection.com surveyed heap praise on the 2008 ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Compared to most compact and mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicles, the 2008 Volkswagen Passat Wagon has a better ride, a quieter interior, and superior fuel economy. And although handling isn’t a strong suit for the Passat Wagon, it’s more responsive as well. The closest competitor to the Passat Wagon is the Subaru Outback, which comes with standard all-wheel drive, whereas VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is only included on the top VR6 model of the Passat Wagon. The Passat Wagon does have a better ride and more spacious backseat than the Outback, and its standard 2.0T engine is more powerful than the Outback’s 2.5-liter. Other alternatives include the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, which also has good versatility and zippy performance, and the Volvo V50, which has responsive handling but a somewhat noisier interior. The V50 has an attractive interior design, while the 9-3 looks quite plain next to the Passat. Both Swedish models are pricier than the Passat Wagon, which appears to be an especially strong deal for the base four-cylinder models.

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See the Volkswagen Passat Wagon in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001

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