The history of the Volkswagen Passat is a long complex one. It started back in the early 1970s. Volkswagen was on the track of being a car company that could not keep up with the changing times. floundering. After more than three decades in production, the Beetle or But as many American knew it was fading into the shadows.
Fortunately, Volkswagen had Audi around. Volkswagen took designs and concepts to put them together in what was known as the Passat. In the North American continentant the car was named Dasher. By 1981 this little car was considered dead.
In 1982 the Passat was reborn. Redesigned with space age words like Quantum, and aggressive engineering the Passat has been popelled the Passat into the 21st century. Where it it live and well.
The 2012 Volkswagen Passat is designed and engineered in Germany. However it is made in America for Americans as a midsize family sedan.
Under the hood of the Passat we have three choices. The 2.5 liter inline 5 cylinder, 2.0 liter inline 4 cylinder diesel, and powerful 3.6 liter V6 producing 280 horsepower are not exclusive to the Passat. These engines can be found in other Volkswagen models.
In all of the Passat’s you can get a six speed automatic transmission. The 2.0 liter, and the 2.5 liter engines trims give you the option of a manual transmission.
The reviewer over at Edmunds.com liked the Passat’s roomy backseat, fuel efficient in the turbodiesel engine, and the high-quality cabin. They were not impressed with the performance of the 2.5 liter engine, below average braking distances and offset pedals.
US News Ranking and Review put the Volkswagen Passat at number 8 out of 19 affordable midsize cars. US News reviewers liked the cars spacious interior, fuel efficient on the diesel engine, and dual-zone climate control. Along with Edmunds.com the underpowered base engine was big negative.
Mike Hanley at Cars.com gives us a different perspective of the 2012 Passat. In his third paragraph he writes, “The redesigned 2012 Passat combines the driving dynamics and interior quality that VW fans expect with the roominess, comfort and value that the wider public demands.” Though out the remainder of his article I could find myself falling in love with the car. Does Mike sell Volkswagen Passat’s?
According to Automotive.com in the last 22 years there has been 20 recalls. This not a very good track record for any car company. I must admit. I could not find any recalls for 2010 and 2011.
FuelEconomy.com puts the Volkswagen Passat diesel with mileage of 31 to 43 miles per gallon. In quick review this is the 4 cylinder, 2.0 liter diesel engine with a six speed manual transmission. This means with good driving habit you drive the car about 580 miles on one tank of gas. The other fossil fuel trims are listed at 21 to 31 miles per gallon.
Out the door expect to pay from $20,000 to $26,000. Why the big difference? Mostly extras like sun roof, wheels, and interior.
Bottom-line: My hat is off to Volkswagen for what they have done with the Passat. I am concerned about the under power engine reports I have been reading. Words like under powered, and unimpressive performance lead me away the Passat. All the factory recalls, weigh heavy on the negative of the scales negative .
