Used 2009 Volkswagen Passat

The 2009 Volkswagen Passat competes with the top-of-the-line Accord and Camry models, along with such sporty sedans as Nissan’s Maxima. Loaded with features – some unavailable on the competition – and offered in both sedan and wagon forms, the Passat continues to be a more affordable way to enjoy true German engineering without breaking the bank. A drastic change in the lineup this year eliminates the V6 engine, manual transmission and 4MOTION options, leaving those seeking a bit more power and traction to move to the new CC sport sedan.

If above all else you’re seeking insulation from the realities of the open road, the 2009 Volkswagen Passat might leave you feeling a bit exposed – it is neither the smoothest-riding nor the quietest car in the category. Still, thanks to the superb seats we remained comfortable after hours on the road. We were especially impressed by the 200-horsepower 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder that’s more responsive than traditional turbocharged engines. The six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission is very good and especially reactive in its sport mode. As is characteristic of European sedans in general, the Passat behaves with stability and predictability from low to high speeds. Perhaps most significantly, the Passat is wholly successful in being exactly the car it wants to be.

Inside the Passat you’ll find a combination of style and refinement unmatched by any of its non-premium competitors. Quality materials and dynamic design combine in a passenger cabin that’s at once both relaxing and energetic. V-Tex Leatherette seating gives an upscale feel that cloth rarely delivers, but may deter some who prefer the coolness of cloth in the summer. Neat features include an electronic key and electronic parking brake, plus a center console storage box and umbrella storage in the driver’s side door. The rear-seats offer generous legroom, and a 60/40 split seatback functionally extends the Passat’s already deep but narrow trunk.

{With similarities extending from their tall, V-shaped chrome grilles all the way back to their nearly identical taillights, never before have the Passat and Jetta shared such a strong family resemblance – even though the larger Passat effectively projects itself as the more sophisticated older brother. The Passat is also bigger than the last-generation car, measuring three inches longer and three inches wider. Wheel options range from standard 17-inch to available 18-inch alloys. The big VW badge placed prominently on the rear doubles as the trunk release.

Hard Drive Navigation System
With 20 of its 30 gigabytes dedicated to music storage, the excellent navigation radio lets you transfer all your music directly into the system, negating the need to carry around CDs. The system also features DVD playback when the vehicle is in the park.

Umbrella Storage
A self-draining storage compartment located in the driver’s door allows convenient placement of a wet umbrella.

The 2009 Passat features an impressive list of standard equipment that includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, air conditioning, single-zone climate control, AM/FM/CD-MP3 sound system, V-Tex (simulated leather) seats, power locks/mirrors/windows (one-touch up/down in front), cruise control, fog lights, comprehensive trip computer, umbrella holder, 12-way power driver’s seat, power sunroof, keyless entry, cooled storage, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, electronic push-button parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system, 17-inch alloy wheels and a hill-hold function that prevents roll-back during hill starts. Standard passive safety equipment includes front, front-side and two-row side-curtain airbags, plus crash-active headrests and seatbelt pretensioners. Active safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), plus stability and traction controls.

The Passat’s list of optional features has been reduced to just a few choices. Buyers can opt for the 30-gigabyte hard drive navigation system, rear side-impact airbags, 18-inch wheels, an iPod adapter and few dealer-installed body kit packages.

We love that the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo provides plenty of power along with highway fuel economy close to 30 miles per gallon. The engine feels like a V6, with no noticeable turbo lag or shortage of power, even at highway speeds. Zero-to-60 miles per hour times range from 6.2 seconds to 7.4 seconds, according to Volkswagen.

2.0-liter in-line 4 turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/29