Test Vehicle: 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6L
Price of Test Vehicle: $36,415 (including a $615 destination charge; since raised to $630)
Engine Size and Type: 3.6-liter V6
Engine Horsepower: 280 at 6,200 rpm
Engine Torque: 265 lb.-ft. at 2,750 rpm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,829
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 19/28 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 20.3 mpg
Length: 188.2 inches
Width: 71.7 inches
Wheelbase: 106.7 inches
Height: 58.0 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 41.4/37.7 inches
Head room (front/rear): 38.4/37.8 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: Five
Max. Cargo Volume: 14.2 cubic feet
Competitors: Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Malibu, Chevrolet Impala, Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion, Ford Five Hundred, Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Azera, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Kia Amanti, Lexus IS, Lincoln Zephyr, Mazda 6, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Mercury Milan, Mercury Montego, Mitsubishi Galant, Nissan Altima, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G6, Saab 9-3, Saab 9-5, Saturn Aura, Subaru Legacy, Toyota Camry, Volvo S40, Volvo S60 Photos by Ron Perry
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About Thom Blackett
Thom Blackett joined Autobytel in 2000 as a Research Analyst with the company's data division, Automotive Information Center (AIC). After four years of pouring through press kits searching for minute details, Thom jumped to Autobytel's editorial team. Born and raised in the state of Maine (no, it's not part of Canada and yes, the proper pronunciation of lobster is "lobstah"), Thom has always been a car nut, using his grandmother's potholders as steering wheels to "drive" around the house as a youngster. His biggest sorrow is never getting to know his grandfather's 1959 Caddy, or the '62 Impala Convertible and '69 Chevy Malibu that his parents once owned. As Autobytel's Road Test Editor, Thom strives to write articles that serve to inform as well as entertain. A proud member of the Motor Press Guild, Thom holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Maine. Comments may be emailed to thomb@autobytel.com.
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