2008 Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.68/5 Average
127 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Volkswagen shuffles equipment around, creating Turbo, Komfort (Ja, that's with a "K"), Lux and VR6 trim levels for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat line. Rear side sunshades are now standard on all Passats, as is a power driver seat. Formerly known as the 3.6L, the Passat VR6 gains adaptive bi-xenon headlights as standard equipment. In addition, the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is now standard on VR6 wagons.

Pros:
  • Ample power with either engine, balanced ride and handling, spacious seating for all, elegant cabin with exemplary fit and finish, available all-wheel drive.
Cons:
  • Prohibitively expensive with the V6 engine, options-laden four-cylinder models are pricey, too, excessive road noise with 17- or 18-inch wheels, poor fuel economy on 4Motion models.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 127.00
  • Bought Friday, In Shop Saturday - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Purchased this 08 Passat turbo wagon over the Subaru Outback. I had owned an 02 wagon previously and loved it. However, we bought this car on 8/29 and it was back at the dealership the next morning. The steering sensor mechanism was bad (warning lights were on when we left dealership but we were told it was due to low voltage and theyd go off - they didnt). The car was deemed "unsafe" to drive (Id just driven 35 miles through pouring rain to return). I was put into a rental for 6 days while the part was replaced. Ive had the car back for 9 days and Im at the shop AGAIN b/c the malfunction indicator light is on. Thinking of buying a Passat? Then, RUN to your nearest Subaru dealer!

  • Great Value, Great Ride, Great MPG - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I was looking at Volvo xc, Audi wagons, BMW wagon, and Subaru. I love the fact they all had all wheel drive but after checking out the VWs I decided that for the money it was the best value. This car has surprised me big time in terms handling and acceleration. I figured the front wheel drive w/snow tires would be almost as good as the4motion ¬ 40K w/bad mpg. I get solid mpg of 31 after an hour on the highway doing 75 and mid 20s in the city. The other wagons (Audi/BMW/Sub) are tiny in comparison w/no leg room for rear and meager mpg. To close deal I had dealer tint windows to state max and throw in oil change for 3yrs. I got selling price $500 below invoice. VW sign and drive is legit.

  • Great alternative to small SUVs - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We love this vehicle! I wanted a small SUV like the Nissan Rogue or VW Tiquan, but this little machine is both sporty, fun to drive, and has plenty of room. The 4 cylinder turbo is amazingly powerful and quick. The manual shifting options are bit cumbersome and rarely use unless I want the real feel of performance. You will not think you are in a wagon driving this at all!

  • Best for me! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I needed an "all wheel drive" vechicle and I have tried and dislike SUVS. Very few options in this category under $40K; various Subarus, Infinity G35, Audi A4. I drove the Passat and was convinced it was my best choice with a comfortable cabin, more than adequate passenger space, and great performance. Goes through the snow and handles bad drivimg conditions with ease. Actually fun to drive in the snow. The V6 has a nice low toned growl, like a well trained and tuned muscle car, and the 280 H.P. is strong through all 6 gears. For a relatively large car the all wheel drive handling is superb. What more can I say, if you like to drive, need comfort, space, and all wheel drive, give her a go!

  • Great So Far! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is my third VW, first Passat. I really enjoy this car. The parking assist is really nice. I am a lazy parker now. My dealer told me that I could use regular unleaded, and I do. No complaints about performance. Rain sensing wipers can be finicky. I really have no major complaints. I get compliments on the car and ride. I am pleased.

  • Awesome Turbo Ride - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I moved up from a Jetta, which I loved, to a Passat. My initial reason was for comfort; the Passat seats are by far the most comfortable I have tried. But beyond the comfort I also discovered an incredible driving experience. The 4 cylinder turbo is so smooth and when you need the power, it is definitely there! You would never know it was only 4 cylinders. As I noted with my Jetta, the basics that come with a VW far surpass most other vehicles. It is definitely worth the money. I have the 6 speed manual which makes the ride even more fun and the mpg is good too! We have been getting up to 34 mpg highway and average 25-27 in the city. I have over 3,000 miles - not one glitch. Love it!

  • Bimmer Killer - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Love my VR6 Passat 4Motion! I bought this car down in Florida the day before I drove back to Jersey. I got to test out VW service within the first 24 hours, apparently some sort of recall wasnt done on it and my car went into safe mode somewhere in NC. Roadside came and got me in about 20 min, "Trip Interruption" paid for a kush hotel, my meals and a loaner. 2 days later I was back on the road. My Passat turns heads with its muscular looks, and I love when I can kick a 5-series @$$ off of a red light, or the kids in their 6 cyl Stangs.

  • 2008 Passat Lux Wagon 133,000 miles - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I just bought this car, with 133,000 miles on it. This one was very clean inside and out, and all options worked on it. At 135,000 miles I changed the timing belt and changed oil with synthetic as recommended. I am exclusively using premium gas. Overall, very happy with it. Super smooth and respectably fast on highway. Very comfy & attractive interior. I am prepared to spend a little more for maintenance than my Japanese cars, but feel it is worth it as the overall build quality is much nicer. Again, bought it with high mileage, but it drives great.

  • Great Wagon. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This car is so much more enjoyable to drive then the car we replace (05 pilot). I know its a total different vehicle. But its interior looks and feel are so much nicer and it has a lot of intuitive features built in that only come in high end Japanese cars (Acura, lexus, not Honda and Toyota). When you start to read about the many little things that you can customize, like setting certain memory functions for the key fob, this car is hard not to like. If you are in the market for a wagon or sedan, once you test drive this car, the competition just wont look as appealing because the driving dynamics and handling on the Passat our so much better.

  • Fantastic car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I absolutely love my Passat. I have owned about a dozen VWs and this is by far the best yet. The car is very quick, smooth, quiet and luxurious. I have had no problems and I am sure the car will hold up well over the next few years.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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