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 11 through 20 of 42.00

• 

  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!

• 

  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.

• 

  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.

• 

  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...

• 

  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

• 

  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.

• 

  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!

• 

  New VW Owner - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jayco11 - July 7 - 9:53 pm

  This car is really a pleasant surprise. Just came out of an Infinity M45. Had to downsize lifestyle and found the perfect car.This car drives great,and is big enough for a family of five. No car can match the features this car has for the money.

• 

  Love our Passat - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Clark - August 12 - 7:10 pm

  This is our third Passat having bought a new 1997 diesel and 2004 diesel. We love the diesels but gave up on VW ever getting the Passat diesel into North America. VW always seems to be three steps behind the marketing curve. We are quite pleased with our 2009, even though it isnt a diesel and we certainly miss that mileage. It handles beautifully but is noisier than our 2004 due to the low profile tires. We bought new tires and went one size up and the noise decreased. Our big gripe is that VW dropped Homelink from the Passat but not the Passat CC. Another braindead action by VW. Their response to my inquiry: "Our marketing plan for North America does not include the diesel or Homelink."

• 

  Great thus far - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By fmrporscheguy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for a full 3 months, and its met or exceeded my expectations. So far no unscheduled trips to the dealership, which is good. Being that this is a "performance" German car, you have to know it will need regular maintenance. The engine is adequate, though not at all inspiring. Does a decent job of moving along when pushed. Int design is very nice. Leatherette works great w/o worry of ruining it with wet beach shorts, sun damage, or regular wear and tear (look at pics of older models and seats still look new). Center tunnel is a tad narrow and would be nice if it were carpeted. I think ext looks nicer than Passat sedan. Audi-esque front grill is great!