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Is a Volkswagen Passat a good first car?
I’m in the process of looking for a new car, and I’ve narrowed it down to two options: the Volkswagen Passat and the Nissan Altima. I’m hoping this is the car I can teach my daughter to drive in and eventually give to her down the line, so I’m trying to make a smart decision ahead of time. From the information I have, the Passat looks like a better deal than the Altima, but are they good first cars?
Kathryn Mae Kurlychek · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
The short answer is: yes, the
Volkswagen Passat
is good first car. The Passat consistently receives above-average ratings from trusted entities like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports for its reliability, quality, and ease of use. Of course, ratings and specs can vary by model year in the Passat, so it’s a good idea to do some extra research on the particular vehicle you’re looking at—but here’s a general overview of the pros and cons:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
4-star safety rating from the NHTSA | No safety awards or recognition from IIHS/”marginal” rating on certain headlights |
Remarkable fuel economy | Pricier than its competitors |
Easy to drive and user-friendly | Only available in rear-wheel drive |
83/100 Reliability rating from J.D. Power | Limited warranty for new vehicles |
If you’re looking for a first car that checks all the standard boxes without veering too far from the basics, then the
Volkswagen
Passat is a great choice. View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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