I honestly don't understand why they are upset it has no driver assistance tech. If you can't park a car, keep in your own lane, and reduce your own speed before hitting the car in front of you you should not be driving period.
ugh, the constant whining that this car doesn't serve you maps, plays, food, bed and breakfast, blah, blah, blah... It's a freaking car. It's supposed to take you from A to B and the Passat does a GREAT job at that. It is VERY fuel efficient for the size, it is VERY quiet for the class, and it is a pleasure to drive.
If people needs all this technology to drive then they don’t need to be on the road. I drive a base model freightliner cascadia for a living. I have no problems hauling doubles. When I’m off work I get in my mark 5 Jetta and I have a blast driving it home and on my days off. It doesn’t have any kind of modern technology but it handles just fine in all weather. Should I mention that Volkswagens are amazing in the snow with all season tires?
Why is he whining about no tech? It is about value with this passat. All the upgrades this crybaby is wanting cost. Dont need any of the extra crap. Just a reliable car.
This guy absolutely hated on this car, yet it easily outclassed and outsold most of the competitors he references at the start of his evaluation. Nitpicking and obvious bias at its finest. 👎
Honestly from all the family sized cars like the Accord , Camry , Jetta , Altima , Sonata - I think my favourite would be the Ford Fusion 2014 because its beautiful - It has an Aston Martin look on the front and has a elegant interior with premium materials built in. Overall with the great technology of Ford - I'd like to see more of the Ford Fusion
There are two kinds of people for this: those who love it and those who hate it. IMHO I think it's a rip off from Aston Martin and I definitely wouldn't want to be seen in a fake "Aston Martin". I can't help but laugh at people that think they purchased an Aston Martin. The tech itself might be good if not excellent, but when it comes to originality this is only a copy, a fake.
Tim Dorovskikh Aston Martin is overpriced junk. Only idiots would want to "pretend" to drive one. I like the Ford Fusion's look too, not because it looks like Aston Martin, but because it genuinely looks good. Who cares that it looks like something else? A lot of the grill designs in the auto world are converging (look at the new Ferrari's), and plenty of the "old brands" have copied others' designs in the past. On the other hand, if you want your cars' look to display your wallet, there're yet better ways to do it than Aston Martin anyway. I myself would instead drive a good and sensible car and not care what others think.
You know you're right. Aston is overpriced but is still the original. Ford went out the same way like Chinese on Land Rover... although that is crap as well. Point is there's lack of innovation at Ford to draw their own lines on clean sheet. Ford could have done a much better job than that
...couldn't agree more. In fact during a comparison in 2013, Motor Trend editors commented on the Fusion as "more German-ic" than the Passat. While the VW is a good option, I'll take the Fusion over it--in fact I did! and I'm loving it. ...PS the upcoming Passat will be more tech-heavy
If it was my money I would get a 2014 ford fusion titanium awd because of all the technology, and style. Also since I live in New Jersey awd is a must.
I know that this is cnet and i shouldn't expect them to review are car like a normal car reviewer, but come on you bashed on the car's entertainment system only and never touched on the amaing looking interior, the luxourious seating and dashboard materials, and the legroom in the car.
I agree, he didnt even talk about the feature of the car...just the optional thing. i Just bought this, but the 2012 2.5L SEl Premium Pzev, so little different... but it works so well.
Everywhere I look people are dogging on thos car when comparing it. Keep in mind that this car at its highest trim level destroys the competition in its native Germany. The reason VW makes lower end cars is because it has no faith in the American market because we have proven ourselves to be the basic brash individuals who are overwhelmed easily by complicated sound systems and fancy gadgets. This is also a factor of the american Gov't getting in the way of imports so this car is a product of mexican manufacturing standards and not the European luster that its cousins have. In short quit giving VW a bad name. They make much better quality vehicles than anything produced in america.
If anyone is thinking about buying this car, I want you to consider an alternative: buy a used Audi A6 (last gen) instead. You will get a car that is as stylish, better quality, and with more tech in it. You'll also get the premium German badge, if that matters to you. The A6 rides pretty well and handles decently as well. Insurance and gas might cost a little more, however maintenance should be rather similar for the most part since Audi and VW share a lot of internal parts.
The the VW isn't? All VW products are pretty unreliable, that includes brands that are rated for good quality like Porsche. A good example of it are VW window regulators, just look it up on Google and you'll realize how unreliable they are across the VW umbrella.
I've owned a Boxster S for 5 years now, so I do know about the VW umbrella. It's actually very frustrating because a lot of these parts are sold as "high end" parts, but are sometimes expensive and unreliable. This is ok for high end cars (like in an Audi A8) because at the price point customers don't expect indestructibility. However, in a segment where the Camry's and Accord's set the tone, the Passat cannot get away with that. With that in mind, I would recommend someone buying a Passat to look at a used Audi, because they will receive a more refined car with largely the same internal parts.
I didn't claim Camry and Accord are refined. I was stating that a used Audi A6 would be refined and just as reliable as a new Passat. And thank you, minus the expensive maintenance it's a blast to own.
Try doing a hard restart. On the top side by the disc slot, hold down both the left and right arrows. And on the right side of the disc slot. Hold down the star button. Hold three of these buttons down at the same time until the screen turns off and it restarts.
I totally agree with what Brian is talking about when it comes to technology, VW lacks any effort in making any changes or bring forth the most common tech packages that are now basic in some other cars. I used to own a VW and know friends who have and now thinking of getting another one, but what hinders me is that it doesn't attract me to be immersive when I'm in the car. VW needs to update the UI of its controller and they need to stop using dot matrix altogether! Update the mirrors and add auto dimming and to its driver side mirror. I love that they are consistent with their designs throughout their models, but please add some useful technology in it so that at least your young demographic can have another reason to like your cars! I know that they updated some of their tech softwares and eliminated the dot matrix UI which also included a fresh looking instrument cluster screen and a new ignition key for the new 2015 CC. Please roll this out to your new cars, ASAP this is long overdue!!!
Used to have a Jetta and just bought a new Mazda 3. Took out the new Volkswagens and they just seem like junk now. No tech unless you pay like 30k either.
Why do they always add delivery fees and title fees I thought the car was already there at the dinner and any like if I go to Walmart and I charge me a fee for a Fruitloop they bought it
I think the delivery fee is a way to lower the MSRP price by breaking up the numbers. Tax, title, and documentation is completely your county and state jurisdiction, there's no way for the manufacturers to make all of those the same amounts. I used to live in Hawaii you pay sales tax, title, documentation(this is dealer fees), and vehicle registration (based on weight). In North Carolina there's title, documentation, registration, and annual property tax(on your car based on value and age) but no sales tax.
Because to bring a Passat from Chattanooga to where ever you live without actually driving a car they have to pay a semi truck (car hauler) to bring it. Typically to haul a car costs 2-3 dollars a mile on semi, but since dealer orders more than one car on the same truck, it comes out cheaper overall.
We don't get that new Passat for another 2-3 years (in US) :(, and probably it would be much different then what Europe has in terms of styling packaging ect ect.
Who wants all the tech of the American boys when you have to put up with the horrible interiors, bad reliability, and high prices? This car is cheaper and better quality than Fords, GMs. Dodge is so ugly its not even on the list. Yes it's a big Jetta, funny thing, the only thing I don't like about the Jetta is that it's too small... hmmmm
Did I hear you say "unreliable" and "German" in the same sentence? That might surely be a first. No car handles the road better than a German car. They're not overpriced but expensive due to their assured quality.
I honestly don't understand why they are upset it has no driver assistance tech. If you can't park a car, keep in your own lane, and reduce your own speed before hitting the car in front of you you should not be driving period.
00:53 high trim Jetta!! Oops... no one noticed this before uploading the clip :p
I noticed the first time watching
I was like "Say whaat?"
Played it twice when I heard that!
i replayed that part on the video in an instant and went like high trim what???
Lol yeah no one noticed haha
Great car...especially the 3.6 SEL.
ugh, the constant whining that this car doesn't serve you maps, plays, food, bed and breakfast, blah, blah, blah... It's a freaking car. It's supposed to take you from A to B and the Passat does a GREAT job at that. It is VERY fuel efficient for the size, it is VERY quiet for the class, and it is a pleasure to drive.
I'm so happy Brian Cooley is doing all the videos now
See even he has a hard time distinguishing it from a Jetta.
Darrell Parker Jr true, but it's still pretty funny.
It's just a slightly larger Jetta. Great cars.
Great cars. I’ve put 200000 on mine. No issues besides brakes.
i love brian cooley he knows car more than anyone
Man, does this guy know how to review a car. The more I watch other car review channels, the more I just wish Brian was the one reviewing ALL of them.
0:53 "Because we are in a high trim Jetta"
If people needs all this technology to drive then they don’t need to be on the road. I drive a base model freightliner cascadia for a living. I have no problems hauling doubles. When I’m off work I get in my mark 5 Jetta and I have a blast driving it home and on my days off. It doesn’t have any kind of modern technology but it handles just fine in all weather. Should I mention that Volkswagens are amazing in the snow with all season tires?
2:50 The system is well capable of blue tooth for that which works great in this car and then you don't have to deal with that "pigtail thing".
Why is he whining about no tech? It is about value with this passat. All the upgrades this crybaby is wanting cost. Dont need any of the extra crap. Just a reliable car.
My buddy put a set of Infiniti speakers in his GLI, and man it sounds beautiful
Haha 0:53, "high priced jetta"
Living the dream, Cooley!! Nice gig you got!
What happened to ugly comes standard?
Jetta Sportwagen
Not Cooley or anyone in editing noticed he called the car a "Jetta" at first. I know they look identical but damn! hahaha
This guy absolutely hated on this car, yet it easily outclassed and outsold most of the competitors he references at the start of his evaluation. Nitpicking and obvious bias at its finest. 👎
Exactly I'm like wtf
Honestly from all the family sized cars like the Accord , Camry , Jetta , Altima , Sonata - I think my favourite would be the Ford Fusion 2014 because its beautiful - It has an Aston Martin look on the front and has a elegant interior with premium materials built in. Overall with the great technology of Ford - I'd like to see more of the Ford Fusion
There are two kinds of people for this: those who love it and those who hate it. IMHO I think it's a rip off from Aston Martin and I definitely wouldn't want to be seen in a fake "Aston Martin". I can't help but laugh at people that think they purchased an Aston Martin. The tech itself might be good if not excellent, but when it comes to originality this is only a copy, a fake.
Tim Dorovskikh Aston Martin is overpriced junk. Only idiots would want to "pretend" to drive one. I like the Ford Fusion's look too, not because it looks like Aston Martin, but because it genuinely looks good. Who cares that it looks like something else? A lot of the grill designs in the auto world are converging (look at the new Ferrari's), and plenty of the "old brands" have copied others' designs in the past. On the other hand, if you want your cars' look to display your wallet, there're yet better ways to do it than Aston Martin anyway. I myself would instead drive a good and sensible car and not care what others think.
You know you're right. Aston is overpriced but is still the original. Ford went out the same way like Chinese on Land Rover... although that is crap as well. Point is there's lack of innovation at Ford to draw their own lines on clean sheet. Ford could have done a much better job than that
Tim Dorovskikh Do you really think anyone "thinks that they purchased an Aston Martin" when buying a Ford Fusion....? You cant be serious...
...couldn't agree more. In fact during a comparison in 2013, Motor Trend editors commented on the Fusion as "more German-ic" than the Passat. While the VW is a good option, I'll take the Fusion over it--in fact I did! and I'm loving it. ...PS the upcoming Passat will be more tech-heavy
no mention on Mazda6? After the kodo design and skyactiv technology, I see that car a lot more on the road now, just as much as altima.
If it was my money I would get a 2014 ford fusion titanium awd because of all the technology, and style. Also since I live in New Jersey awd is a must.
You called it a Jetta Cooley, and apparently that $0.99 clock in the dash is "nice design."
0:54 he called it a jetta
If I go to Walmart and buy something will they charge me the delivery fee
0:53 "because we're in a fairly high trimmed Jetta....." Um, you're in a Passat.
Would like to see a review on the TDI version
I know that this is cnet and i shouldn't expect them to review are car like a normal car reviewer, but come on you bashed on the car's entertainment system only and never touched on the amaing looking interior, the luxourious seating and dashboard materials, and the legroom in the car.
I agree, he didnt even talk about the feature of the car...just the optional thing. i Just bought this, but the 2012 2.5L SEl Premium Pzev, so little different... but it works so well.
When does CNET ever talk about luxurious seating, dashboard material, and legroom...
Hey Brian why does when you buy a car they always at fees and when you buy it and add up to more thousands of dollars
Everywhere I look people are dogging on thos car when comparing it. Keep in mind that this car at its highest trim level destroys the competition in its native Germany. The reason VW makes lower end cars is because it has no faith in the American market because we have proven ourselves to be the basic brash individuals who are overwhelmed easily by complicated sound systems and fancy gadgets. This is also a factor of the american Gov't getting in the way of imports so this car is a product of mexican manufacturing standards and not the European luster that its cousins have. In short quit giving VW a bad name. They make much better quality vehicles than anything produced in america.
What's different about it?
Why the SD card slot isnt usefull?! My dad uses that slot literlaly every single time!
Magic! 6:29 those cars in the background just stop wow
Maybe because they're in park...
+WuWei Xu hey! I remember you from the very popular comment.
How reliable are these with the 1.8 or V6? That's the only thing keeping me from VW because otherwise this car is beautiful and timeless
If anyone is thinking about buying this car, I want you to consider an alternative: buy a used Audi A6 (last gen) instead. You will get a car that is as stylish, better quality, and with more tech in it. You'll also get the premium German badge, if that matters to you. The A6 rides pretty well and handles decently as well. Insurance and gas might cost a little more, however maintenance should be rather similar for the most part since Audi and VW share a lot of internal parts.
And a car that is ready for the repair shop...no thanks.
The the VW isn't? All VW products are pretty unreliable, that includes brands that are rated for good quality like Porsche. A good example of it are VW window regulators, just look it up on Google and you'll realize how unreliable they are across the VW umbrella.
Someone who's buying new car wouldn't want used.
I've owned a Boxster S for 5 years now, so I do know about the VW umbrella. It's actually very frustrating because a lot of these parts are sold as "high end" parts, but are sometimes expensive and unreliable. This is ok for high end cars (like in an Audi A8) because at the price point customers don't expect indestructibility. However, in a segment where the Camry's and Accord's set the tone, the Passat cannot get away with that.
With that in mind, I would recommend someone buying a Passat to look at a used Audi, because they will receive a more refined car with largely the same internal parts.
I didn't claim Camry and Accord are refined. I was stating that a used Audi A6 would be refined and just as reliable as a new Passat.
And thank you, minus the expensive maintenance it's a blast to own.
You did not even touch on the massive cargo space.
Or the amazing legroom in the backseats
***** The head unit is just fine.
hes a tech guy not a cargo guy
I guess the problem with the passat is that it gets confused with fairly high trimed Jetta all the time!
Nice interior
Is anyone out there having issues with slowness and lockups with the RNS 510?
2:52 420 blaze it cooley
My radio is stuck on fender premium audio on the screen and i don’t know how to fix it 🥺
Try doing a hard restart. On the top side by the disc slot, hold down both the left and right arrows. And on the right side of the disc slot. Hold down the star button. Hold three of these buttons down at the same time until the screen turns off and it restarts.
Ryan2588 thank you i did all that it just needed an update apparently which is dumb to me
What's a "bing" search?
+Torrey Braman this thing they should have called Bang.. "I just banged Emma Watson"
baha you win the internet. You can take Bang with you too.
it's weird how the interior and brake lights looks the same as the jetta
Didn't he mistakenly say Jetta in the beginning?
its the new camary
I totally agree with what Brian is talking about when it comes to technology, VW lacks any effort in making any changes or bring forth the most common tech packages that are now basic in some other cars. I used to own a VW and know friends who have and now thinking of getting another one, but what hinders me is that it doesn't attract me to be immersive when I'm in the car. VW needs to update the UI of its controller and they need to stop using dot matrix altogether! Update the mirrors and add auto dimming and to its driver side mirror. I love that they are consistent with their designs throughout their models, but please add some useful technology in it so that at least your young demographic can have another reason to like your cars! I know that they updated some of their tech softwares and eliminated the dot matrix UI which also included a fresh looking instrument cluster screen and a new ignition key for the new 2015 CC. Please roll this out to your new cars, ASAP this is long overdue!!!
i have a 08 bmw 528xi and I would like to upgrade to a 2012 and above volkswagon passat tdi
0:54 Cooley slip? Jetta?
is that a corolla at 0:10 ?
you can change the reverse camera view.
You and cnet are correct. I am wrong. My bad in misleading.
they need to change the grille
No. They need to bring the euro version in the us.
Did he say it was a Jetta? 0:52
What does he say at 1:56?
Used to have a Jetta and just bought a new Mazda 3. Took out the new Volkswagens and they just seem like junk now. No tech unless you pay like 30k either.
oh dear, why don't just keep the rear design simple
and that is how the car looks one of a kind
The roads definitely need resurfacing.. lol
From the side this car look very close bmw
The "diesel noise" and intermittent power loss is a very bad sign. I think I'll PASSat.
+Onmyway2slayabeastibecame1 nice pun
At 0:52 he calls it a Jetta that just goes to show how much a passat looks like a Jetta
Not a diesel? Didn't I just see TDI written on top of the engine? 😁
The interior of my 2015 Passat SE is trash compared to my 2014 GTI. The GTI interior uses way better quality materials inside.
:55, Jetta?
The only way this Passat would make sense is SE TDI and manual (~US$27K). And it would still be overpriced for what it is.
"fairly high trim Jetta" @ 0:53
It's a camry
jimmy pena Germanic Camry...
Its a chevy malibu
The 2015 Hyundai sonata looks like a better car
Why do they always add delivery fees and title fees I thought the car was already there at the dinner and any like if I go to Walmart and I charge me a fee for a Fruitloop they bought it
It's included in retail price.
I think the delivery fee is a way to lower the MSRP price by breaking up the numbers. Tax, title, and documentation is completely your county and state jurisdiction, there's no way for the manufacturers to make all of those the same amounts. I used to live in Hawaii you pay sales tax, title, documentation(this is dealer fees), and vehicle registration (based on weight). In North Carolina there's title, documentation, registration, and annual property tax(on your car based on value and age) but no sales tax.
They do charge you in Walmart, cars just have to tell you how much they charge you other stuff don´t.
Because to bring a Passat from Chattanooga to where ever you live without actually driving a car they have to pay a semi truck (car hauler) to bring it. Typically to haul a car costs 2-3 dollars a mile on semi, but since dealer orders more than one car on the same truck, it comes out cheaper overall.
MrTONYTONYM not always but if its not charged, its in retail
Seems to be the most mundane car out there, both inside and out
The European pass is way better in features and engine.
Europe version looks much better and the navigation is a lot faster
The Euro Passat is like the price of an Audi though and doesn't even have AWD
i mean camry
Why test this Passat? The new Passat is hitting European showrooms in a few weeks... Of course its tech is outdated, it's the outgoing model
We don't get that new Passat for another 2-3 years (in US) :(, and probably it would be much different then what Europe has in terms of styling packaging ect ect.
Jetta? Really? Cooley is a great guy. It's just funny though.
Design is American not German
Lake a car
Those textures on the plastic are pretty bad..
00:59 Jetta?
this car is a little bland IMO. not a great choice in the segment
Who wants all the tech of the American boys when you have to put up with the horrible interiors, bad reliability, and high prices? This car is cheaper and better quality than Fords, GMs. Dodge is so ugly its not even on the list. Yes it's a big Jetta, funny thing, the only thing I don't like about the Jetta is that it's too small... hmmmm
Dodge is the only American car I Love....Make no mistake their cars are awesome...kinda like this VW too
German cars are fun to drive but unreliable, parts are hard to find and overpriced.
Did I hear you say "unreliable" and "German" in the same sentence? That might surely be a first. No car handles the road better than a German car. They're not overpriced but expensive due to their assured quality.
interface is terrible
Mazda 6 trumps this class by far.
Junk
First
Ugly color for vw
This car looks crap!!
I seen more technology on my 5 year old car!!
He called it a jetta
it's weird how the interior and brake lights looks the same as the jetta