Road Test: 2012 Volkswagen Passat

[@ajamini]

I always bought American cars my whole life until I bought a 2012 3.6 V6 Passat. Best car I've ever owned in terms of overall value. It's quick, quiet, comfy, and priced great. The sound system is amazing too. I just wish it had HID headlights, that's my only complaint.

[@cabrioglx]

I drove the 2012 Passat TDI at the local dealership and it rocks. Not quite as sharp as my 2007 3.6 4Motion but it's 7K less expensive! Amazing work Volkswagen. And the 2.5 gas engine isn't bad - way better than the competition's 4 cylinder engines.

[@PrinceSmithActor]

I ONLY drive Mercedes Benz. My sister LOVES Audi, she JUST bought a used 08 A4 and it died with only 60k on it. I picked her out a 2015 Passat with 20k on it..and I LOVE this car. Spacious, quick, feels heavy, and I want one

[@ladymarmaladea.2463]

DAMN . you are A Cutie/Attractive piece of Man. 🥧

[@bg1379]

WOW that was way more economical than I was anticipating! I actually like this model more than I thought I would. . . .

[@fernandorocha8459]

Great car is VW Passat

[@zuti071]

passat is the KING.

[@DrJWB008]

HP really isnt the issue here. For useable power in daily driving conditions, it is all about TORQUE. The TDI has 236lbs/ft. Go drive it and you'll know what I mean. I have a 2012 Golf TDI (same engine), and the torque makes it a very fun car to drive.

[@ThousanWhite]

I love that interior

[@stewardlie]

This is such a nice car. Went inside the cabin recently and the quality is very good. Soft touches all around the car. But I can't help but notice that the MPG for the 2.5L engine is VERY bad considering it's a 2012 model car. Accords are on 34MPG hwy and now 2012 Camry is at 35MPG.

[@HadaCakraningrat]

Geeeez that Trunk is BIIIIIIIIIIG !!!!!!!

[@CarSteve]

Don't really understand building usa version. Point of German car is to get the strengths that very car offers around the world.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I had a 15 limited with 1.8tsi. It was a tremendous car. Freeway freight train and the biggest back seat ever

[@ajamini]

@DrunkPilgrams I too would prefer a non-wood trim option but the sound system is better than a lot of the BOSE systems I've heard and trust me no corners were cut with this car.

[@ajamini]

@TheTallMan35 the fender sound system is amazing, crystal clear even at loud volume levels!

[@88bigten]

Amen. My parents bought two Audi foxes in the 70s. The automatic one needed two tranny rebuilds in less than two years. The other was manual and was always breaking down with electrical problems. I had a VW rabbit and the oil pump (and then engine) failed while going 60 on the freeway; it had less than 100K and it had been babied. This car intrigues me, but without a couple of years of Consumer's Reports data, I'm thinking this is gonna be a pass. Plus it is too pricy.

[@chris92282]

What i liked about the Jetta's and Passat's of the past were that they didn't look like anything else on the road...that what their appeal! VW's are great cars, but how can anyone get excited about the new generations of the Jetta and Passat?

[@iggibars]

@Corvette1658, From my personal experience of owning a 2005 Jetta and 2007 Passat, along with numerous AWD vehicles from GM to Honda, VW has the BEST ESP/ABS/etc than anything else I'v owned. Never owned an Audi with a true quattro system, but from what I know, they use similar electronic programs. I pretty much went down to bald tires(last week of winter and wrong time to buy new tires) on one winder with my passat, and it never got stuck...it hesitated, but NEVER got stuck. It always amazed me

[@RyanMoran1992]

I own a 2000 Passat after hearing what motorweek had to say about it then, so maybe this will be my next car... when I can afford it of course!

[@MalamIbnMalam]

In case you didn't know, Toyota are the makers of Lexus, and based on VWs track record and high maintenance costs I find it very hard to believe it is on the same level with Toyota/Lexus. Also, in Consumer Reports while the VW Passat and GTi are recommended, they are not reliable.

[@SeanManks]

Simple looks is what makes it great... Just like a Maybach... Royal.!

[@lightningbuster]

I’m a little skeptical with VWs because I’ve only ever owned a 99 Passat and it was junk. However I have a couple friends with this model and they stand by them. So we’ll see.

[@Mark-xh9ne]

You could be happy with this Passat if you have never owned or driven the previous generations. I would gladly have my 07 back and cannot wait for my lease to be up on my 14. It is a nice rental car though .

[@radudeATL]

It never occurred to me that the previous generation was too small. I just thought it was too ugly and too pricey.

[@USCUSCTrojan1]

I test drove this car today and was VERY disappointed at the fact that none of their Passat trims have HID/Xenon headlights. It's not even an available option! The VW sales manager even said "we are all scratching our heads as to why that option doesn't exist for this trim level". I would have honestly purchased the car if it wasn't for those antiquated halogen headlights. Come on VW this is 2011. So I walked across the street and purchased a new Acura TSX

[@ajamini]

@Corvette1658 it snowed two days after I bought mine and it held it's own very well in the snow with minimal slipping but AWD would've been a bit better.

[@tinleo333]

@zznwea the altima has multilink from the old skyline 4 disk brakes and 280 hp v6

[@TheTallMan50]

@TheTeevo8 This car's styling is conservative not boring. And as far as the wimpy engine goes, VW offers a 280hp VR6 with this car. Why Motorweek decided on the 140hp turbo diesel for this review is unclear.

[@chinkyeyes86]

Other then the Ford Fusion, these other companies need to offer AWD in the midsized sedan offerings...

[@NEONPARADlSE]

You got your wish... It just took 8 years.

[@DevPack]

@MrBigjdub76 yea thats true, however that pertains to the older models. Its a whole new ball game now. Domestic automakers are def on top like you said with better quality,styling, and ergonomics.

[@yoshi18929]

This is arguably one of the most beautiful cars under $25K.

[@Golf1Cabrio91]

20.765$ in USA? in germany cost the base: 24,775€ (30.346,90$).... thats bad... :(

[@TheTallMan50]

@ajamini You bought one of these? Sweet! How 'bout that Fender audio system?

[@caludencias]

What is happening with all the DSG transmissions at the VAG Group cars? At the end of the warranty it seems that they are programmed to fail, you should replace at your own cost the electronic module. Cost? About 2,500 USD. I love this car but with this issue even in 2017, I will see to oriental cars.

[@nldekker]

You are crazy. The 2012 JD Power top 5 are Lexus, Porsche, Jag (largest improvement), Cadillac and Honda. The next ten are Acura, Infiniti, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mazda, GMC, Nissan, Ram and Chevrolet. VWs doen't even rate they are so low. And this is just INITIAL quality. Dependability is another ranking and VW is even lower for older and used cars! Google the rsults- don't take my word.

[@eisenjeisen6262]

I like my VW Tiguan 4 motion. Tiptronic and away I go and its also 2012

[@radudeATL]

@radudeATL With that said, while this new Passat looks fairly bland, I kinda like it. It's a move in the right direction as far as I'm concerned.

[@DrJWB008]

Far better than pouring your hard-earned money into the gas-tank on a weekly basis. Plus, if you've not driven a TDI, go and try it. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the very useable power.

[@jackpontiac52]

@justmercuriciodide A DSG is about the same. No loss in MPG, because their is no Torque Converter that wastes power.

[@danhans1987]

Buy this car if you like to hear wind noise at freeway speeds. bad door seal design compared to the bank-vault quiet jetta.

[@jeremiahanthony5521]

I like it

[@RT360ci]

@bg1379 I was amazed too. I was interested in the diesel variant, however the 2.5L is just as economical and would be the engine I'd get. Yes. The diesel requires urea injection in the Passat, and timing belt replacement on the diesel will set you back $1K every 90-100K. The base cost difference even with the potential fuel savings with the diesel, the 2.5L is the better deal in the long run. Unless you plan to lease, ick!

[@igeekone]

I'd take the Passat over Camry or Sonata. The Passat looks sharp and there is the TDI!

[@Kfcyeh]

I would not buy Toyota Camry or Hyundai Sonata. VW seems like very expensive in either oil change and service. I probably wait for 2013 Ford Fusion or current Mazda6i.

[@Corvette1658]

Since they are not AWD drive ones does everyone know how they do in the snow well my dads lease on his 2009 Audi A5 is comeing up in may or june so he needs a new car so i am looking at this for him.

[@StevenBeDrummin]

why? im shopping around right now and im just stuck between this car or the camry

[@MalamIbnMalam]

Mazda 6i have issues, just read all the reviews on owners of the Mazda 6 from 03 - present

[@emaregos8758]

Emission scandal? Who gives a fuck lol!

[@CHOTICHATRI007]

He need joint.... he sound funky.....

[@jackpontiac52]

@MFforTGusa You mean when they Put a Chevrolet Badge on what is essentially an Opel Vectra, right/ Not many Canadians and Americans know this !

[@rider56AK907]

if u guys at really that bummed about the power you should kno that the diesel is turbo'd so all you'd have to do is turn up the boost! plus where I live we have no emissions testing at all,.... yes even for gassers! so just take off all that diesel emissions crap

[@nldekker]

Not only do I 'comprehend words', I also comprehend how both surveys are conducted. You do not. JD Powers is not 'predicted reliability', it measures 'initial quality', as reported by owners, within the first 90 days of ownership. Consumer Reports surveys are based on 1.3 million owner reported results going back nine years. I trust those sources. In fact, I participated in several Consumer Reports surveys, myself. Bottom line- VWs are very nice looking, but rather unreliable.

[@nihonkokusai]

I am sorry but, the VW is a TDi and does easily 50Mpg. The Honda is gas engined?

[@TheHoth1]

What? Every 10K miles, you need to pee in the gas tank? No thank you! ;)

[@stefaandk]

Funny how positive reviews get slammed as biased sales speak, those commentators better get busy as passat reviews on youtube are positive throughout or you gonna tell me that they are ALL in VW's pocket? Maybe it actually is a good car.

[@Mr.Ratchet]

Is it me or does this Passat loom like a Impala from the side

[@telj1]

Nice but I'm not a fan of the direction the vw desing is headed.

[@Fussinated]

"Uhh...you obviously dont comprehend words, I'm strictly talking about 2012 Passats." "We do not have any Recalls for 2012 Toyota Camry at this moment." AOL Autos. "We do not have any Recalls for 2012 Honda Accord at this moment." AOL Autos. "VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 PASSAT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 18, 2011, THROUGH JUNE 1, 2011. DURING ASSEMBLY, THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH A DIESEL FUEL FILTER ELEMENT THAT MAY NOT SEAL CORRECTLY." AOL Autos. -cntd >2

[@gracer99]

@tinleo333 yeah, but it’s a nissan

[@TheLanard]

That analog clock does NOT convey "luxury intentions". It looks like a cheap toy clock you'd get free from a bank just for joining.

[@ajamini]

@TheTallMan35 agreed, I own the VR6 and it's fantastic, some chump teenager tried to race me in his ghetto Honda Accord and I smoked him, good times...

[@Hidezepickle]

No AWD available? Or HID/Xenon headlights?

[@MalamIbnMalam]

I agree I would rather get a Camry or an Accord any day over a Passat or any Euro car for that matter.

[@mb013962]

its funny how this gets better mpg than the jetta

[@Guy_de_Loimbard]

"Comes standard with VW's popular 'broken cruise control' feature..."

[@zuti071]

passat is the KING.but in europe base price starts at 30000$.WTF !!!

[@76carmel]

Remember the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

[@hdksb2]

rebuilt every 10k????

[@Nbuilder1]

That's just for the Diesel model.

[@iknow4913]

That laggy ass map and the diesel sounding endings is horrible. Nice car outside of those

[@cubanmiami]

Pause at 2:17, and read the display...

[@MalamIbnMalam]

To me, the 2012 Kia Optima, 2012 Toyota Camry, 2012 Hyundai Sonata are all better cars.

[@kenc2386]

Floaty on bumps? I watched the motorweek video on the 82 Continental. A luxury car is supposed to insulate you from nasty roads!

[@MalamIbnMalam]

Volkswagen has a reputation of building unreliable cars that usually have extensive problems only a few years after buying them. I would stay far away from Volkswagen and go with Toyota, Honda, Hyundai or Kia. It is a very competitive segment (this mid-sized cars segment) for sure.

[@nikolanikola8543]

Monsieur Africain Lmao Volkswagens are one of the most reliable cars in the world? Dude wtf? 😂😂😂

[@BimmerM5e39]

I like that last generation better, this looks like cheap domestic focused on maximum profits.

[@Fussinated]

"Passat so far has had none and Honda and Toyota has had tons" This is what you said. Now u r not only comparing PASSAT with the whole line up of HONDA and TOYOTA, you are also not giving correct info since Passat had recalls. And considering that you strictly talk about 2012 model year with ur own information you refuted your own self. "and it only affected 153 passats. 2012 Camry has 8 recalls and Accord has 5" -cntd >3

[@mbergheaud]

He forgot to mention the plastic interior.

[@justmercuriciodide]

43 MPG EPA highway only with the manual.

[@moddingpark]

Too small size? Yes, if you usually drive a truck.

[@renodavid]

@hdksb2 He said REFILLED. ;-)

[@stangtrax]

The car is bigger but several hundred pounds lighter.

[@ocean4315]

To me, it's not reliable and trouble free, nothing else matters. I guess time will tell.

[@eggbirdtherooster]

Why is this man always shouting at me..?

[@kamrankhan-lj1ng]

At u????

[@DevPack]

lol camry and accord are nothing any more. I have no idea why people keep comparing these other cars to them. The cars now ahead of the game are cars like the sonata and fusion.

[@klukash]

looks like a Chevy impala to me

[@TJC450]

Looks like a impala interior looks semi cheap horse power is meh price is nice tho

[@jvrdlc]

Not worth it, I'd still get the accord over this 5cyld or the altima or sonata. They r better value

[@zeplman09]

Terrible Wind Noise! Seating is not comfortable on long huals. Brakes are too grabby and after sitting a while sqeek at first. Dashboard has lots of Flexing heard everyday! Radio can only perform one action at a time with too long wait in between actions.

[@kogut1974chicago]

from the distance cant tell if its jetta or passat...kind of boring look

[@29jimmy980]

LMAO Bigger is better...well i guess this applies to several things

[@holten75]

If you want electrical problems with the vw i would not buy it

[@MrBigjdub76]

@DevPack Because the Ford and Hyundai have no resale value. They may be higher quality cars, better looking even, but they can't hold their value in a bucket.

[@atruerushfan]

FINDER, Yes that FINDER. Yes, with an "I"

[@TheLBCSublime]

chattanooga Tennessee aheyyyyyyyyyyy 423

[@nldekker]

Why is the steering wheel not centered, and offset to the right? PS: Are VWs still unreliable pieces of junk? According to JD Powers and Consumer Reports, it seems like the answer is yes... PSS: Why doesn't any reviewer ever talk about this? Who cares about specs if the car spends more time at the dealer than your driveway?

[@mcximus]

One cubic more than a honda accord..wooo hoo..

[@monkooo]

sry but this us version sux :(

[@sgtcojonez]

Why does he speak so weird?

[@Fussinated]

"And yes I said tons I'm sorry I was over-exaggerating" No that's not the problem, you speak without necessary info. U speak out of emotional motives that doesn't base on facts. U should learn before spekaing and especially making ad hominem remakrs about others' level of comprehension. In any other circumstances I would have called u idiot more than many times due these facts. However, I can see that your ignorance on the issue can be fixed and u can correct ur ethical stance, so please do so.