Overview & Reviews

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.

• Powerful engines, excellent ride and handling dynamics, roomy and upscale interior, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.

• V6 models are expensive compared to Japanese rivals.

User Reviews:

Showing 31 through 40 of 403.00

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  Just the engine and tranny - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By rick - October 4 - 4:30 pm

  We purchased 2 value edition demos each with 5k on ODO, wifes coil gave up after 1000 miles of usage otherwise perfect, mine is perfect, 34.5 per gallon on hwy at 60 MPH, 26.7 average. Here are a few dislikes: idiotic ignition key which is difficult to remove, cannot set wipers upright for winter storms, poorly designed cup holders, blinker stays on when the ignition is not engaged, fuel cap error light, mirror noise, small inefficient AC vents, roof grooves drip water after rain during exiting, all doors do not unlock when exiting, winter windshield defrost way too weak.

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  Dont be fooled - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brio - July 13 - 11:10 pm

  I was seduced by the turbo and six-speed tranny. However this car is horribly unreliable. The turbo hose disengaged after 2000 miles. The wiper motor broke, and when the dealer replaced it they cracked the windshield. After a couple of additional recalls, Im ready to cut my losses. This car is absolute garbage.

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  Great Performance - Some Glitches - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr Bill - July 11 - 3:33 pm

  I have an early release 06 Passat w/Sport package. The performance on the car is great except for the throttle lag problem which I havent yet fixed. I also had probs w/adaptive headlights that took 25 days in the shop to fix. Doesnt make for a happy owner. Also took 2 trips to stop water leaking in trunk. Driver seat had to be repaired after 2 weeks. VW still needs to work on quality. Most problems were in 1st 2 months. Since the car has been great. Its really fast, but wish I could get a real 6 spd stick like the TL, Tiptronic isnt the same.

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  major disappointment - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By bengal - April 2 - 5:06 am

  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.

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  BAD EMISSION SYSTEM - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By albertobp67 - March 25 - 7:22 pm

  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.

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  Fun, but a few issues! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Danielle - March 16 - 12:23 am

  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.

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  2.0t not bad, not great either - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mikeb5773 - October 1 - 5:08 pm

  Ive owned the car now for about 4 months. Its an ok driving car, I find there is a bit of a turbo lag. I have had the battery go dead after driving home from work one day, and the in dash CD player doesnt work, the screen reads "CDC Hardware Error" This is unbeleivable as I had a aftermarket CD player in my older car and never gave me any problems. I just find there is no WOW factor with this car. I am nervous after reading all the bad reviews about the fuel pump and other electrical issues. The steering wheel lock module was a recalled item by VW, so mine was fixed. Overall I think someday soon I will trade it and get something more age approprite for a 26 year old. Maybe a Mustang.

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  Keep up with it! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Justin - May 10 - 6:33 am

  This is NOT a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. It is INFINITELY better. Things people forget, however, is that with performance comes a lack of "reliability." Dont read reviews about how people have a lot of problems. This is not a problematic car. It is a car that uses performance parts that needs to be watched and maintained. Mine was big money to keep running, but worth every penny. It drove like a sports car, carried a family like an elite sedan, and looked more expensive than it was. It never had an issue that disabled it, and it never had an issue that wasnt to be expected with the high mileage it had. This car costs about $1500 a year to keep up with repairs and maintenance. Beware, and enjoy.

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  I have to be honest! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alex - April 23 - 6:43 am

  I am a big VW fan and Ive driven 3 different VWs, this 06 Passat is the latest one I owned and then reason I bought it is because of the performance and the design. I already know that they break a lot but i did not know that they REALLY BREAK A LOT! Ive had AC replaced, fuel pressure regulator replaced, rear brake replaced in 2 weeks of ownership- 1 week the car is in the shop. LUCKILY I am still under warranty until 04/2010, I dont know if I should keep this car or not, I still love the car, but I never thought it would be such a big pain, I have to be honest with you guys and it wasted tons of my time and money to drive the car to service and have someone pick me up!!!!!!!!

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  Passat Air Conditioner - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2006 Passat - January 23 - 12:53 am

  I own the 2.0T 4 cyl. Passat and the air conditioning system is just terrible. Its like having a fan on high. The worst system Ive ever had in a car and its just how its engineered. Nothing can be done about it. The heating system is poor also. Car is fun to drive, handles super. Very peppy for a 4 cyl. But not having even an adequate cooling or heating system is very disturbing.