2015 Volkswagen Passat Pros vs Cons
When it comes to cars, James Murdock has the real-world experience to back it up. With an economics degree and over 20 years running the family dealership, he's managed it all - from sales to service and marketing. His role is to provide his expert opinion on vehicle performance and value. He meticulously fact checks all features and data with vehicle manufacturers to ensure the upmost accuracy.
This class of automobiles is well-populated, with several affordable top performers from which the discerning consumer can choose. The difference between a top performer and a lesser one often comes down to simple characteristics such as a model's safety features, comfort, and price. The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is a fierce competitor in a aggressive category.
Top Ten Reasons to Buy the 2015 Volkswagen Passat - The Pros
1. Spacious Back Seat
One of the Passat's biggest selling points is its overall interior space, but especially the rear seating. The American car market places high emphasis on the ability to stretch out, but it is rare for a back seat to allow this much leg room. The Volkswagen Passat allows for a great deal of it.
2. Fuel Economy
The new generation of Volkswagens are all more fuel efficient than ever, but the 2015 has bragging rights to a turbo diesel that is an outstanding performer. Volkswagen calls the "Passat TDI the most fuel-efficient mid-size car on sale in America," with 30MPG in the city/44 on the highway. All other models perform at or above similar cars in the category.
3. Simple but Elegant Interior and Body Style
While no one would call the 2015 Volkswagen Passat flashy, the clean design both inside and out makes it a car any owner would be proud to drive. Rather than having to worry about whether it will go out of style, the 2015 design will remain stylish for years to come.
4. Increased Engine Performance
Several models have a strong manual transmission option as well as automatic standard, and all are front wheel drive. The turbo diesel exceeds EPA standards for clean performance, and engines range from 150 horsepower with 236 lb-ft of torque for the turbo diesel to 280 hp and 258 lb-ft torque for the 3.6 liter V-6.
5. Excellent Payload Room
The trunk on the Passat is rather large, boasting 16 cubic feet of space. With the seats folded forward, there is still more.
6. Details and Special Features
Interior construction is top-notch, made of upscale, high quality materials. Controls and gauges are intuitive and simple.
7. Top Rated Safety Features
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat gets a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety places it on the Top Safety Pick list. With high visibility as its top safety attribute, the Passat also has the standard airbags and stability control, plus a bonus "hill-holder."
8. Option Packages
A state of the art Fender audio system, digital navigation and radio player, CD player, heated seats, iPod connection, satellite radio, rearview camera, Bluetooth and more depending on the model.
9. Car-Net:
A service similar to On-Star, Car-Net is standard in most models, and includes 6 months of free service. This new service sets up smartphone control for benefits such as roadside assistance, service reminders, speed warnings, and crash notice. It also allows for remote lock and unlock, and stolen vehicle tracking. A special feature is "geo-fencing," which allows parents to limit the area in which their children can drive.
10. Made in America
The Passat has been manufactured in Tennessee since a remodel geared toward the American market in 2011.
Reasons the 2015 Volkswagen Passat May Not Be the Car For You - the Cons
1. Road Noise
Some drivers have reported that wind and road sounds can be bothersome. Experts contend that the wind pours over parts of the car's shell in an unusual way, which the large interior should be able to handle.
2. Limited Steering Feel
Driving includes all the senses, including feeling the response of your car on the road. Some drivers have reported difficulty with the Passat's road feel, making the drive seem sluggish or disconnected
3. V-6 Model Must Run on Premium Fuel
While the V-6 is high performance and boasts efficient fuel economy (20 MPG city/28 MPG highway),that is somewhat moderated by the fact that this model requires premium unleaded gasoline.
4. No Voice Command for Digital Systems
Many competitive models now offer voice controlled navigation, communication, and entertainment systems at least as options, but the Passat does not offer any of these in this model year.
5. Navigations Commands Are Lethargic
Some drivers and testers have reported that the digital systems are slow to respond.
How it Stacks Up to the Competition
The 2015 Volkswagen Passat performs well in its challenging category, falling solidly in the middle overall. When it comes to interior comfort and space, none of its closest competitors -- the Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, and Honda Accord -- come close. The TDI turbo diesel special cylinder-direct fuel injection wins hands-down when it comes to fuel economy. It does come up slightly short in high-tech features, chic looks, and lack of hybrid model. The latter, however, should not be considered a shortcoming, considering the fact that the turbo diesel model tends to perform better and with more fuel efficiency than almost any car maker's eco friendly car.
Volkswagen automobiles have been popular in the U.S. since the 1950's, and boast three of the best selling automobiles of all time. One of these is the Volkswagen Passat. The Passat boasts much of the fruits of Volkswagen's millions in research and development. In the future, the turbo diesel "concept car" shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, which is projected to achieve up to 70 miles per gallon may become available to the public. The Volkswagen has been the "people's car" since the 1930's, and it shows no signs of slowing down from here forward.
