Overview & Reviews

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat lineup undergoes a major downsizing, as there is now just a single front-wheel-drive Komfort trim level, and the only available powertrain is the turbocharged 2.0-liter four with a six-speed automatic transmission. One new feature this year is a hard-drive-based navigation system with a touchscreen and digital music storage capability. However, some previously available features, such as leather seating, a premium audio system and xenon headlights, are no longer available.

• Good balance of ride comfort and handling, upscale interior appointments, energetic turbocharged engine, available wagon body style.

• Elevated road noise, costs as much as V6-powered competitors, no V6 option, missing some common options.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 42.00

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  Brakes Already!! - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Melissa - February 12 - 10:53 pm

  Completed all maintenance as required. Dec. 2009 had 20k maintenance completed. No issues. Now 3 1/2 months later, 4k miles, rear brakes are grinding! Come to find out there are no sensors/indicators. Questionable if brakes were even checked during maintenance. Tech wasnt required to jot down any numbers/levels when maintenance was done!! 2 days ago was the first time any problems were noticed - grinding already...Friday serviced = $350.00 just to replace pads. Ive never had to worry about brakes on any of my previous cars until well over 35k. My 2000 Passats rear brakes were done around 50k. Tech should have noticed something in Dec, therefore I could have anticipated the charges!

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  Dont buy this if its cold or snowy - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By gheater - February 2 - 11:50 am

  This car cant move in 1" of snow. Brand new tires put on 11/12, and i cant make it up my driveway, or my small hill to my house. I had a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am that did this with zero problem with more snow on the ground. Also, the windshield wiper motors will freeze as soon as its under 20 degrees outside. Not a great feeling when the wipers dont work and its snowy/icy. Car is great in the spring - fall. Or get one in Arizona. Pissed that a German company makes a car with such bad performance in cold weather. Will trade it in as soon as possible.

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  Eurostyle wagon experience - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Landon - December 22 - 7:06 am

  I shake my head at all our neighbours driving these hideous SUVs and crossovers that handle like buses and drink fuel like crazy. There are options! This car has way more room than our neighbours Murano and is a blast to drive! We love manual trannys and this was the only wagon we could get one in. We got a highline with real leather, moonroof, dual climate, satellite radio. Had an Acura TSX before and this is quicker but gets the same mileage. It is also quieter and smoother but the leather and aesthetics were nicer in the Acura.

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  Best value period - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mjv - November 4 - 1:06 pm

  Outstanding engineering, safety, and quality. Fantastic value. Excellent purchase experience. Free scheduled maintenance for 3 years. Fun to drive. Getting 34 mpg at 70 mph. VW is the new BMW!

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  Another great VW - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Clark - June 15 - 7:10 am

  We have owned several VWs and this is by far the most comfortable on the road. Recently drove 1200 straight through with wonderful comfort. A great ride and fun to drive.

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  1-month review - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By BK - October 26 - 5:20 am

  Purchased on September 12th, 2009. Test drove BMW 328,335; Mercedec Benz 300, 350; Acura TL; Infiniti G37. Although all of these cars were great, I found the perfect mix of driveability and fun factor in my Passat. I only have about 750 miles on it right now and I am trying to break- in the car as gently as possible. But you can feel the surge of power when you just tap the accelerator. So far Ive had no problems. VW offers a 90- day or 6K miles free check up, which I intend to to take advantage of. Since I have not taken it on a long trip, I do not have true HWY mileage; however, so far, I am averaging around 25 mpg with 60/40 Hwy/city.

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  Traded 06 Oil Burner for 09 - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By gluiz - September 14 - 7:43 pm

  So far, very few problems with 09 Passat compared to 06 previously owned. Small rattle, ipod adapter issue dealership addressed immediately. 3200 miles driven since purchased. Keep checking my oil to make sure dont have same issue as 06 model. Fun to drive compared to Nissan, Honda, and Toyota family sedans. Unfortunately, my experience is that you trade performance, fit/finish for reliability. Keeping my fingers crossed...

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  The right car - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan Goia - May 14 - 6:00 am

  This is my 3rd generation Passat and my 5th VW car in the last 25 years. I have owned also recent models of Nissan Maxima, Toyota Camry, and Honda Accord. I have driven during my business trips in Europe various Mercedes cars (C200 and E300)and BMW (300, 500 series). Similarly, I drove in USA Lexus and Infinity midsize sedans. I find the Passat the most sensible combination of performance, comfort, and value. You get Audi engineering (on par with BMW and Mercedes) at discount price. The gas mileage (34-35 miles/galon) is better than that of my Toyota Camry 2005 (XLE 4). As for the reliability, it is better than my Camry 2005 so far

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  Love my Passat Wagon - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By LovemyVW - April 21 - 5:33 am

  I needed to move into a larger car. Previous car was 2003 Jetta TDI sedan and I really loved it. It got great mileage and was fun to drive but not quite large enough for a growing family. We decided on the Passat Wagon because we were in no way getting a minivan nor SUV. We wanted the performance and handling of a car and not the bulk or stigma of a van or SUV. It was down to the Passat or Subaru Outback. In the end we went with the Passat as VW bank was offering 60 mos at 0%. While there may be posts out there complaining about quality, weve not seen any issues yet. The same issues were reported for my Jetta and over 5 years, few of those issues ever arose.

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  Follow Up - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mbehn - April 13 - 2:03 am

  Follow up to review last year. Car is not 2+ years old with 39K Miles. Runs beautifully, with one recall for a switch, one service for a loose A/C condensation hose - both free of charge. Still as tight and sweet as when purchased, and the Perellis are still in great shape. So far, so good!