2008 Volkswagen Passat

Some testers notice a lot of road noise on Volkswagen Passats with the 17- or 18-inch wheel package, and they say all-wheel-drive models demonstrate poor fuel economy. A few test drivers find that bright sunlight can fade the navigation readout to illegibility, and others note that the Passat's unique ignition design can be a nuisance to operate. The six-speed transmission can be indecisive, and disengaging the traction control can cause the tires to spin excessively in off-the-line acceleration. Reviews suggest that there's much to appreciate about the Volkswagen Passat, but many shoppers will favor similarly equipped but potentially less-expensive rivals such as the Toyota Avalon (*est. $27,075 to $34,415).

The Volkswagen Passat is a favorite with a number of reviewers, and helpful, credible overviews are available from several sources, including Consumer Reports magazine and ConsumerGuide.com. Motor Trend magazine features an analysis from the 2006 model year, while Edmunds.com offers a user-friendly summary of the single-car evaluations they've conducted. The Car Family, a branch of the National Motorists Association, publishes blog-based reviews evaluating the 2008 Passat and other vehicles on their family functionality, while Car and Driver magazine provides a brief capsule-style review of this year's Passat.

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat is generally regarded as a well-mannered, spacious car that's also fun to drive. In testing, Passats demonstrate a good grip in cornering, precise handling, a rigid structure and a well-balanced suspension. The cabin is roomy, with many nooks and crannies for item storage. Crash-test scores from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and a list of standard safety features are equally impressive. Exterior styling is handsome, and the trunk offers a suitable amount of space and versatility.