Overview & Reviews

For 2015, the Volkswagen Passat TDI receives an updated engine that boasts 10 more horsepower and slightly better fuel efficiency than the previous one. Other changes are minor, consisting chiefly of minor equipment shuffling.

• Strong 1.8T and V6 engines
• Refined and quiet ride
• Fuel-efficient diesel engine
• Above average passenger and cargo space
• Top safety scores.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 48.00

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  Would not lease again - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alan Pedersen - January 15 - 3:33 pm

  Overall the car was comfortable with a few exceptions. The brakes when applied normally seemed to grab too hard at slow speeds. The front passenger seat was too low and not adjustable for height. The windows would fog up when it rained. The A/C would come on as a remedy (poor design). Offered no help when we asked to turn in lease early. Went to Hyundai dealer and they took care of the remaining payments and mileage overage, rolled them into the new Hyundai Tucson lease at a reasonable rate. I received a Turn In Settlement Invoice with a charge for One (1) tire that was apparently below tread spec. Seems odd. And if the other 3 tires were in spec it would seem to me to be a good customer service decision to drop the charge. I called and VW was completely rigid regarding this. Ill never set foot in another VW dealership as a result of the poor customer service.

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  Hot smells and check engine lights - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By ty - April 16 - 2:32 pm

  hot anti freeze smells that they can’t diagnose. Check engine light shows electrical problems they can’t find and fix. Spending more and more time in shop. This time 3 days and no loaner and still not fixed.

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  Make sure you take a long test drive - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom - May 13 - 1:56 am

  I have had this car for a month now and I can tell this is going to be the most painful car I have ever had. I read the two reviews that discussed the messed up ergonomics and I just didnt pay attention during the test drive. There are so many design flaws that it takes away from what could be an extremely enjoyable car to drive. So here are the design issues to be aware of: - the windshield is sloped more then my 2008 and appears to be tinted less making night driving a challenge with the glare from oncoming traffic - the sloped window has made the door opening smaller, making it hard to get in, especially if the seat isnt all the way down - apparently VW engineers think Americans have big waists but tiny butts because there is all this extra space in the arm rest area that leaves you trying to not leave your arms hanging in space and they designed a seat for someone without a butt. Trying to put your legs inside the bottom seat bolsters can be painful in several areas - once seated you will see that you need a 6ft wingspan to reach the door handle to close the door? Speaking of the door, you have have good control of the door when opening it because of the wide swing path, it will easily hit whatever is parked next to you or it will close back on you - once in the seat you notice that you have to contort your left foot to put it on the footrest or put your leg on top of the bolster, which I do and it is causing a nerve to be pinched. On the other side, the brake and gas pedals are so off plane that I either practically break my ankle moving from the gas to the brake or I have to physically lift my leg up and pull it back to get over tho the brake. Also, the gas pedal sits weirdly behind the center console so you have to contort your right foot to get to the gas. Speaking of the center console, it sticks too far out so in contorting your foot for the gas your knee is constantly rubbing the hard plastic on the console making my knee very sore by the end of my drive. I drive 40 minutes each way to work but my test drive was around 25 minutes so I didnt pick up on these issues and should have known better. I get out after my commute and walk like I have broken ankles. Buyer beware and pay attention. Some other points: handling is good but the backend gets jumpy if going to fast on winding roads, it is not a very planted ride; gas mileage is not great, I have only 30 a couple of times; the low beams are not very bright so I find myself putting my highs on when I might not otherwise; the front defrosting takes awhile, I had a very thin sheet the other morning and it took 10 minutes to clean it off, not looking forward to when winter really hits; I mentioned above about having someplace to rest your arms, well theres no center arm rest to speak of, my 2008 Passat had an electric parking brake well VW cheaped out and went back to a hand brake that results in no armrest. Overall the car is fun to drive but the design issues that result in comfort issues will probably make this my last VW.

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  Stoop to Conquer - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan Hoogen - June 12 - 7:46 pm

  This is an excellent car - quick, fairly comfortable, great handling and incredible mileage (36 hwy). But, if youre older, like me, its a pain to get into and out of due to the low roof line. Also, it is hard to load and unload the trunk because of the smallish opening. However, it does have a big trunk. And the back seats are really roomy, nice. Did I mention its kinda noisy - as bad as my Outback. But, hoo baby, this car moves! And I never tried the sport setting on the transmission.

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  Massively Underpowered - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By GettaroundDriver - May 6 - 3:38 pm

  I have read the reviews and theres a lot of applause for VWs 1.8 engine. However in the Passat is much too heavy for the engines up and down power. This problem is also hampered by a lazy transmission. The first time I took it out, I thought the parking brake was on. But it wasnt the case. By the tested numbers, the acceleration seemed decent but it doesnt describe how "wonky" the engine is. At times it seems like its dead and at times its going mad. My girlfriend laughed at how the gas pedal would be floored and nothing would happen. And her previous car was a slow Prius. I think the transmission is part to blame irregardless that its a dual clutch 6spd. Lastly the brakes were simply too grabby. It was so hard to modulate. Total tested miles - 780 miles, 6400 miles on the odometer. Glad it was a rental.

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  I need a Chiropractor after 45 min - O, the seats! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thom - September 12 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned a 2015 Passat TSI SEL for about 18 months. This is my 5th VW product over the past 40 years. Granted my other cars have been Volvos during this same period. I currently have both. Since I bought this car, I only need to drive about 45 minutes and my back is breaking. Same for my passengers. I wish VW would do something for owners of these vehicles - offer some "goodwill" or replace the seats. I think there may be an issue with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) similar to being on an airplane. The seats are too short and therefore offer no support. The suede / leather seats are hard as a rock! Dealer told me to drive with the seat warmers on to add flexibility to the seats - pretty tough to do when its 100 degrees outside !