The Passat offers lots of room and has an enticingly low base price, but most versions cost at least $25,000. The spacious cabin has a very roomy rear seat, but fit and finish took a step back. The base engine is a lackluster 170-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder that gets 25 mpg overall. The turbodiesel version gets an impressive 37 mpg. High-end versions use the smooth, powerful 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6. The Passat is quiet and rides comfortably. Handling is responsive, but the car falls short on cornering grip when pushed to its limits. First-year reliability of the 2.5-liter and the diesel is above average.
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