2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI Test Drive & Turbo Diesel Car Video Review

[@mschrage618]

Paid 6k for mine in 2019 with 77k miles. Love it.

[@swelldrew]

I'm looking at one right now

[@anthony_sasquatch8056]

Do like it? I might trade my corolla for one

[@ericktorres0744]

So am I !! 2013 tdi for 7k

[@user-xh7nq1yz1y]

Lucky devils LOL, I just got mine a month ago at 36k on it and its a tdi sel premium. Interior was like brand new and was only a fleet car and a lady had it for 4k a year miles wise. I paid 11k though

[@brochahotato4622]

Looking at one right now, how’s the maintenance on it? Expensive or?

[@dieselmutt8865]

The DSG automatic (actually an automated shift manual transmission that uses clutches instead of a torque converter) is one of the most efficient and enjoyable transmissions I've ever seen and driven. You can have your manual gearbox if it really entertains you that much but I see no other benefit over the DSG auto-shift other than entertainment if that's what you're in to.

[@motogrizzo]

I can think of two: slightly less fuel efficiency but most importantly, they are costly to maintain when it comes time to service the Trans.

[@tucker934]

Not only that to me that’s just more stuff to mess up

[@RealEyezRealLiez]

Manual transmission will outlast the DSG. And be way cheaper to maintain meanwhile.

[@Fussinated]

6> I gave cup holder only as an example. There are other things like the seat ergonomics is different here it is adjusted according to long drives not sporty driving, or, trunk space, or, even the auto transmission. these things as European you might not like, but, when you start to live in the US you can't help appreciating their existence. In a 2000 Fiat Marea you couldn't even find a cup holder. :) A/C is still optional over base cars even in Mediterranean countries. etc. >7

[@1989rs500]

Want a fun hybrid, Go Ford, i couldnt believe its a hybrid car, the handling was sooo good, much better than the VW PAssat or any Volkswagen i ve driven and the power vs milage curve is inversely proportional in a hybrid, u drive had u get low mpg say around 27-32 mpg with hard driving, and in a diesel u get around 30-35 mpg on hard driving but, still i got blown away by the fusion, its good enough low end grunt as well just the adequate grunt,FORD has shown huge potential for the last 2 years

[@1989rs500]

Completely true, the core point that I just wanted to tell is that German cars are made with more panache and passion unlike Americans and Japanese that aim for mass market, even in old VWs of 80s and 90s we see lots of quality rubber and plastics and interior comfort and ambiance is given utmost care, I dont know how US VW is faring so badly but here in Asia and Australia and Europe if an average guy wants a luxury car they but VW(poor mans Mercedes),fun car to drive(Ford poor mans BMW)

[@nusterrab9286]

VW are crap had 3 and nothing but problems

[@1989rs500]

No way,Fusion is worlds best handling car after Mazda 6 and Subaru in FWD dynamics,then comes Passat,Passats steeirng is 2 heavy and understeer sets in earlier than in Fusion, MT and C&D voted Fusion the mos fun 2 drive,I just checkd now,VWs are kings of traction but their drive is clinical in nature not the best involving to drive,I agree with lots of points Brandon VW is best built,best TDi engines,safe,most roomy,and a Passat is as comfy as a Merc E Class,but cant help their boring designs

[@mutzuz1]

Edmunds.com got that too. So now I really want one.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I can tell, you're not a person to accept facts that they don't think is real.. I KNOW VW's arent unreliable because my family in total has had 10. Our newest is a 2013 Tiguan and the oldest is a 2000 Jetta VR6. All of our dubs have never let us down. We have beaten them, they have saved our lives in crashes where japanese or american cars wouldve let us down. I would never give up any VW we have now for a new 2013 GM piece of junk or anything Ford puts out, or Dodge.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I see you removed your comment. The thing is, your wrong. MotorTrend say the Passat is one of the most engaging cars to drive next to the 2014 Mazda 6. its even better than the Fusion. The Camry is as exciting as eating oatmeal on a rainy monday morning. Every car comparo with the Passat pitted against the competition has had the Passat the winner. And that car comparo you sent me, yea the Passat won by a big margin. I'm not talking to a closed-minded, biased Toyota fanboy. SORRY

[@1989rs500]

Then once I got chance to drive,ford Focus 1.0 ecoboost for my magazine(dead impressive car) from Edin burg to George square,while on trip I had chance to test drive all its competition like Cruze,Corolla,Golf,DS3,Elantra,Civic,etc and I liked Focus best,Hyundai was worst but was extremely good value,Corolla was most boring of all Cruze was neither bad nor brilliant,Focus and Golf set super high benchmark for the competition, then tested Ford Kuga very closely matched Tiguan, cx5,Rav4 old 1,etc2

[@MrTONYTONYM]

Okay go and get it

[@Fussinated]

6d> "See I consider Ford Focus a better car than Jetta, and Cruze is even worse than Jetta" And you persistently stress in addition to that that the Focus you are talking about is the European Focus not American Focus. "Cruze has got only some strong points like it looks good and its cheap to buy and is pretty economical to run, other than that its in no way a match to Jetta or Ford Focuses in terms of suspension,ride/handling interior ..." Obviously as you stated it is YOUR opinion >6e

[@AF-O6]

In front of every traffic jam is a senior citizen (even if he is 30 years old) in a Camry blocking the left lane. VW drivers are faster and keep right.

[@Fussinated]

8q> "speeds above 62 mph,and body roll creates nausea,and if some1s got to sleep in car they ll get tossed up" Idiot, body does not roll unless you take a curve. And if you drive like it like a sports car even without the body roll you will feel nausea because you will shift your center of gravity inside the car this time since the car will not compensate it. If you drive a car like that for 12 hours it will beat you up. >8r

[@1989rs500]

It might be just in America where Euro cars are not reliable here in Asia and in Middle east like Dubai,Bahrain etc and in Australia, Euro id much more reliable than American cars specially GM,GM cars sell because they are easy on pocket to buy and run,VW has sold over 35 million Golfs in Europe since its introduction,Only Corolla Golf and Focus has hit the above 15 million mark, If GMs cars ere that good it should have come top top sales chart,Expensive 2 maintain dosnt mean it will break down

[@Fussinated]

"See If I really like Tesla motors,I like American cars style which looks different and much more appealing" Well Tesla Motor is owned by a South African. :) Anything non American you pro Europeans favor it. "like the Cadillac ATS etc" But you will say that BMW 3 series is better anyway. right? :) >7b

[@1989rs500]

Does ur American asss know Y VW polo and VW Golf became world car of the year 2010 and 2013 and 2012 VW Up!,If u don know Y just try the internet,The world car of the year has journalists economists and judges from all parts of the world to decide the winner,its not just European its an all world organisation and they tell VW is best Y not a Cruze,Y cudnt such a profitable company like GM make a Cruze that could beat a VW,check the brand that has got top engine of the year awards,Its 1.BMW 2.VW

[@chanseormon]

Thumbs DOWN to the Manual TRANSMISSION SUCKS!!!!!!

[@michaelgreenslade2161]

I just purchased one for my wife and it can't get any better than that she loves it.

[@amiausUSA]

Great video! I like my 2013 Passat TDI SE with 6 speed manual. I got 53.8 mpg once, my other result was 53.2. The highest fuel range I managed was 850 miles, more than 795 as advertized.

[@vinceteo7091]

I bought a second hand 2013 tdi with 78,000km and in six months I put 22,000km on the car. Unfortunately it was crashed into and written off but it was the best car for driving and not worrying about fuel cost. I was getting 1,200 a tank, nothing like driving from Toronto to Ottawa and back on less then a tank. I’d love to drive a golf tdi with the same engine.

[@smifnwess93]

What about the snow

[@vinceteo7091]

@@smifnwess93 handled well with some decent rubber, lots of low end torque. I have since got another diesel Passat but it was after the emission fix and it was a slug. Only 700km per tank instead of the original 1,200km. Way less power and no longer fun to drive so I sold it two years ago. A friend of mine does the diesel-gate reverse tune so I might grab another one.

[@smifnwess93]

@@vinceteo7091 would u buy one with 160km on it

[@vinceteo7091]

@@smifnwess93 both of mine had under 100,000km on them. I’ve seen older ones with 480,000km amd still fetch $4,500 Canadian. If it’s a good deal I’d get it in a heartbeat.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I do agree with you as well. Japanese will always be more reliable than a V-dub. However, again, my experience doesn't show that. My mom HAD a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander V6. She loved it. A few months into the ownership, smoke started billowing out of the air vents, the heater motor blew and nearly caused a fire. We got it fixed. It then left her stranded in the middle of no where in -5c and had to use my sisters Jetta to take her to work. It kept breaking down so she bought a Tiguan.

[@moviewatcher1024]

Gotta give VW credit for offering a turbo diesel and 6-speed manual. I love turbo diesel and I love manual transmission...but I also love Chevrolet. So it is no deal unless there is a bow tie logo on the front grill for me.

[@googlyg69]

Remember, while diesel costs a little more, you get a LOT more miles to the gallon, so you are still saving money. A diesel Passat goes twice as far on a tank of diesel as it does on a tank of gas.

[@teresedwards8052]

Is a diesel engine expensive to maintain/repair?

[@meissnerflux]

How is it holding up now? What problems have you had during ownership?

[@VoyagingVoyager]

Diesels always do better in hot conditions.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Thouh, I do agree with that, I won't say any VW is unreliable(except for the New Beetles and Passats in the late 90's and early 2000's) because we've had basically all of them except for the Chrysler Routan, Eos, and Beetle. We've had a Touareg, Tiguan, Golf's, Jettas, Passats and a CC. I love my Jetta VR6, my dad adores his CC, mom loves her Tiguan, uncle loves his Golf etc. etc. I hate bigotry fanboys too. I am unpartial, I love all car makers. I just have had the most experience with VW

[@brandonfriesen5389]

And as for your question of the fact that they have the most cars with 100,000 miles on them, they're in a commercial with the Passat and the kid throwing a ball with his dad. I show you a forum link: forums.motortrend(dot)com/70/9335449/the-general-forum/vws-on-the-road-with-over-100-000-miles-on-them/index.html Look man, if you dont like VW, I'm cool with that, I can respect your opinion. But it's when people bash VW with false accusations, thats when I get pissed off.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Fun hybrid? Sure the Fusion is great, but the Jetta Hybrid is ranked the most fun hybrid by MotorTrend and CarandDriver. I haven't it driven it. What VW's have you driven? Passat also ranks top 3 best to drive in the class. The Golf is the best in the class, the Jetta is top 3 in its class(next to Focus and Mazda 3), the Tiguan is the 2nd best, if not the best(next to the CX-5), and the Touareg is the best to drive in the class as said very well by Jimmy Liberman on Motortrend WOT

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Out of my cave? Seems like your stuck in the mk4 era of Golfs, and Jettas. My experiences with VW are a damn sight better than any consumer report test especially their predicted reliability. You sum up all of the ignorant VW haters. Ask anyone who owned a VW and they will love them. Yes there are quirks. Even VW admits to putting out a lot of lemons. You still can't get past the facts that VW has the most cars on the road over 100,000 miles than any other car maker. FACT. Unreliable?

[@brandonfriesen5389]

It said the comment was removed by the user. Anyways, they placed the Passat TDI first because its worse, right? Haha you are hilarious. The Camry is boring. Its painfully cheaply built and its ugly. The Passat got first because (and you cannot argue or you are very ignorant) its roomier in the backseat, trunk, and has better headroom. Its more fun to drive, has better brakes, has a manual option, better fuel range and better mpg on highway...MUCH BETTER. Sorry, you have failed.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

No such thing as a Passat Hybrid. Even VW says, if you drive purely city and some highway, get a turbo gas or hybrid. They say if you drive mostly highway, nothing will beat a diesel. NOTHING. I got 62mpg from my uncles 2012 Jetta TDI by manually figuring out how many miles I went and gallons I used. It was 85% city and 15% city. I drove a Fiesta on 100% flat highway for 120 miles and averaged 44mpg. I was going slower in the Fiesta too.

[@Evan-memo]

I have 2003 Passat gas 1.8 turbo it’s killing me on gas it’s worst then v8 to be honest I’m looking into diesel in Canada gas is expensive as well as diesel but diesel last longer do you guys recommend Passat ? I wanted to get one for like 7 k 2011 to 2013 and also I live in apartment building outside would the car start fine in winter if not plugged in ? Cause I can’t plug it in outside if someone can answer let me know would be appreciated

[@kobbetop]

actually this was not engineered for tall Germans, it was engineered exclusively for Americans, European version is a tad smaller. The new 2015 version looks way better than this one.

[@1989rs500]

Ya,I am really happy to see,Ford America kicking German ass,I told u I am little biased towards Fords cuz of fun to drive nature and their desins,Ford America is now in renaissance,the 3.5l v6 ecoboost is American and it kicked all German and Italian v6 turbo engines ass with 420 ft pound torque that only v8s can match,The MyFord touch is improving big time!GM and Ford working on 9-speed(FWD cars) and 10 speed(RWD cars) transmission to challenge ZF & DSG,I ll be there in USA 2 test 2015 Mustang

[@1989rs500]

If ur sorry asss dosent know the fact here is the fact,Corolla is even better than Cruze, thats Y people choose Corolla over Cruze,also around the globe now worlds best selling car is the Ford Focus,Y not the Cruze(its cheaper and more reliable according 2 U)Y havent Cruze come even close, remember Focus is still not released in India( worlds 3rd largest market) and got released in China just 6 months back while cruze has been in China from 2010

[@1989rs500]

I told you I dont hate everything American infact I dont hate Cruze but its not as good as it can get,Jetta,Focus,Fluence,Opel Astra,honda Civic,are better cars than Cruze, Cruze is cheap to buy and run but that makes it value for money but not the best buy,here in India we can get a full option Cruze diesel for Rs 17lakh but Jetta full option costs 20 lakhs but its profoundly better if we have money to buy Jetta,if money is not factor Jetta is better

[@Fussinated]

9h> "I ll tell all popular American channels .... ave done midsize sedan shootouts and nowhere Cruze is the best everywhere" But, it is not the worst either. However, again why did you speak about Impala and then turned back to Cruze? Why do you hate Americans this much? "its either Japanese or Euro Y? Cuz American built cars ARE NOT GOOD" Corvette and ETS recently won such comparos Why? because they are Better than European cars. However, thisis again irrelevant. >9i

[@Fussinated]

"Can I ask u 1 simple question,Y the hell is not Cruze as popular as Japanese?" If you can answer why Jetta is not popular as Japanese then you will have your answer. BTW, It is popular according to your Indian car reviewers. Why do you insist on lying? "Y does Americans buy more Toyotas than GMs?" If what you say is true which is not because GM is still the best selling brand in the US, they buy more Toyotas then Jetta's as well. So what's your point? >9b

[@1989rs500]

The Impala was a good car in 90s and 80s same goes to Taurus but as of now Toyota Avalon,Kia Kadenza,and all competition is much better than Impala and Taurus Y? cuz they suck big time now, I ll tell all popular American channels,Autoweek,Motorweek,Car and Driver,Motortrend,Autotrader,CarproUSA,Autobytel,Cars.com all these websites ave done midsize sedan shootouts and nowhere Cruze is the best everywhere its either Japanese or Euro Y? Cuz American built cars ARE NOT GOOD

[@1989rs500]

ok Mr.Perfect xplain 2 me how Cruze is better than Jetta? I have all test data with me that I did with 5 members from my magazine with me right now,See I explained clearly its not between American hate, If Audi had made a car like Cruze I would have done the same,If VW had done something like this I would have told the same,see the Autocar India review between Cruze,Flence,Jetta clearly tells the fact of Cruze Y dont u try that comparison on your country,

[@1989rs500]

U still prove that you dont know anythin except America,just take a visa and go round the world buddy,Dubai has huge rains at times and since roads have fine sand that mixes with water to form a kind of slippery paste FWD and RWD cars struggle for grip and move really slow but AWD SUVs and cars zoom by,I told U I dont hate everythin American but American cars are NOT GOOD,I dont know how xperienced U r with cars,but with my past 16 years of xperience with cars,AMERICAN CARS ARE NOT GOOD

[@1989rs500]

U dont even know how to drive a diesel,just type Indian traffic in you tube U will understand the magnitude,when traffic starts moving suddenly we need to fill the gap up front and usually in slow moving traffic we move in second gear in a diesel car cuz there will be torque but in cruze we have to go in 1st otherwise we have to keep motor past 2000 rpm thats a pain,but past that Cruze gets a huge push that closes the gap 2 quickly,In Jetta things are much calmer and turbo is very linear

[@1989rs500]

Buddy U are wrong, I tested car with a team of 5,I was just the road tester,we also tested 0-52mph with VBOX GPS speedometer,in gear accelerations like 20-50 mph in 3rd gear and 30-62 in 4th gear etc,I cannot be more hones with U,I told you I am a little biased with Fords but not GMs cuz their cars are not good,U say they are comfy but no,in our roads, Cruze failed 2 provide comfort by offering body roll at corners and soft suspension that tossed passengers around and see saw motion on bad roads

[@1989rs500]

and my friend Anand made this comment,I should have bought the Audi! it has AWD so all weather friendly,better mpg,premium and cabin,superb AT gearbox,smaller so better 2 park and take small roads,5 star NCAP, mustang has got just 4 stars, see this is a fact, thats the biggest reason Y Audi is worlds most popular luxury brand,they target customer thruout the world,American car company target just American people,Just get out of the well and explore the world,In auto world Euro IS THE BEST

[@1989rs500]

I was in Dubai once,people there sell pony cars for really cheap prices and one of my friend took a Ford Mustang 2010 5.0 with 444 hp and he went to a drag strip and we got smoked by a stock Audi TT RS with just 2.5 i5,it was same cost of Ford Mustang he bought but had much better grip and power off the line and Mustang could catch it only after 700m,because no traction,manual shift was not quick as DSG,lot of wheel spin,drank more gasoline than Audi,interior felt cheap,long turning radius

[@1989rs500]

Because in Cruze there wont be power till 2000 rpm but after that it will jump like a pony to the car up front so throttle had 2 be applied with utmost care,no such worries with Jetta cuz 0 turbo lag,we tested cars stability and quietness at high speeds,Cruzes steering was not at all precise and lot of road,tyre and wind noise in cabin at 140 kmph,Jetta had noise but it was jut that of engine noise rest all sounds were so low compared to Cruze,back seat of Jetta has better under thigh support 2

[@1989rs500]

I work as Auto journo and I have personally tested Cruze in its 2.0 tcdi (163 hp) version and it was no way a match to Jetta,see I am biased to Ford but I 2 hate VW cuz I find their designs really boring,but other than that its a no nonsense car,The 2.0 TDi DSG Jetta we tested just has 140 hp but was easier to drive and was as fast as Cruze as DSG was shifting eyeblink quick whereas Cruze takes its sweet time to shift,Cruze had horrible turbo lag in city so bumper to bumper traffic made me sweat

[@1989rs500]

Jetta rides better,Jetta,handles better,Jetta has more room,Jetta has bigger boot,Jetta has better gearbox,Jetta uses more soft touch and premium materials inside cabin,Jetta has a quieter cabin(almost luxury car level quietness) Y dont U accept these facts?See I am not anti American,Iphone is American nothin can beat it,Americans produce worlds best clothing/washing machine technology/Air conditioning technology/best computers/best in military power/best space agency but NOT BEST CARS

[@Fussinated]

8b> Now, please give answers to these questions; 1- Why are you so anti American? 2- Why are you fixed with Cruze? 3- Why are you lying about Cruze being a bad car? 4- Why are you applying double standards when it comes to Americans and American cars? 5- Do you think that the world will be a better place without the American cars? 6- Do you think the world will be a better place without the United States of America? 7- What is your personal agenda on bad mouthing American cars and Americans?#.

[@1989rs500]

I am a little biased to Ford sure but I dont like VWs still they are better than American Cruze, You people might have good experience with GM there in USA but here in Europe,Asia and Australia GM cars run in the name of cheapness,they have no image nor value and often end up in 2nd hand market after 5 years but not VWs and Fords,In China GM makes superb profit cuz its damn cheap to buy GM cars in China cheaper than Toyotas,Fords and VWs are relatively expensive,

[@1989rs500]

See If I really like Tesla motors,I like American cars style which looks different and much more appealing like the Cadillac ATS etc,the Cadillac Elmiraj concept etc,much more than Euro concepts,I like their interior designs specially the Chevy Iquinox etc,but will I buy one,NO because they just look good and dosent work good in real life and for long term use they wont survive here in Asia and europe where diesels have more prominence than gasolines and people ususally drive manual

[@1989rs500]

See I consider Ford Focus a better car than Jetta, and Cruze is even worse than Jetta, Cruze has got only some strong points like it looks good and its cheap to buy and is pretty economical to run, other than that its in no way a match to Jetta or Ford Focuses in terms of suspension,ride/handling interior quality,Power,refinement,cabin insulation,features, or anything, Cruze is just a cheap American sedan,if somebody is in a budget market Cruze makes sense for 5 years thats it,Ford,VW way better

[@Fussinated]

3c> "its suspension is 2 soft and soggy,interior plastics wears off within 3 years" No. you are lying. Even if There were any Cruze like that, Most likely there are same number of Jettas are there as well. In that case you close your eyes not to see them. "diesel is noisy and has huge turbo lag,AT has worst gear ratios,only advantage is its CHEAP" So, you are screwed by VW and you love it. Why bad mouth the Cruze? Cruze is doing well in China, that are made in India. Sthg wrong with Indians?

[@1989rs500]

If you still dont believe try,2012 Chevrolet Cruze Vs Renault Fluence Vs Volkswagen Jetta | Comparison Test | Autocar India--Golf v Focus v Cruze v Mazda3 v Corolla 2013 | Small Car | Drive.com.au--Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, VW Jetta - Comparison Test - CAR and DRIVER--Face-off: Chevrolet Cruze Vs Skoda Laura - NewsX and lots more written reviews too,maybe since its Chevys hometown its good in USA,but everywhere else,it fails desperately

[@1989rs500]

Cruze fails every comparison test,I am not British I am an Indian and in my country the roads are among worlds top worst ones,Americans cannot even dream of such horrible roads cuz ur country is developed,and even in these roads ride,handling,comfort,safety,power and thoughtful features are in VW Jetta,Cruze desperately fails, its suspension is 2 soft and soggy,interior plastics wears off within 3 years,diesel is noisy and has huge turbo lag,AT has worst gear ratios,only advantage is its CHEAP

[@1989rs500]

Cruze fails every comparison test,I am not British I am an Indian and in my country the roads are among worlds top worst ones,Americans cannot even dream of such horrible roads cuz ur country is developed,and even in these roads ride,handling,comfort,safety,power and thoughtful features are in VW Jetta,Cruze desperately fails, its suspension is 2 soft and soggy,interior plastics wears off within 3 years,diesel is noisy and has huge turbo lag,AT has worst gear ratios,only advantage is its CHEAP

[@1989rs500]

Cruze fails every comparison test,I am not British I am an Indian and in my country the roads are among worlds top worst ones,Americans cannot even dream of such horrible roads cuz ur country is developed,and even in these roads ride,handling,comfort,safety,power and thoughtful features are in VW Jetta,Cruze desperately fails, its suspension is 2 soft and soggy,interior plastics wears off within 3 years,diesel is noisy and has huge turbo lag,AT has worst gear ratios,only advantage is its CHEAP

[@1989rs500]

Fussinated just try to find one automotive review where an American car is told better than a German or European or even a Japanese car,the reliability is Japanese strong point but not safety all Japanese cars are wafer thin construction and are tin can feeling compared to Euro solid cars,but light weight gets better mpg,power,and easy low cost manufacturing lets them put lot of airbags to keep safety ratings on internet and on NCAP ratings,just you tube cruze vs any car you like,

[@Fussinated]

2b> The worst reliable car is Jaguar a European brand. Chrysler's reliability is on the low side. but GM's reliability is on par with VW group. "American is last" Funny, not in the US. Probably in Europe by a survey that is done by Europeans. Which is always the case anyway. It is hard to believe the impartiality of Europeans in such issues. While my data is from a non affiliated independent Consumer Reports tests. :) -#.

[@Fussinated]

5> By practical comfort I can give the example of cup holders. The American cars are the best cars with cup holders. Now Europeans does not understand this since they don't have this culture having breakfast in the car while driving to work, or drinking a freshening coffee while driving from work, or where the works lead you. BMW for example is so idiotic for an American to enjoy the car while drinking coffee is impossible. And the best car for that are American Fords. >6

[@Fussinated]

4> "And American cars were rated worst for quality interior and exterior and ride and handling and worst in ageing" This is a biased conclusion since it reflects mostly what Europeans think about American cars. While the fact is in the US market, where roads are not that good and even commuting is mostly done by private cars, unlike in Europe it is mostly done by public transportation, American cars last longer than European brands and they provide comfort in such a practical way. >5

[@Fussinated]

2> "Europe is the place where best cars roll and in Arab countries as well and they dont use American they use Japanese most(cheapest),German 2nd,American the least" Well this is a BS. 1- Europe is not the place where best cars are 2- Arabs are influenced by the European culture and they adopted their values with lots of money. Rolls Royce for example for an extended time remained in the market because of Arabs, even though it was a junk on for wheels. Prestige illusion provided that. >4

[@Fussinated]

"See I am not trying to be offensive, If you havent seen any other country other than America you might not understand" Actually, if you haven't seen US you will never understand what I am talking about. Let me clue you on this. This country is so big and transportation is so vital that in the old days they hung horse thieves. This was not because they loved horses too much, it is due to significance of the transportation here. And I live in the US but I more than 30 years I lived in Europe. >2

[@1989rs500]

See I am not trying to be offensive, If you havent seen any other country other than America you might not understand, I am an auto journo working for a magazine and I ve travelled a lot to many countries just to review cars, to take census of best selling cars around the major countries etc,Europe is the place where best cars roll and in Arab countries as well and they dont use American they use Japanese most(cheapest),German 2nd,American the least

[@1989rs500]

True,its buitlt quality and strength weere praised even further when a celebrity who owned a Skoda Octavia after drinking hit an airport wall after collecting a Camry driver who was extremely drunk and the Toyota crumbled like a tin can and Skoda(sub brand of VW) didnt even loose shape, he just broke his collar bone and wrist bone the other drunk Camry guy got paralyzed and the celebrity quit drinking and wrote a message on a Magazine,"The Skoda that made me quit drinking" Rock solid VW

[@Fussinated]

Look I understand your point completely and I agree with you. I prefer variety in the market myself. By no means I wish that VW or any other car maker should stop making cars. My approach is from statistical point of view. VW's are not as reliable as Japanese cars and their reliability is on par with American cars. except fiat owned Dodge Chrysler. I might buy and enjoy a VW sometime in the future with that knowledge about reliability, Yet, I am against that badge mongering as I mentioned.

[@Fussinated]

3a> There are many claims about other car companies as well. Porsche claims that the %60 of all Porsches are produced are on the road today. Toyota claims %80 percent of all Toyotas that were produced within the last 20 years are still on the road etc. However there is no independent source to confirm these claims. I don't have anything against any brand, I have everything against bigoted badge mongering fan boys. Especially the European ones, since, I know them well, both cars and the people.

[@Fussinated]

The reliability of a car is determined by the problems that it causes 100 cars produced. So, "I did this, I did that" kind of approach is a subjective approach which is not much different than saying that the colors of a particular brand are better than the other. The difference is we have means to obtain maintenance records of cars. Jetta for a long time was the least reliable car in the US. Even when Hyundai was around. :) >3a

[@1989rs500]

And Ford America is shit,Ford Europe is the best of Ford, I 2 agree with the points that American cars are worst in world for plastic quality,built quality,even handling is really bad,Germans on the other hand are perfectionists and their car are impeccably brilliant for someone who chooses cars with their heads but for those who give importance to their hearts while choosing cars might not like VW,looks sedate and boring and extremely purposeful,superficially understated designs

[@Fussinated]

"Fun hybrid? Sure the Fusion is great, but the Jetta Hybrid is ranked the most fun hybrid by MotorTrend and CarandDriver. I haven't it driven it" I did the test drive on Jetta hybrid. It is better than the TDi. However, Fusion, Camry, C-Max are more capable hybrids. And they burn regular while Jetta hybrid burns premium which costs as high as diesel ( about 40cents more than regular). This is German engineering for you, make a hybrid to save fuel and make it run with premium LOL!.

[@Fussinated]

"You sum up all of the ignorant VW haters" And you sum up all the bigots that favor VW blindly over other brands. "Ask anyone who owned a VW and they will love them. Yes there are quirks. Even VW admits to putting out a lot of lemons" So, you are in love with a junk. good for you. :) "You still can't get past the facts that VW has the most cars on the road over 100,000 miles than any other car maker" Who told you this lie? LOL! "Unreliable?" Right out of the factory. :) >2

[@Fussinated]

8e> "Cruze had horrible turbo lag in city so bumper to bumper traffic made me sweat" Why do you need the turbo in a bumper to bumper traffic? You don't even need to accelerate. You sweat because you hate Americans. That's all. The idea of saying good things about Americans is killing you. try to be objective you sweat less. >8f

[@Fussinated]

8b> "Americans produce worlds best .... but NOT BEST CARS" Why not some of them are best say a Corvette truly a super car killer not even a GT-R can do a better job on that. Any American (except Chrysler group) car is as reliable or more reliable than a European car and has more comfort than them as well. >8c

[@Fussinated]

3> "Agree with that, thats in USA but in Europe the case is not as serious as it seems, and here in Asia usually VWs are really good that nobody even cares to open the bonnet until 50000kms thats the kind of reliability VWs have here in Asia atleast in my country India" You see you are a typical Britishit colony person. You adore Europeans with extreme prejudice. >4

[@Fussinated]

8> "America VW wont get the proper attention cuz they are costly to maintain and VWs are famous for TDis more than NA engines" TDi's suffering fuel line problems. And this is somehow kept from the public even though it is right there in the open. It is as if people are afraid to say bad things about a European brand. :). >9

[@Southerngravy50]

For those who want to know why diesel is more expensive than Premium gas the reason simply is taxes. US govt taxes diesel more because less people use it, prior to the big push in the past 2-4 years only people who really used diesel was truckers and wannabe truckers. Where I'm from diesel is about 4 cents more than mid grade gas so I'm good.

[@amosjsoma]

The only green I care about has a picture of George Washington on it. My Honda Accord gets 35 to 38 on the highway and until the price of diesel gets closer to the price of gas, there is no financial advantage to the diesel. Combine that with the historical quality advantage of Honda over Volkswagen, it's a no brainer.

[@eternalhalloween1]

I usually try to stay American or Japanese. It's not that I have anything against European cars. I would love an old 80s Volkswagen Scirocco. But almost anything European is hell for your average mechanic to get parts for or work on.

[@bmwmsport11]

The only problem with diesels is that 1. Diesel cost more than premium gasoline 2. Diesel isn't avaliable at every gas station. But atleast diesels have good torque and are reliable.

[@johnnyivy9041]

Do you say that Audi,BMW,Mercedes,Wolswagen cars are shit and junk, well my friend, you dont know nothing about cars. I dont say that the american cars are shit and junk but who needs them here in EUROPE

[@NeutralGenericUser]

Whoever buys this over a Honda Accord or Mazda 6 or a Camry Hybrid has completely goofed and should be made fun of at stoplights. Seriously, I've seen bathtubs with more style than that shit.

[@neondiamondsaquaberry17]

Vw clutch has no feel ?! Lol , yah buddy that’s because it’s a hydraulic clutch and it engages/ releases like butter , if you wanted to feel a clutch go drive a Honda, dont expect VW to make a rough clutch dummy

[@eternalhalloween1]

If you painted the VW Passat a nice golden brown, it would like an old moonshiner's car. (I mean that in a good way.) It probably would appeal to the moonshiners. It has a good amount of power, and it doesn't draw much attention. Overall, it's an impressive car.

[@1989rs500]

U think calling me an American hater changes the facts, the fact is Cruze is no way a better car than Jetta

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I completely agree, with the exception of the Focus and Escape in America. The rest is not to my liking. And I won't drive anything but a VW because my sister had a crash in her 2006 Jetta TDI when a semi truck blew a tire and hit her head on both doing 70mph. She opened the door and had a smoke, she then proceeded to close the sunroof and windows with the electric system still working. That car had been submerged in water, hit a gravel pile at 30mph and many more incidents, we loved it.

[@longlongtran]

funny thing is about that fuel economy...

[@fantomtuba]

KZbin, get rid of this comment. Obviously this person never drove a stick.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Hahahaha thats hilarious. I don't really like hybrids anyways. Apparently the Jetta hybrid isnt as fuel efficient as the TDI and yea...premium fuel. Thats pretty laughable if you ask me. I like the idea of the Jetta hybrid but it needs to be a bit more...practical

[@King_TuTT]

NIce review. but I think $30k is over priced! exspecially compaired to a regular gas car that is compairable. but I like that diesel.

[@Stere0guy]

What a joke! So says the guy who thinks the Accord and Camry has style.

[@Fussinated]

Hybrid is a newer and better technology than diesel. Achieving diesel level consumption on regular gas is an advancement in any definition. Also Hybrid cars are balanced better since front wheel drive cars are heavy at the front light at the back. The battery above rear axle balances the car and makes it more stable. They might not handle as good as a non hybrid but they sure have better ride quality.

[@keithplumley5243]

Ya until you get to buy a new battery.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I havent driven a Passat TDI or V6, just a 2.5 and apparently to accommodate the heavier diesel, the steering and suspension are different. I thought the Passats steering was great. Maybe a bit too heavy in parking lots but still great, very responsive, and you can tell where the wheels are unlike many other electric set ups. I havent driven a 6 sadly but I have driven a Fusion and yea it was better. I always thought that VW's were always near the top of best to drive in their classes.

[@Fussinated]

9i> "U think calling me an American hater changes the facts" Well, you hate Americans, and this is true for a fact. "the fact is Cruze is no way a better car than Jetta" The fact is Cruze is not a bad car and in some aspects it is better than a Jetta. Such, it has a better highway mileage, more reliable, better creature comforts, cheaper to buy, easier to maintain, and comes with more amenities. So for those who want an alternative to Jetta, Cruze may well be one. Stop hating. -#.

[@1989rs500]

Well please give hones answers?Its between Cruze and Jetta 1.Which handles better? 2.Which has better ride? 3.Which car is built better? 4. Which has better gearbox? 5.Which has a quiet cabin? 6.Which car has better interior room, front and rear? 7.Which car uses premium materials inside the cabin,I mean soft touch plastics and high quality knobs and buttons? 8.Which car has better ergonomics? 9.Which car has bigger boot? 10.Which 1 is safe and reliable?

[@ArcolaBridge]

why do the different trims get different MPG??? The manual is rated at 30 city, 46 hwy. But the premium sel versions have less mpgs....? Are the fancier trims heavier or what?

[@DrakeAmilee]

+ArcolaBridge heavier and they have more power in the engine

[@Fussinated]

To all of the questions above all answers; Numbers 5 and 9 are the only ones that can be answered objectively and a bigger trunk and quieter cabin are not only not major quality determining factor but also the difference is not that much. Their reliability is equal. The rest are as subjective as they can get. And my answers go for Cruze. >8b

[@mazinais31]

oh come on ... why did you have to go with the clutch comment? diesels have a different feeling clutch because of the dual mass flywheel that softens out and lenghtens the area you can work with so you don't get those diesel vibrations through to the gearbox and everything else... i havent driven the us passat but a european b6 20.tdi... to me the clutch feels really good