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 1 through 10 of 403.00

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  1st and last - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By steelcat - November 25 - 12:36 am

  For 1st several months loved it. Then radio, door handles, lock buttons replaced. Then Major repairs, fuel line changed 2x, motor taken out to be worked on, recalls, having to take time off, then air compressor and condenser out. This was after I was over warranty at 55,700 miles only 2 years old. Cost to repair in excess of $2000. I was concerned early on about problems that I was experiencing but only recourse was to let it be fixed while under warranty. After warranty is up, beware, expect problems, cost to repair is very high. VW corp. Did offer me a $1000 voucher towards the purchase of a new VW/Audi. No thanks, traded on a Toyota! Disappointed in quality of VW, loved this car but had to go.

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  Run! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DBH - June 15 - 12:16 pm

  This has been the most unreliable car Ive ever owned. To put in context, Ive also owned a 71 Beetle and an 82 Fiat. I have babied this car, looks new, only 22k miles in just under 4 years. Been in to dealer approx 10x. Parking break 2x, steering column replaced, power windows, struts, leaks, recalls, air cond. smells bad, dealer wont fix. It squeaks & rattles like and old pickup. Had to replace tires at 19k miles and as I said, "I baby this". You look at the paint and it scratches. Now for the positives, if you only care about looks and German style, go for it. 3 mths left on lease, Toyota here I come!!

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  Not Impressed - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pashizzle - June 2 - 11:56 pm

  Really wanted to love this car. Ive been doing Honda and Nissan forever and wanted to experience some German engineering. Be careful what you wish for - its been in the dealer longer than Ive had it, literally, for drivetrain vibration issues, throttle lag and mysterious tranny behavior. I hope VW can make this car what I expected it to be, a German engineered high value performance sedan. I may have to go back to Honda...

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  2006 WV Passat VE - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By laqbn - February 15 - 10:33 am

  Great car! Fells like a quality Euorpean sedan. One test drive and you will realize how much better this VW is compared to the Camry/Accord Japaneese cars. Not to mention the 2.0T/Tiptronic powertrain that absolutely knocks you back in your seat.

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  Rattles, Rattles, Rattles - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By rcamar - January 28 - 10:56 pm

  I al extremely disapointed with the interior quality of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The day I bought it, on my way home from the dealership, I could hear rattles everywhere. What was suposed to be an exciting day (the day you take your new vehicle home) turned out to be really frustrating. I cant wait to trade it in. Other than that, it is a beautiful car that looks, drives and handles really well.

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  Strive for Perfection - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By sedan - December 31 - 6:50 am

  Recaro seats would be a nice addition to this car. I find that the upper leg support in its current seats is not right. By extending the lower seat length frationally along with better upper and lower side bolsters the driving experience would be better. A DSG transmission would be a welcome addition. My wife is a curb lover. Is there any way to design a wheel that could help prevent this prevent this problem? We have found in this recent 100 degree weather that keeping the car cool is rather difficult, especially in the rear. My personal driving experiences with the car have been very enjoyable. Its drivability has been taught yet compliable. Its performance has been excellent and trouble free. Keep making cars that exude quality, reliable, and are fun to drive!

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  Run dont walk from this car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By San Diego - December 23 - 8:53 pm

  Simply the worst reliability of any car Ive owned. A full on nightmare! Repairs were always covered under warranty, but if not covered would have cost me over $13K over 3 years. From replacing full AC system, front struts, computer, cat-converter, instrument panel, full injection, Electronics a real problem voltage surges move wipers when turning off car. The painted window switches and passenger door handles scratch and interior shows age. If you buy one you must purchase with a good warranty, but they are almost prohibitively expensive as the word is out. Never will by German or American again. Drove nicely but not worth the headaches! Worst car Ive owned, run from this junker!

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  Great car, but it has to go..... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ISPRO - November 15 - 8:53 pm

  I got this vehicle three years ago, after owning an earlier Passat. The car is great to drive (a "poor mans BMW"); driving and maneuvering at speed is effortless. But now, it simply has to go, and the reason is reliability. One time the trunk lid decided to unlatch at the most inconvenient times, such as speeding down a highway. The radio controls blistered. The instrument panel said "steering column defective" for no obvious reason - took replacement of the entire steering column and circuitry to fix it - covered under warranty, but still ...

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  great fun, BUT! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff S - November 7 - 10:20 pm

  Good items: firm ride, great handling, Nice interior, quality fit and finish, Nice leather touches, good fuel economy at highway speeds. Bad items: a bit of turbo lag, scary if you pull into traffic, noisy front end from tires and all the mechanical stuff, feels cheap, expensive repair and maintenance, I love the car, its loaded from 06, few like it on the road, gonna keep it and treat it like a fine lady.... Jeff

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  Looks are Deceiving - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By splittie - August 19 - 4:06 pm

  Although I was intially impressed with its acceleration and bells and whistles (electronic mileage and trip computer, etc), the car has been in the shop twice for the air pressure guage idiot light, and a bad ground with the battery. Moreover, I am now noticing a bad ground with the a/c fan regulator (a/c fan increases and decreases when depressing accelerator peddle). This car has the same electrical gremlins as my previous VWs. The car with the 16 inch "eco-squealers" does not feel sure footed over the twisties. Inside the fit n finish (plastic door panels) is not as solid as my 1998 VW Passat nor my 97 Audi Cabriolet. For the extra couple of grand I would look at an off lease Audi A4 or A3.