Facts & Figures
Exterior DimensionsCargo MeasurementFuelFacts & Figures
Exterior DimensionsCargo MeasurementFuelReliability History Reliability History
Trouble
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SpotsNEW CAR
PREDICTIONNEW CAR
PREDICTIONEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTSEngine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System
Electrical
Climate System
Suspension
Brakes
Exhaust
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
Body Hardware
Power Equipment
In-Car Electronics
USED CAR
VERDICTS180 NEW CARS CR.ORG/CARS!
RECOMMENDED1 2 3 4 5
WORSE BETTER!!
Volkswagen Passat
With generous interior space, responsive handling, and a com-
fortable, quiet ride, the Passat is a competitive midsized sedan.
The sole powertrain is now a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
that’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our drivers
found the front seats to be very accommodating, and rear-seat occu-
pants will appreciate the extra-spacious cabin. The trunk is huge,
perfect to carry the luggage for a long trip. Improved interior fit and
finish is a plus. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency
braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning are all
standard. A freshened 2020 Passat goes on sale this summer and
uses the same powertrain as the current model. Its exterior and inte-
rior styling isn’t a radical departure.Overall Score 79
Predicted Reliability 04
Owner Satisfaction 03
Road-Test Score 82
Front-Crash Prevention Std./ 04Base Price: $25,295-$29,995
Body Styles: sedan
Trim Lines: SE R-Line, Wolfsburg
Edition
Drive Wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 2.0-liter 4 turbo (174 hp)
Transmissions: 6-speed automaticLength (in.)..................... 192
Width (in.) ......................72
Height (in.) ......................59
Wheelbase (in.) .................110
Weight (lb.) ..................3,320
% weight front/rear ...........59/41Max. Load (lb.) ................1,115
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 16
Towing Capacity (lb.) ..........1,000Regular
CR overall mpg ..................28 Better than average16 17 18
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04Volkswagen Jetta
The new Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good
cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp,
1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that’s coupled to an eight-
speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times but delivers
responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34
mpg overall, matching VW’s diesel offerings from a decade ago. The
ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling
is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact
sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic cli-
mate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. A number of
advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, for-
ward collision warning, and blind spot warning, are available. A sporty
GLI version, which shares components with the VW GTI, returns.Overall Score 69
Predicted Reliability 03
Owner Satisfaction 03
Road-Test Score 78
Front-Crash Prevention Opt.Base Price: $18,745-$27,695
Body Styles: sedan
Trim Lines: GLI, GLI Autobahn, R-line,
S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium
Drive Wheels: Front
Seating: 2 front, 3 rear
Engines: 1.4-liter 4 turbo (147 hp);
2.0-liter 4 turbo (228 hp)
Transmissions: 8-speed automatic;
6-speed manual; 7-speed sequentialLength (in.)..................... 185
Width (in.) ......................71
Height (in.) ......................57
Wheelbase (in.) .................106
Weight (lb.) ..................3,065
% weight front/rear ...........59/41Max. Load (lb.) ................ 970
Cargo Volume, cu.ft............... 16
Towing Capacity (lb.) ............NRRegular or premium
CR overall mpg ..................34 Average(^0505)
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16 17 18
30
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