7th Place: Volkswagen Passat

Overview:

Like the Acura TSX, the Passat offers something of a premium sports sedan feel in a family sedan. Though it isn't as fun to drive as the TSX, and has a few cheaper touches inside, it's more powerful, more comfortable, and more spacious, making it even more practical as a family car. However, with a relatively firm ride and a four-cylinder engine instead of a six, its premium feel comes not from smooth comfort but from its tighter driving feel. It's a good choice if that's what you're looking for, as it offers more space than any other car in this group to offer it, but consumers who prefer their luxury to be in the form of isolation should look elsewhere.

Driving the Passat:

The Passat has a firm, very well-controlled ride that generally smothers most road imperfections well. Some bumps can punch through, but the car always recovers quickly. The car handles well, and has tight, responsive steering that provides good feedback. The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine makes the car as quick as some V6 competitors, but the acceleration isn't as linear as in a naturally-aspirated engine. It gets very good gas mileage by the group's standards, on premium fuel. While quiet for a four-cylinder, the Passat's engine isn't as refined as some six-cylinder competitors. Wind and road noise are well-suppressed.

Inside the Passat:

Inside, the Passat’s large front seats are spacious, comfortable, and supportive, but some may prefer a softer cushion. The rear is well-shaped and comfortable, but while it's roomy enough, it's tighter than in quite a few others in this group. The dash uses mostly high-quality materials, though a few cheap plastics jump out. The seats use "leatherette" trim rather than the genuine article as in the others in this group, but it isn't readily obvious. The Passat's gauges are clear, but some controls should be higher. Drivers sit very comfortably, but rearward visibility is impeded by the three large rear head restraints and thick roof pillars. Wide door openings help entry/exit, though a smallish rear footwell complicates access there. The trunk is small but reasonably well-shaped.

Passat pricing:

The Passat is one of the group's priciest vehicles, pushing the price limit at $27,895. It comes with some unique extras, like a 12-way power driver's seat and a cooled glovebox, but lacks some of the more common ones. It also lacks true leather seating at this price, instead coming with vinyl "leatherette."

Conclusion:

For the right buyer, one who wants a tight-handling car with a nice interior and a relatively roomy back seat, the Passat is a very strong choice. With a lower price, a quieter engine, and the elimination of a few interior quality lapses, it could be a outstanding choice for that type of buyer. But with its firm ride and unexceptional refinement, the Passat may come up short for many other buyers looking for luxurious family cars in this price range.

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