Skip to main content

Used 2008 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
128 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

Camry? Why?

Macaroon, 10/24/2008
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've always loved Passats, and owned 2 1993 VR6/GLX, a wagon for my wife and a sedan for me. I went to my dealer to check out the GTI 5-door (I've been saying for years they needed one), but ended up driving off in this black beauty. Same engine/trans as the GTI make it nearly as fun to drive, but I got a proper grown-up car with a huge back seat for $5K less! I used to sell Toyotas, and there is no contest between this and a Camry (except, perhaps, in the long-term cost of ownership -- but with a 3 yr lease, who cares?) Hands down, the Passat hammers the stuffing out of the Camry! This car is simply WAY more: comfortable, feature-rich, fun to drive, fuel efficient and attractive.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic car

scontca, 07/22/2008
2008 Volkswagen Passat VR6 4Motion 4dr Wagon AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I absolutely love my Passat. I have owned about a dozen VWs and this is by far the best yet. The car is very quick, smooth, quiet and luxurious. I have had no problems and I am sure the car will hold up well over the next few years.

Report Abuse
2008 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 32 listings
See all 32 listings

1 out of 5 stars

Worst car I have ever owned. We sold it. Junk!!!!

mike, 01/09/2018
updated 01/16/2020
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/08 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful

We bought this car used. It looked great and seemed to be a good deal. We have 4 other cars. 2 Toyota vans one withe 190,000 miles , the other has 214,000 miles. we also have an older Subaru. The VW is not allowed to leave out little town because it is so unreliable. It has broken down almost any time it's been over 20 miles away. Fuel problems, head, carbon build up, have replaced the injectors, fuel rail, and more. Giant piece of crap!!!

Performance
1 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse

3.5 out of 5 stars

Excessively Burning Oil

Andrew, 04/25/2010
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
15 of 29 people found this review helpful

I purchased a used VW Passat with 19k miles. At one point, I checked the oil dip stick and discovered the engine consummed 2 quarts of full synthetic oil in approximately 4900 miles. I approached the dealer and I was told this is normal for this engine. In fact, the service person stated, I should consider myself lucky, others are burning more! With no help from the dealer, I called the 800 VW number (March of 2010). As a solution,VW staff stated I could go to the dealer, have them change the oil, and return within the 6k oil change interval and at that time,(and at my cost) the dealer would weigh the oil and determine if I was within VW's standard.

Report Abuse

4 out of 5 stars

200,000 mile Passat Wagon

Scott, 01/15/2018
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful

Great car! Low cost of ownership, fast, handles well, good gas mileage. Very European firm ride however. I put 165,000 of the 200,000 miles on it. Runs like the day I bought it. I guess I got a good one!

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Bought Friday, In Shop Saturday

zookeeper, 09/15/2008
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Wagon w/Prod. End 02/08 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful

Purchased this 08 Passat turbo wagon over the Subaru Outback. I had owned an 02 wagon previously and loved it. However, we bought this car on 8/29 and it was back at the dealership the next morning. The steering sensor mechanism was bad (warning lights were on when we left dealership but we were told it was due to low voltage and they'd go off - they didn't). The car was deemed "unsafe" to drive (I'd just driven 35 miles through pouring rain to return). I was put into a rental for 6 days while the part was replaced. I've had the car back for 9 days and I'm at the shop AGAIN b/c the malfunction indicator light is on. Thinking of buying a Passat? Then, RUN to your nearest Subaru dealer!

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Bimmer Killer

VR6Guy, 04/15/2010
2008 Volkswagen Passat VR6 4Motion 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl 6A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

Love my VR6 Passat 4Motion! I bought this car down in Florida the day before I drove back to Jersey. I got to test out VW service within the first 24 hours, apparently some sort of recall wasn't done on it and my car went into 'safe' mode somewhere in NC. Roadside came and got me in about 20 min, "Trip Interruption" paid for a kush hotel, my meals and a loaner. 2 days later I was back on the road. My Passat turns heads with it's muscular looks, and I love when I can kick a 5-series @$$ off of a red light, or the kids in their 6 cyl 'Stangs.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

An Enthusiast Is Hooked

DanB, 04/10/2008
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Traded my '06 Touareg V8 for an '08 Passat Turbo 6-speed...and I couldn't be happier. I have never seen such a well-executed car at this price point (~25k). Standard feature level, build quality, interior materials, driving dynamics and character all add up to one fantastic machine. Yes, even the V- Tex upholstery feels like real leather. I'm averaging 29mpg, mostly highway, with less than 100 miles on the car. The engine pulls willingly in any gear with little to no turbo lag. The car features an electronic parking brake, push-button start and disc brake wiping- all normally found on much more expensive vehicles. I would challenge anyone to find a better car out there for the money.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Best midsized sedan out there by far!

vdublover, 09/25/2007
2008 Volkswagen Passat Turbo 4dr Sedan w/Prod. End 01/08 (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We researched and drove Accord, Camry, and various other makes including Audi and Volvo. The Passat is the "Just Right" car in this segment. With plenty of power and fuel economy topped off with nice styling and comfort, this car suits my aggressive driving style, my wife's stylish taste, and my two kids space necessity. VW has won again!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Sedan, Almost a Luxury

phani9, 10/10/2010
2008 Volkswagen Passat Komfort 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I Just traded in my 09'Jetta 2.5 SE for a 08'Passat komfort. It's a wonderful sedan with so much interior luxury & killer looks outside.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
10