CarGurus Header

2008 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Write a review

$23,915 to $37,940

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(25 reviews)
2008 Volkswagen Passat Preview summaryImage

After its heralded return in 2007, the VW Passat didn't change too much for 2008 besides a new interior for the Turbo and a more upscale design. This full-size sedan comes in 5 trims. In addition, the '08 Passat has 4 doors and seats 5.

The Turbo trim comes with a 2.0 L, 200 hp I4 engine while the VR6 4Motion gives you the most bang for your buck with a 3.6 L, 280 hp V6 engine. As for transmission, you'll have your pick between 6 speed manual and 6 speed automatic. All Passats feature a leather steering and side shades.

Overall, reviewers like the low price for a sedan that resembles the Mercedes CLS. The powertrain selection looks solid, although you'd expect a full fleet of V6's in a competitive sedan. In any case, look for the 2008 VW Passat to make waves with sedan fans looking for a little extra flair.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
Sometimes our content pages are the result of a team effort. As with all CarGurus editorial, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2008 Volkswagen Passat

Write a review
User rating:
by Branden H
Aug 20, 2020
Great cars dependable and easy to operate greatest vehicle Ive ever ownedAug 20, 2020
by Coniah G
Apr 02, 2015
Overall, this is more than adequate for my needs and makes the daily commute fun. It's a blast to drive on the highway and at night because of both external and internal lights. If I remember, I'll update this as my use increases and issues are encountered. Pros: User Interface: It looks great on the inside and out and has a lot of nice features which add both fun and functionality. The inside illuminates well at night and the displays are very readable. The owner's manual is pretty detailed but easy to follow, and walks you through the many useful features such as: remembering up to three driver settings that are keyed to the remote, lighting timing adjustments, lots of storage, etc. The controls are easy to use and are probably more than the average driver would make use of. Handling: It accelerates very nicely to the point you won't even feel like you're going as fast as you are so you'll have to watch your speedometer closer than normally. Braking was a little touchy at first but easy to adapt to. It's also extremely comfortable to drive in and has good leg/head space in the back, at least if you're 6' tall or shorter. It hugs the road very nicely and is very responsive to driver input. Sound: The sound system is great and I find myself having to turn down the volume most of the time, and the steering wheel controls are both convenient and safer to use than reaching down to adjust the cd manually. Cons: Handling: It can feel heavy when making turns and taking corners and can feel sluggish at low (apartment complex) speeds. Safety: Checking over your shoulder or through the rear window is hindered by the seats and it's difficult to set the side mirrors as far out to the side of the vehicle while keeping them parallel to the ground to give blind spot clearance. Interior Cleaning (speculative): I suspect that given the leather interior it would not be ideal for families with little kids as spills are bound to happen. Apr 02, 2015
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2014
LOVE THIS CAR!! Its sleek and and has much more pickup than im used to in a sedan. Would recommend this car to anyone who wants something fast as well as stylish. Gas mileage is a con but not a deal breaker.Apr 28, 2014

2008 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$23,915 to $37,940
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler: wing

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler: wing

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: with lighting · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler: wing

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: side window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler: wing

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: vinyl/rubber · Floor Mats: front and rear · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with armrest · Cruise control: adaptive · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 3 total · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Rear spoiler: wing · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Headlights: Auto off

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Manual Adjustments: 8

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: full-size

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: DVD navigation system

Tires

Type: all season

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (8)
CarGurus Footer