Consumer Reports has several publications yearly on automobile ratings. They have history on some vehicles that go back 10 years. That is why Consumer reports have credibility in its rating system. On average VW has suffered from reliability problems in he last 5 to 8 years. The one bright spot was the Passat from 1998-2004.
Here is something new today that I found on the on-line automotive section:
First look: 2006 Volkswagen Passat
Redesigned for 2006, the new Passat is larger, roomier, and more powerful. Here are our first impressions:
The Volkswagen Passat was our top-rated family sedan from 1998 to 2004. Based on the previous-generation Audi A4 and A6, it provided an inviting blend of comfort, roominess, interior craftsmanship, and handling. The Passat was a family sedan that was fun to drive. But inconsistent reliability was its Achilles' heel. It was edged out of the top spot among V6 sedans in early 2005 by the quick and relatively fuel-efficient Honda Accord Hybrid.
Now the 2006 Passat, which went on sale this past summer, has undergone a major redesign. Sharing a platform with the redesigned Jetta, the new Passat is available only as a sedan for now; a wagon version is expected to go on sale in spring 2006. It comes with either a 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. We recently bought a four-cylinder Passat 2.0T that listed for $27,440 with a six-speed automatic transmission and typical options. Electronic stability control and curtain air bags are standard.
The new Passat is considerably larger than its predecessor, having grown in length, width, and height. Its cabin is much roomier with significantly more elbow room and rear-seat space. The interior is nicely trimmed, but its overall quality and fit-and-finish don't stand out against competitive models as much as the previous Passat's interior.
An electronic emergency brake is activated and released by pressing a button on the left side of the dash. By eliminating the traditional emergency-brake lever from between the seats, the new design frees space for more center-console storage, which the previous version sorely lacked.
With the aid of turbocharging, the four-cylinder engine is rated 10 hp higher than the previous car's 190-hp V6. Similar to some luxury cars, the engine is started by inserting the key fob into the ignition switch and pressing it in--an annoying, needless step. With the automatic transmission, the four-cylinder is a bit hesitant when accelerating from a stop, but its midrange power is strong. The automatic shifts smoothly.
The Passat's ride is comfortable. Wind noise is well suppressed, but road noise seems more pronounced than in the old Passat. The steering is very light at low speeds, but firms up nicely as speed increases. Overall, the car handles responsively and keeps an even keel in corners, slightly improving upon its predecessor.
The big question is whether the redesigned Passat can regain its place at the top of our family-sedan Ratings. We'll answer that when we release our full test report in early 2006.
