Faults:

The seats (the sports package) were miserable from the very start. We took a 1,000 mile round trip, and we were squirming after the first 100 miles. The seats are very rigid and do not conform to the body.

The dash has numerous rattles and rubs, and they differ depending on the temperature outside. Part of the problem is likely the cheap plastics used on much of the dash in this $35,000 + automobile, and where they meet the polished aluminum, the results are horrid.

We are bitterly disappointed in the vehicle. My husband and I have both owned VW products in the past and have been very happy with them, but we would not recommend the 2007 Passat with the sports package to our worst enemy. The dealer tried to fix the problems, but it was too much for them, too.

General Comments:

This is a wonderful car as far as handling, speed, and the steering is fabulous, but when the driver is uncomfortable and being bombarded by rattles and squeaks, it overrides the pluses.

Faults:

Airbag fault light came on at 1200 km - this was due to having one of the front trim panels out and disconnected from the rest of the car.

General Comments:

I special ordered this car just before the cutoff for the 2007 production year because VWoA was doing away with the sport package for 2.0T cars. The 3-month wait was well worth it! The 6-speed manual transmission paired with the 2.0T FSI 16-valve inline 4 really makes this car GO! The seats that come with the sport package keep you well supported when you are in curves or making turns.

The electronic parking brake and the push-in key fob are the two features that you will have to get familiar with quickly, since they work differently from those found in most other cars. There are many other features that you will need to get familiar with, but you get a DVD that outlines these once you pick up the car.

You will have to spring for premium fuel and synthetic oil for best performance. Also, with the standard tires found on models equipped with the sport package, you can spin them without too much effort.

If this car is built as well as my previous 1986 Golf was (22 years, 460 000 km), I will be driving my Passat for many years.

Faults:

1. Rattles in dash

2. Poor design - cruise handle and directional lever same size shape - confusing, chrome interior parts - reflection from sun is blinding

3. Engine stumbles and has HUGE turbo lag

4. Tires are noisy and have poor road feel

5. Poor headlights and high beams.

6. Lousy vent locations and adjustability, especially for Phoenix

General Comments:

Nice at first glance, but the warts come out fast..

Faults:

Nothing yet!

General Comments:

When I tried the car, I fell in love with it and bought it. I loved the acceleration. It is extremely quick and handles extremely well. I pushed it to the limit on the highway and got a maximum speed of 215 km/h or 125 mph.

Even at that speed, the handling was fine. I even drove 14 hours with it, and did not get any back pain and was not even tired. The sound system (6 CDs) is by far the best I have heard so far. The sound is extremely pure.

The air conditionning does a good job at maintaining the temperature even when we had a 36 degrees hot humid summer. All buttons in the cabin are easy to figure out and are well placed. I have not experienced a breakdown yet (touching wood!). I have read in other reviews that there is wind noise coming from the driver's side mirror. I have to admit, there is a noise coming from there, but barely noticeable. Design problem? doesn't bug me anyway. And I love those LED lights!!!

Overall, it is a lovely car to drive, and it is well equipped for a fair price.

More comments to come in 6 months