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2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Quality Review

June 25, 2009

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

fit and finish levels are high and panel gaps are tight
Cars.com

The bucket seats are well padded but firm enough to be supportive
MyRide.com

Tire noise is overly abundant on the highway
Edmunds

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon provides refinement and interior comfort rivaling that of German sport wagons costing much more—with complaints centering mostly on interior road noise.

Wagons are typically noisier inside than their sedan counterparts, and the Passat Wagon is no exception. However, it has a pretty refined cabin compared to most of its rivals.

Edmunds says that though the ride is “well damped and appropriately cushy,” road noise is abundant, especially on L.A. freeways. Kelley Blue Book also observes that “while the Passat Wagon very accurately mimics a premium vehicle on many levels, it often isn’t quite as quiet or smooth,” and Cars.com comments, “The wagon’s body structure doesn’t feel as solid as the sedan’s when driving over rough pavement, and both the sedan and wagon I tested were afflicted with a number of interior rattles.”

The Passat Wagon’s luxurious feel inside is something most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree on. Kelley Blue Book notes, “Interior trim options include wood, aluminum or composite, and standard leatherette seating gives even the base model an upscale feel.” Cars.com is happy with the feel of the interior, aside from a door-panel seam and flimsy-feeling rearview mirror, declaring, “fit and finish levels are high and panel gaps are tight.” MSN Autos warns readers that the rear cup holders “that extend from the center armrest feel flimsy.”

Edmunds calls the interior “beautifully screwed together and richly appointed.” Cars.com says, “Volkswagen’s attention to detail and high-quality materials give the cabin a rich feel.” With the help of the telescoping steering wheel, MyRide.com has no trouble finding a comfortable driving position and notes, “The bucket seats are well padded but firm enough to be supportive, with a lower section that’s plenty long for thigh support but a little light on bolsters (the seatback bolsters are more substantial).”

MyRide.com claims that the lack of side bolstering is only bothersome in enthusiastic driving. Edmunds echoes the lack of seat support, along with “cupholders with little hold, and the misplacement of the push-button parking brake. Instead of down by the shifter where it belongs, VW put it way over left of the headlight switch.” MyRide.com focuses on the backseat, saying, “If there’s a negative, it’s the low position of the bench seat, requiring you to fall into it rather than slide on,” but Cars.com notes that the higher roofline of the wagon actually brings more headroom for backseat occupants, in contrast to the sedan.

Conclusion

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon features a plush interior, comfortable seating space, and a smooth ride, with a hint of road noise.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:fit and finish levels are high and panel gaps are tightCars.comThe bucket seats are well padded but firm enough to be supportiveMyRide.comTire noise is overly abundant on the highwayEdmunds The 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon provides refinement and interior comfort rivaling that of German sport wagons costing much more—with complaints centering mostly on interior road noise. Wagons are typically noisier inside than their sedan counterparts, and the Passat Wagon is no exception. However, it has a pretty refined cabin compared to most of its rivals. Edmunds says that though the ride is “well damped and appropriately cushy,” road noise is abundant, especially on L.A. freeways. Kelley Blue Book also observes that “while the Passat Wagon very accurately mimics a premium vehicle on many levels, it often isn’t quite as quiet or smooth,” and Cars.com comments, “The wagon’s body structure doesn’t feel as solid as the sedan’s when driving over rough pavement, and both the sedan and wagon I tested were afflicted with a number of interior rattles.” The Passat Wagon’s luxurious feel inside is something most reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree on. Kelley Blue Book notes, “Interior trim options include wood, aluminum or composite, and standard leatherette seating gives even the base model an upscale feel.” Cars.com is happy with the feel of the interior, aside from a door-panel seam and flimsy-feeling rearview mirror, declaring, “fit and finish levels are high and panel gaps are tight.” MSN Autos warns readers that the rear cup holders “that extend from the center armrest feel flimsy.” Edmunds calls the interior “beautifully screwed together and richly appointed.” Cars.com says, “Volkswagen’s attention to detail and high-quality materials give the cabin a rich feel.” With the help of the telescoping steering wheel, MyRide.com has no trouble finding a comfortable driving position and notes, “The bucket seats are well padded but firm enough to be supportive, with a lower section that’s plenty long for thigh support but a little light on bolsters (the seatback bolsters are more substantial).” MyRide.com claims that the lack of side bolstering is only bothersome in enthusiastic driving. Edmunds echoes the lack of seat support, along with “cupholders with little hold, and the misplacement of the push-button parking brake. Instead of down by the shifter where it belongs, VW put it way over left of the headlight switch.” MyRide.com focuses on the backseat, saying, “If there’s a negative, it’s the low position of the bench seat, requiring you to fall into it rather than slide on,” but Cars.com notes that the higher roofline of the wagon actually brings more headroom for backseat occupants, in contrast to the sedan. ConclusionThe 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon features a plush interior, comfortable seating space, and a smooth ride, with a hint of road noise. 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON STYLING | [7 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “The interior is a cut or two above that of any comparably equipped wagon in its price range.” Cars.com: “sleek and aggressive in the sport wagon tradition” ForbesAutos: “Styling is handsome inside and out” Despite ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

Alternatives to the 2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon include the Saab 9-3 Sport Combi, which has good versatility and zippy performance, and the Volvo V50, which has responsive handling but a somewhat noisier interior. The V50 bears an attractive interior design, while the 9-3 looks quite plain next to the Passat. Both Swedish models are pricier than the Passat Wagon. The closest competitor to the Passat Wagon is the Subaru Outback, which comes with standard all-wheel drive. 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. Compared to most compact and mid-size crossover sport-utility vehicles, the 2009 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.

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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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