3 Star Reviews for 2006 Volkswagen Passat

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.33/5 Average
403 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The VW Passat has been redesigned inside and out for 2006. The current version is 3 inches longer and 3 inches wider than its predecessor, with a more spacious cabin. Initially, VW will offer only a sedan, but the wagon rejoins the lineup later in the 2006 model year. Engine choices include the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6; last year's diesel engine option has been dropped. Trim levels have been renamed and recast; the Passat now comes in Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6 and 3.6 4Motion trims.

Pros:
  • Powerful engines, excellent ride and handling dynamics, roomy and upscale interior, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
Cons:
  • V6 models are expensive compared to Japanese rivals.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 403.00
  • Worst Car ever owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive never had a car that was in the shop more than this car. It started off in the shop at 8,000 miles, and had problems ever since. I just traded it in at 37, 650 miles b/c the engine went. I thought bc I was spending more on this car that it would be better in value, that was NOT the case at all. DO NOT get a VW if you are looking for a new car; this car was more trouble than its worth!!!!

  • Lots of faults - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Had the car since new. I have had an endless run of problems with the car combined with incompetent VW Australia Servicing. Problems include: Turbo PCV valve failed (at 12 months) Coil packs failed (at 18 months) Drivers elec window failed (numerous times) AC compressor failed (at 2 years) Brake pedal switch failed (causing intermittent complete power loss to engine computer!) Steering column/convenience unit failed (3.5 years) Brakes replaced at 20,000km Paint peeled off drivers door handle Battery failed at 2 years Suspension noisy over bumps Ill never buy another VW, and Ive already turned several friends off getting one when I explain the problems I have had. Worst ownership exp. ever.

  • 2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Im a first-time VW owner and very disappointed with my Passat. In the 13 months that Ive owned it, its been in the shop for over 1 month for major problems. Ive had to have it towed 3 times, which makes it totally unreliable. The parking brake has malfunctioned twice, which was determined to be an electrical problem and made it undriveable. In another incident, the power completely went out as I was doing 50+mph on the highway. The air conditioner compressor and condenser have been replaced. This is all in a vehicle thats only 1 year old. That shouldnt happen. VW will not do anything with the vehicle other than continue to repair - Im worried for when the warranty runs out.

  • Love Hate Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I bought mine used, 2 weeks after buying it I had to replace both front cv boots $1k a piece. in the last 18 months I have had it in the shop at least 12 times. In the last 4 weeks I have had the passenger side electrical, all 4 steering mech, wiper arms, thermostat replaced. Also have a sunroof that likes to open when not prompted. The park brake likes to set and unset itself after I turn the car off. What a joy it has been to drive every rental car known to man while waiting for parts. Thing is every time I get it back I am happy to be sitting in the comfortable ergo friendly car that drives like a dream.... when its running. Dont buy unless you have lots of time/$ to sit at the mech

  • Another Ignition Coil Victim - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Just bought a 06 Passat from VW dealership in Freehold, NJ. Luckily were under warranty. After 3 days of ownership my wife broke down on the G.S.P. and the car needed 4 new ignition coils, mass air flow sensor, 2 additional wires, 20 Amp fuse, head cover, engine harness. Wow. Thank god were under warranty. This from a clean car-fax and apparently brand new looking/feeling vehicle. Now after receiving the car back from the dealer the malfunction light is on and back it goes! A few more days and this will meet the 20-day lemon law criterion.

  • VOLKSWAGEN FAIL. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    expected more when purchasing new 2006 Passat, previous car was the new beetle and a friend had the 2001 Passat, when changes were made that must have cut costs with interior design and electrical system. Within 2 years, the AC failed, front headlights, interior lights and service buttons were always on. Also, after two summers of heat the ac controls, stereo buttons and auto windows had blistering and then peeling. Looks like a pos! Still drives fair considering the electrical system is out of whack. Last time I will buy new - over rated, definitely last time buying VW. Best car ever was Lexxus. **Note: the guy still driving his 2001 with 185,000 miles plus. Buy new VW & good luck.

  • Attractive and Fun - but unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My second Passat...Nice to look at? Yes. Fun to drive? Yes. However, its as if the car was programmed to self destruct. Have had to replace the turbo cutoff valve, A/C condenser, cam shaft (Yes, the cam shaft!), driver door handle mechanism and trunk latch...all in the last year! Things go wrong with this car that havent gone wrong with cars in 40 years.

  • Do not spend any dime for this junk - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Junk junk junk nothing more I can tell you. My car is is nice looking but I have a lot of friends in service. They saw me that many times. Turbo, ac, lights front, inside too, battery, starter, turbo valves, transmission. And much more. I grow up and I trade next week soonest when I pick up from a shop.

  • single mom with a car....... : ( - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    that cost more than the kids do. june 4, 2010 i fell in love, 3 months later i realized my mistake. the reason reason being my engine was burning to much oil so it had to be replaced and the a/c compressor went. today june 13 2011 my car is in the shop because i smell burning oil AGAIN. Also, when my speed is over 55 i hear a low buzzing sound. does anyone else hear that? i love the way it looks, even the way it drives when Im not afraid its going to catch fire. smh! it a love hate relationship with this [violative content deleted] ride.

  • DO NOT BUY A VW - MY BIGGEST REGRET - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. The car has been in the shop over 15 times & about 6 months total. WE have spent over $5000 in repairs for this BRAND NEW car. It is worthless and full of problems and recalls. Entire steering column has been replaced twice w/in 14 months; entire radio/cd had to be replaced; air conditioner went out after only 2 years; brakes had to be replaced after 2 years; It is a worthless car and I am scared to death to drive it anywhere because it continuously has Service Now lights on; check engine light; beeping all the time; warning lights; Please do not buy a VW. VW of America does not care about their customers; they have shut us out.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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