The 2012 VW Passat

Automobile

The all-new, upsized Passat is made in the USA—designed for Yankee tastes and manufactured in Tennessee in a move calculated to help it become a major seller in the lucrative midsize-auto market. Accordingly, it’s “the dollars, not the drivers,” that have dictated the vehicle’s styling and engineering. Still a fine car, this Passat offers “respectable fuel economy, generous space, a great ride, and a fair value.” Alas, all the fahrvergnügen is gone. With this car, Volkswagen “has traded soul for sales.”

MotorWeek.com

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Most everyone but longtime VW devotees will welcome the car’s move toward the mainstream. The longer wheelbase provides a smooth ride and greater legroom, the overall look is conservative but classy, and, if you opt for the 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine, the elongated Passat is actually “a joy to drive.”

TheDetroitBureau.com

Whatever driving enthusiasts may think of it, this car is going to win VW a lot of new customers. Shoppers for midsize sedans like a good value, and the “pleasantly competent” and nicely appointed new Passat is actually priced significantly lower than the smaller model it replaces. Given its plain wrapper, “this isn’t a car that will turn heads.” Then again, “no one will be embarrassed to park it in the driveway.”