Volkswagen Passat

Name: 2008 Volkswagen Passat
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 25 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Volkswagen Passat was positioned at the higher end of the family sedan category. It is roomier, more powerful and gets better fuel economy than before. A high-quality interior and agile handling give the car a refined feel. However, interior quality and ride comfort have slightly diminished compared to earlier models. Crash-test results from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety are impressive, as is the standard safety equipment. This Passat ranked near the top of the family sedan category in its day.

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Volkswagen Passat

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Accord

Hyundai Sonata

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2008 Midsized cars Ratings

2008 Volkswagen Passat

$3,350 - $5,250

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 20 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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$5,275 - $6,025

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2008 Saab 9-5

$4,475 - $5,050

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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$3,225 - $3,800

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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EPA MPG 23 mpg

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$5,375 - $6,225

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid

$5,375 - $6,225

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

2-liter 4 turbo (200 hp)
3.6-liter V6 (280 hp)

6-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-2022

2020 Redesign Year

The changes to the updated 2020 Passat help the midsized sedan keep pace with the competition in terms of infotainment and a full complement of standard advanced safety features. The Passat also retains its generous interior space and responsive handling. The ride is on the firm side but absorbs bumps decently. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission deliver power effortlessly, but initial acceleration from a stop feels a bit abrupt and fuel economy trails the competition. The front seats are comfortable and rear-seat occupants benefit from limousine-like spaciousness. The trunk is large. Controls are very easy to use, and so is the infotainment system. 2022 is the final year for the Passat.

2012-2019

2012 Redesign Year

Optimized for the American market, the 2012 redesign brought lots of room front and rear, but it was a step backward in terms of fit and finish. It also lost some of its crisp European driving feel, though it became less expensive. We'd look for this generation of the Passat with at least a power driver's seat, the touchscreen infotainment system, and a backup camera. The top-line SEL V6 offers plenty of power and plusher accommodations than lower-trim Passats. Keep in mind though, VW's cheating on EPA emissions tests. Be sure any used diesel you consider received the fixes and passes smog before buying it.

2006-2010

2006 Redesign Year

The Passat has long been known for a quiet and comfortable ride, capable handling and a quality interior treatment. A mid-2001 freshening improved it even more. For 2006, the Passat was completely redesigned and grew larger. The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder got 24 mpg while the quicker, stronger 3.6-liter V6 got 22 mpg in our tests. However, the ride wasn't as isolated as it was previously. Fit and finish remained excellent; while crash test results are similarly outstanding. This version of the Passat ranks near the top of the family sedan category. The V6 and AWD were dropped in 2009. There was no 2011 model.

1998-2005

1998 Redesign Year

The Passat long had a comfortable, quiet ride, capable handling, and an interior that exuded quality. A mid-2001 freshening improved it. The turbo four-cylinder delivers lively performance and the V6 is quiet and strong. AWD is available but makes the car slower and thirstier. The turbodiesel that debuted in 2004 averaged 28 mpg in our tests. Fit and finish remained excellent.