Now in its 6th generation the Passat is actually turning 40 this year and it is now made in America! It was redesigned in 2010 to lead its class in rear legroom and midsize luxury for the masses. So does it pull it off? Let's find out!
The exterior is straight forward, classic, and a bit more square than most of today's cars. I like it, and I think it is also reminiscent of past Passats as well.
The interior is also classic, smart and simple. It is similar to other current VW's, and it works well in terms of it's layout and features. New for 2013 and only available on the higher models of the Passat are rear center console air vents and Climatronic air conditioning.
I like the leatherette seating. It feels and looks pretty much exactly like leather, but no animals were hurt in the manufacturing process. You also get heated seats, 17" alloy wheels, cruise control, Sirius XM radio and of course a sunroof and cruise control. As a bonus all of your scheduled maintenance is free for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Powering the Passat is a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and 177 lb. ft. of torque. Zero to 60 takes 7.9 seconds. The Passat VR6 is the one you want if you want more power and performance. It makes 280 horsepower and scoots to 60 in just 5.7 seconds.
You can expect to get 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Your average will be about 25 mpg overall.
The Passat starts at just about $20,000 for the S model. The top of the line fully loaded SEL Passat starts at $33,500. My test car is an SE with Sunroof & Navigation. It starts at $26,995 and it is pretty loaded already, so there are no additional options. With $795 destination you are out the dealer door at $27,790.
If you are in the market for a large sedan, than the Passat carries a lot of bang for the buck. It features standard German engineering, and a bit of German flair as well which sets it apart from other cars in its class.
I like the fact that the Passat is now made in the US, and I also like the it's well rounded nature. It handles well, gets decent fuel economy, and brings a bit of luxury too. It has everything you are looking for in a large sedan, plus that certain something that VW brings to all of it's people's cars! I'm Drivin' Ivan Katz.
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