Volkswagen Passat 2006+

1356745

Comments

  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I also find the rear of autos to be the most difficult to design "unique.

     

    A solution would be the new Passat Wagon version. It's very difficult to commit design flops on the rear of a wagon, although it is possible!
  • bronsonbbronsonb Member Posts: 170
    Am I the only one who thinks the rear of the Passat looks like a Corolla? Or is it some other car...but it definitely looks like something a lot less expensive than the Passat.

     

    And that's just what I want..to pay $25K or more for a car and have it mistaken for a $15K car. Tee hee hee.

     

    The side view looks OK though.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    I mentioned that very likeness today in the 2006 Jetta discussion. Glad to know it's not just my own perception!

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Maybe it's only you and kirstie_h HOST...

     

    :)
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Maybe the back end looks like this $80K dollar car...it even has the same emblem.

     

    image
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,242
    Nah, it actually doesn't look anything like that dud :)

     

    Seriously... if you put the two side by side, the only similarity is the logo.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
    Review your vehicle

  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    heh...rose colored glasses.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I love that Phaeton!

     

    M
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    I'd like to buy a good used Phaeton after about 5-6 years of depreciation.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    most other vw sites are full of posts complaining about the corolla look for the jetta, with some directed to the passat.

     

    Most of the complaints of the passat are directed to the move upscale and the ditching of the "peoples car" image. In fact, VW's corporate entity is considering changing it's name to distance themselves from the "people car" moniker.

     

    "According to a report in the German press, Volkswagen is considering changing the name of the group to Auto Union.

     

    The logic would be that Volkswagen is both a car brand and the name of the holding company that also controls Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini, Seat and Skoda (plus the soon-to-be relaunched Bugatti brand). Auto Union was a famous name in the 1930s and itself was a holding company for four German car manufacturers, including Audi.

     

    Volkswagen is not commenting on the report. "

     

    Note, this would change the corporate name, not the car brand name.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Why wait?

     

    Lease rates are under $600 (think I saw $550 or so)

     

    but...I guess we're getting away from the Passat, which I don’t think has been officially released and I suspect (going on VW’s track record) that it will be a while before anybody (referring to the public at large) has an opportunity to drive one.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    ," VW's corporate entity is considering changing it's name to distance themselves from the "people car" moniker."

     

    That has to be the stupidest idea I heard so far about VW. VW's name has a lot of goodwill built these past 6 decades.

     

    VW move upscale?(did these bozos in VW management forget the luxury marques they own). Why cannibalize them!

     

    If VW continues with its Kamikaze mission of self destruction there will be no VW in the upcoming decades---unless it is competently managed and owned by Toyota. Now that is an idea worth noting.

     

    What makes VW and Mercedes a depressing case study is that these two marques have among the best auto engineers in the world combined with the worst management since Worldcom/Enron.

     

    As future VW/MB sales decline worldwide watch out for the following buzzword---The Strong Euro. They will blame all their problems on the Euro without acknowledging any ineptitude on the part of management! This story is as depressing as those serious German Film dramas.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Yep. Second the motion...
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    It’s not changing the VW name brand. It’s changing the company name to Auto Union.

     

    Just like when you go buy a Mercedes you say “Mercedes” not DaimlerChrysler; or buy a Dodge Caravan, not a DaimlerChrysler Caravan.

     

    I think it’s a great idea. I think the VW name stands for a lot, but if (when) I go buy my Gallardo I don’t want to see the VW logo on the side of the engine…even if they are responsible for it.

     

    Don't know much about their management.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    You only need wait about 2 years by my calculation to get a great car at an unbelievable price.
  • 3screwsloose3screwsloose Member Posts: 116
    Corolla, CoRoLlA, COROLLA! Fer shur, the Passat B6 looks like the Jetta V, definitely shows some Japanese influences. Seems like many have gone to the retro rocket exhaust tailight design.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    Can you repeat this in english?
  • callmedrfillcallmedrfill Member Posts: 729
    Great post!

     

       DrFill
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Think he really likes Corollas
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    I agree with most of that about VW, but Mercedes isn't in half as bad a shape as VW. They have at least acknowledged that they have a reliability/quality problem, unlike VW they aren't jumping into markets they have no chance of competing in. I agree that they both could use some management instruction from some of the better run companies, Toyota, BMW, Porsche, Honda etc.

     

    M
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Are you saying that VW has not acknowledged that they have quality issues? If you read the trade mags at all, you would know that VW Execs have acknowledged they have issues with quality and state that they are focusing on improving the quality for the upcoming new models. Whether they will actually improve is one thing, but they do know there are problems. As far as Mercedes, they have acknowledged as well, but show me some evidence that their quality is improving. I would venture to guess that MB issues are almost as bad as VW. Maybe not as bad, but VERY close. I think MB has better dealer service which pacifies owners and allows them to accept the shortfall in product quality. People have the perception (ok, maybe it's true) that VW's product is inferior as far as reliability goes. Also, the dealer group as a whole, are known for their inferior customer service. These are 2 severe setbacks for VW.
  • callmedrfillcallmedrfill Member Posts: 729
    Mercedes is light years ahead of VW, which is a major bottom of the bottom-feeders, statistically. At least Mercedes comes out above average.

     

       Hyundai laughs at VW quality right now. Kia has hope in their eyes!

     

       DrFill
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "VW, which is a major bottom of the bottom-feeders, statistically."

     

    I agree with your above statement about VW. And yes MB has better reliability/quality stats---but that does not make MB better. For a luxury marque like MB, being close to or below average is inexcusable.

     

    If you look at historic reliability stats--MB used to be NUMBER ONE. My wife drives a 83 MB300D and it has been bullet proof since the day my father bought it 22 years ago. That is what MB quality should be!!!

    Now for VW, I think average quality would be quite a radical improvement. I am very eager about test driving the new 285hp Passat wagon but I am somewhat worried about owning it since I hate long term expensive commitments to my auto mechanic.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    But your auto mechanic needs a new boat!
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I need a new boat too! Although with a Passat it may not be an expensive boat(like a homemade row boat)
  • cbanccbanc Member Posts: 10
    According to consumer reports, all Mercedes Benz models were below average reliability. The six cylinder Passat is still recommended.
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    "The six cylinder Passat is still recommended. "

     

    Good point! Despite my scornful rebuke about VW reliability--I am still interested in a Passat.

    Please note the despite the fact the CR recommends the 6 cylinder Passat, its latest reliability is not exactly stellar!

     

    The MB stats are a disgrace!!!
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    No I wasn't saying VW hasn't acknowledged their quality problems I was responding to the previous post which seemed to imply that Mercedes hasn't while VW did.

     

    As far as Mercedes improving I think it will take some time because the surveys that carry the most weight, the 3-5 year ones aren't going to show any improvement because anything made between 2000-2002 is already on the road and during those years Mercedes really didn't even say anything about having a problem so I know they didn't do anything. The proof will be there, if they've done anything when the 2005 onward models are looked at in the long term surveys. A lot of survey clutchers seem to miss this. Mercedes did improve in the JDP initial quality survey, whatever thats worth. Consumer Reports is all bad circles and what not, but I'm not totally convinced on their methods. Are subscribers the only ones that can get a survey from them? If they're using previous models to give a "projected" reliability rating I think their surveys are bs because that doesn't allow for changes that VW or Mercedes could have made to the product since then. I think I like the JDP method at little better, if I'm correct on the CR method???

     

    M
  • wetwilliewetwillie Member Posts: 129
    "Are subscribers the only ones that can get a survey from them? "

     

    Indeed they are the only ones, hence skewed results as this group (CR subscribers, of which I am one) is quite atypical. Useful evaluations of refrigerators and TV's, but reliability data that's based on subscribers that bother to return the survey (an even more esoteric sampling)?

    Need to add salt.
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    I have read, and that does NOT make it true, that the reliability reports could be considered skewed to the negative because if everything is basically OK, people don't bother to submit.

     

    However, considering that [basically that people feel OK with their government] is the reason given for our relatively low participation as voters (in the US), I can see how that might have a kernel of truth to it.
  • cbanccbanc Member Posts: 10
    Consumer reports method to determine reliability is skewed due to participation pool, and projections based on previous years data. However, I have found that it is not far from results obtained by JDP. With the poor reliability of VW's last two models, the Toureg and Phaeton, it would be wise to wait at least one year before considering purchasing the new Passat. As the owner of a 99 Passat GLS, that seems to be a long time. You can get it earlier if you don't mind visiting the dealer regularly. Of note, the W8 Passat as far as I know has not had many problems. Hopefully, the new 3.6L engine will be similar.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    image
  • cbanccbanc Member Posts: 10
    Thanks for providing us with the picture, Ivan 99. Where did you get it ? Also, is there one of the sedan. The official launch will be at the Geneva auto show next month. The rear lights look better than I thought. Overall, a good unique look.
  • bjbird2bjbird2 Member Posts: 647
    The latest Automobile Magazine says that the all new 2006 Passat will only have two engine choices vs. six in Europe. Sounds like the TDI will initially not be an option.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    I got that picture from http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/

     

    It's the only one I've seen of the wagon.

     

    Edumnds has pictures of the Sedan under future vehicles.

     

    Here are the pics they have posted

     

    image

     

    image

     

    image
  • 03accordman03accordman Member Posts: 671
    Folks, any idea of what the 06 Passat is going to cost in the US, for the turbo and the V6? The turbo seems to be a sweet car.
  • avenger1avenger1 Member Posts: 90
    do a search regarding most of the pricing info.

     

    But you will be paying $38K+ for the top of the line Passat (V6 AWD). Expect to pay less for the turbo FWD.
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    That is too much for a Passat to sell in meaningful numbers I think. I wonder where the 200hp 2.0T model will price for? What VW should do is use the Audi direct injection 3.1L V6 (255hp) as the bread and butter model for 25-27K bracket right where the top line Camrys and Accord are, and have the 280hp VR6 as a sporty R36 model for baiting high end Maximas, Avalons, and 300 Touring buyers, or any entry-level luxury buyers that might cross shop the R36 with the Acura TL, BMW 325i, C230, G35 etc. This one V6 model strategy price in the mid-thirties is a mistake for a Passat, unless you can really play with the options/trim levels to bring the price down to a more reasonable level.

     

    M
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    Now this is truly getting out of hand. First VW goes and makes Corolla duplicate rear end for the Jetta, now Buick returns the favor with the rear of the Lucerne looking like the Passat:

     

    image

     

    image

     

    M
  • lmxlmx Member Posts: 35
    vw is going to put a new version of the vr6 -it's suppose to be a 3.6l narrow angle vr6 of 280 hp!!!!

     

    no 4-motion for the moment,and expecting the new passat to be in for mid-november.....but with vw you never know!!!
  • deweydewey Member Posts: 5,251
    I read that the 4motion will be replaced by a new AWD Haldex system.

     

    Unfortunately cant recall where I read it, but the Haldex system is suppose to be superior.
  • lmxlmx Member Posts: 35
    the same system as the audi tt and r32 they had to take the system that would fit the transversal mounted engine ,this new way of thinking for the passat is not very good,the torsen system is a lot smoother,and for the average driver it was and still is the best system.
  • krzysskrzyss Member Posts: 849
    is different and I am not sure that I would call it superior.

    Haldex is usually heavily FWD based (like 100%) until slippage occurs when it can send torque to the rear.

    If I am not mistaken it is design decission what is initial torque split so it would be interesting to see the real spec.

     

    Krzys
  • markcincinnatimarkcincinnati Member Posts: 5,343
    . . .the Torsen system is often written about in articles and journals as a "superior" sometimes "ideal" system. Generally when I have found the articles they are overly technical and I find them a real yawn. In such articles, there are rarely comparisons. In other words, you usually don't see the author claim Torsen is superior to "fill in the blank." Often the phrase is simply that Torsen is effective, efficient, reliable and in many ways superior.

     

    I have not been able to find similar articles about Haldex drives. When I found out that the TT used that system, I assumed that it was because the TT was originally a front wheel drive car with a "sideways placed" engine, quattro (but not Torsen, because it wouldn't work with the east west engine) was added -- but that the Haldex TT was nominally 95% FWD 5% RWD (instead of nominally 50 50)-- which coincidentally is the same for Volvo's.

     

    Having owned three TT's and taken an impressive drive in a Volvo S60 type R, I can attest that I really found nothing to hang my hat on that would make me claim Haldex was "inferior."

     

    It just seems out of character, so to speak, for the VW/Audi group to NOT use torsen -- since they (especially Audi) have always made such a big deal in their literature about the efficacy of torsen.

     

    Now, then, we've really got it muddied up. I assume VW is doing what it is doing with the new Passat for one primary reason and one secondary reason: money and packaging. You figure out which one is primary and so on. I can only assume that the new Passat's AWD will be determined by the package for the price circumstances. Apparently Torsen just won't work with the packaging considerations that apply.
  • lmxlmx Member Posts: 35
    you are probably right,but the only reason why is that the new passat is an east-ouest configuration...like the tt-r32-a3-bora 4-motion-golf tdi 4-motion theire all with haldex because it is more driver orientated,torsen is more comfort orientated and appliable with the north-south configuration in a4-passat b5....
  • allhorizonallhorizon Member Posts: 483
    I am not sure that I agree with the notion of more or less driver-oriented, but the engine lay-out and overall packaging is the prime factor. VW wanted to increase interior dimensions - which is much easier to do with the transverse layout, but moves the Passat away from the A4/ A6.

     

    The Haldex system is compact, relatively lightweight, and is easily integrated in either transverse or longitudinally mounted engines. People used to argue that it s not truly full-time AWD since it is usually implemented to be almost FWD under normal driving. Without additional sensors and electronic, it thus used to be a reactive system – though it would react to wheel spin within a few degrees difference of rotation, which is pretty fast. Still, that's not always what you want. When all 4 wheels are driven, you are much less likely to get into trouble in the first place (e.g., because more traction is available for steering). The modern Haldex implementations therefore are much more tightly integrated with ESP, and have yaw angle measurements, throttle opening, and steering parameters available. Thus, the clutch pack will close proactively under many circumstances, giving the same protection (if not better) than other permanent AWD systems, while maintaining the low fuel consumption of FWD on straight driving.

     

    Moreover, the new Haldex systems can transmit such a large amount of torque that they effectively fully lock up. In that case, 100% of the available torque is transmitted to whatever axle grips (and with open front/rear diffs and traction control, to whatever wheel grips). This is great when starting out or driving slowly on snow and ice. The system will also pretty much lock up when you get started fast from a standstill, on any surface. So, as far as torque is concerned, it doesn’t matter that the front axle is permanently driven and that there is no mechanical center diff. The majority of torque can still go to the back, if advantageous.

     

    This system is similar to the automatic transmission Subaru Forester, except that (AFAIK) in VWs and Audis it uses more input parameters. In the manual transmission Forester and Imprezas, there is an additional mechanical (open) center diff; the clutch pack works around/in addition to that – but without electronics, simply through viscous locking. That has the advantage that you have permanent AWD (without binding) even with the clutch pack open. However, such a system is evidently heavier and uses more gas.

     

    As in the manual transmission Forester, the Torsen center diff requires a double drive shaft to the front (one from the engine, one back to the front), and so is also fairly heavy and requires a longitudinal engine layout. The Torsen's main advantage used to be that it distributes more torque to the more slowly rotating axle (the one with grip) without electronic intervention. In that sense it is simple. However, that is also its biggest drawback: it cannot be integrated into modern cars' ESP systems, because it has no electronic input. It also never fully locks up. So, you might find your self in a situation where one wheel has grip, but you can't move forward. Traction control helps a little, but it pretty much bogs everything down (because the Torsen wants to send more torque to the axle that is most braked by traction control).

     

    Away from theory, all reviews of well-implemented Haldex systems I have read are extremely favorable. In addition to its behavior in sporty driving (on wet or dry roads), it also gets good marks in snow. AutoBild recently had a review of a number of AWD vehicles in snow and ice, and the Golf 4Motion came pretty much out on top.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    Wow...you learn something new every day.
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    image

     

    image

     

    image

     

    image

     

    image
  • ivan_99ivan_99 Member Posts: 1,681
    image

     

    image

     

    image

     

    image
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Looks like a winner to me!!
Sign In or Register to comment.

Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.