2006 Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

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 211 through 220 of 403.00
  • A Serious 4-Banger! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The Passat 2.0T is a blast to drive, particularly when you pass all the gas stations. You get the best of two worlds, economy and performance. I leased a 2001 GLS V6 and a 2004 GLX V 6 before. The 2.0T is MUCH roomier and has much more "git up" than my previous V6s! I cant see any need to go to the new 276 HP V6 in this country. If I had some Autobahns, I would be changing my mind! Get Package 2 and the navigation system. Enjoy!

  • Buyer Beware - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The appearance looks great, but buyer beware. I have had more problems with this vehicle than all the cars I have combined in 45 years. Electrical problems began from the very beginning.The check engine light came on all the time.The car was in the shop frequently. I have had to replace both rear wheel bearings with just over 50,000 miles on the vehicle. I contacted Volkswagen USA and they were very rude and abrupt and stated the wheel bearings had to be replaced because of the bad road conditions. I would caution any buyer to stay clear of any Volkswagen vehicles. They do not build them like they use to. Repairs are extremely costly! I just picked up my car from the dealership and was

  • Passat Baby - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I fell in love with the car immediately when I saw it. Then I took it for a test drive and knew I must have it. The car drives like a dream. Its big safe and sturdy. The key is my favorite part.

  • Excellent Buy for the Money! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I highly recommend this car if you are looking for a premium sedan that is fun to drive. With end of the year incentives it is a great buy for the money compared to the Camcords. If you must get the 2007 model, there are many options that were only available with the 6-cylinder engine that you can now get on the 2.0 turbo such as the adaptive bi-xenon lights, homelink, heatable windshield wipers, and dual zone climate control. This is especially true if you want a stick which was basically only offered in a stripped version in 2006. The engine is a well proven 200hp turbo that is also in the Audi product line. Reliability so far has been excellent. I love this car.

  • My VW Passat Stinks - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The performance of my Passat is lacking because the turbo lag is huge. It lacks comfort, it really bounces over bumps. Its fuel economy is less than half of the EPA estimate. It is fun to ride in...if you like bumpy a rollercoaster. The interior design is very complicated. You need A roadmap, but the 200 page manual will do nicely. Exterior design...who who needs to see the front or rear while driving. The build quality is poor as well. It has rattles, thumps, and squeaks, not to mention the uneven spaces in the body panels. This car has been extremely unreliable.

  • major disappointment - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I loved my Passat, but was concerned about reliability when the car was no longer under warranty. (I previously experienced major post warranty repair expense with a 2001 BMW 540) Last week the car died and wouldnt start at a stop light at a busy intersection. I had it towed to a repair shop. The next day the car started and ran fine, with codes showing no problem. The reason for the car not starting problem was unexplainable. Also last week the compressor on the HVAC system died, a $1000 repair. After reading reliability experience of other owners,I was so concerned about the potential for continued problems that I traded for a 2009 Altima and purchased a 100,000 mile extended warranty.

  • Pure Pleasure to Drive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    When I was searching for a new car all I knew was it had to be a Japanese product. So I did test drove the Nissan Altima SE V6 (250Hp), Toyota Solara V6, and few others. I was set for the Altima, until I stepped into VW dealership (have previously owned the Passat) and test drove the new 2006 2.0T with the 6-speed auto transmission. This car only has a 4-cylinder engine, but it delivers an amazing 200 HP with the turbo. Everything is great about this car, everything its in the place, great fuel economy, this car is simply a blast. The seats are comfortable (make sure you get a cold weather package - $200), there is almost no turbo lag at all, this car shares the same engine with Audi A3,2.0 FSI. Take it for test drive and see for yourself...

  • BAD EMISSION SYSTEM - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My 2006 Passat was my dream car in 2006, 40k miles later the engine light came on. $5,000.00 USD later it is still on. I take it to the dealer as required they change a part here and a part there, bill me lots of $$ and 1 to 2 days later the light is on again. Ive had it, I will write to VW the dealer owners and anyone else that might be able to assist in fixing the problem.

  • Many problems, too many to be satisfied. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I bought this car straight from the dealer. This is a one owner car. Because of all the problems, I was tempted to sell. So if you are looking to buy, I have a feeling you may be in for an ugly surprise. It is very expensive to repair, and I have had a lot of problems with defects: 1) Exhaust pipe detaching from motor 2) Radio interference when lights are on (never fixed) 3) Small fan motor went out 4)Time on the clock jumps ahead an hour inexplicably some days 5) Defective trunk latch 6) AC Compressor went out. (All these WAY before they were due) Here is a list of regular maintenance expenses: 1) Use of Premium Unleaded 2) Oil filter is a cartridge 3) Timing belt change = $1,200

  • Fun, but a few issues! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive seen a lot of people mention the tire pressure sensor light going off all the time. There is a small washer that sits against the pressure sensor. Sometimes that washer gets bent which will let air leak from your tires. Ever since I found out about that and replaced the washers, Ive had no tire pressure issues. The car is wonderful, fun to drive, comfortable, and solid. There are so many airbags and the frame is solid, the doors are heavy, etc. I love my Passat. There have been problems with the transmission jerking, electrical malfunctions, etc. Its a pain, but I still love the car.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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