This is one of the best cars I've ever owned. The quality is unmatched by others in the same price range. We test drove 26 different cars to make sure that the VW Passat was the one we wanted. Our choices came down to a base model BMW 328i or a fully loaded SEL Passat 3.6. The VW was the obvious choice, as 30k was about what I wanted to spend on a car.

The 2012 base package VW Passat is a good, solid family vehicle. It has extensive leg room in the front and back seats. It comfortably seats 4 adults with room to spare. The cloth interior is average but the seats are comfortable. Even after hours behind the wheel the seats still feel comfortable. The console is above average in appearance and is very user friendly. The car has a smaller engine and has less then average acceleration from a stop. Once it is in full gear it runs smoothly and accelerates quickly, as needed. The car is on the low-end to the ground and sometimes is difficult getting in and out of as a result. The headroom is very roomy. My Passat has ample trunk space. Overall the gas mileage is better than average when on the interstate. Gas mileage is not as impressive around town, though. The required use of higher end oil is annoying but the trade off is less frequent trips for oil changes. Overall I would strongly consider purchasing another VW in the future.