The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Sedan is a fashionable yet practical midsize sedan with impressive driving dynamics and a remarkable amount of standard features and unique options. The cabin is extravagantly designed and so well equipped it truly rivals some of the more lavish-and more expensive-high end luxury sedans. Changes for 2008 model year include new trim level names and a little rearrangement of equipment and some previously optional equipment has joined the list of standard features. The Passat is available as the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. All models now come standard with a 12 way power driver's seat, leather steering wheel and gear shift knob and rear side sunshades. The VR6's list of standard features this year also includes bi-xenon headlights.

The base model Passat Turbo sedan is equipped with 16 inch alloy wheels, heated and power operated side view mirrors, power windows and door locks rear seat sunshades, leatherette upholstery, power driver's seat, air conditioning, cruise control, a trip computer, telescopic steering wheel and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with auxiliary audio jack. Adding to that already impressive list, the Komfort offers a sunroof, upgraded interior lighting, an in dash CD changer, satellite radio, double blade front sun visors and 17 inch rims replace the 16 inch wheels. Taking another step up to the Lux will net you a pair of automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors, heated leather seats, a power front seats with driver seat memory, and dual zone automatic climate control. Taking it to the top, the VR6 has 18 inch wheels and even more features like sport bolstered seats, a premium sound system and adaptive bi-xenon headlights. Among the amenities on the options list for all Passat's you will find a ground effects kit and a navigation system; however adaptive cruise control is only available for the VR6.

The Turbo, Komfort and Lux models are all front wheel drive only vehicles and come standard with a 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine that delivers a surprising 200 horsepower. Transmission choices for the Turbo are a 6 speed manual or a 6 speed automatic, while the Komfort and the Lux come standard with the automatic. The Passat VR6 models are equipped with an automatic transmission, 4Motion all wheel drive and a 3.6 liter V6 with an automatic transmission that kicks out 280 horsepower. Both of the Passat's engines are quick, the car handles exceptionally well and there is a good measure of fun to drive exhilaration included. Fuel economy is relatively good, but varies depending upon the engine - the 4 cylinder engine gets 21 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway, while the 4Motion all wheel drive VR6 is only rated at 16 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway.

The 2008 Volkswagen Passat Sedan is a little pricey and the only real justification for the higher than the average price range for its class is its European infused design and highly inspirational driving experience. But, if you appreciate these things, the Passat would compare to more high performance luxury sedans, making the Passat a reasonably priced option. For enthusiastic drivers with a sense of style that need the utility and space of a mid size sedan, there is no reason not to consider the Passat as a top pick for a reasonably priced mid size sedan.