2009 Volkswagen Passat

KBB Editors' Overview

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.

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If you appreciate the typical distinctions associated with European sedans – tangible and intangible – you might consider the Passat to be one of the best values on the road.	If its driving dynamics or design distinctions don't make an impression on you, there's little reason to choose the Passat over benchmarks like the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, which both feature base models priced well below the Passat's $29,000 asking price.

The Passat line is paired down to a single model: the turbocharged Komfort trim. New standard equipment includes heated washer nozzles, power sunroof, fog lamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.