Consumer Reports Rates 2006 Volkswagen Passat 'Excellent' Overall in Tests of Nine Family Sedans; Photo Available7 February 2006
Consumer Reports rated the newly redesigned, V6-powered Volkswagen Passat "Excellent" overall following tests of nine different family sedans for the March issue. The 2006 Passat is now rated second overall, behind the Acura TL in the family sedan category.
The Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan twins, which were also tested as part of this group, achieved a "Very Good" overall rating, ahead of such other vehicles as the Nissan Maxima, Chrysler 300, and Mazda6.
Consumer Reports now has current ratings on an unprecedented 37 different makes, models, and trim lines of family sedans. Beginning with the March issue, CR is breaking its ratings of family sedans into two different price categories -- one for vehicles with Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) of under $25,000, and another for vehicles costing over $25,000.
Full tests and ratings of the family cars appear in the March issue of Consumer Reports, on sale February 7. The complete report is also available to subscribers of ConsumerReports.org at http://www.ConsumerReports.org?source=CR64.
The March test group included four- and six-cylinder versions of the Passat, Fusion/ Milan, and Sonata. CR also tested both six- and eight-cylinder versions of the Dodge Charger and a V6- powered Impala. In addition to those family cars, CR's engineers tested a Chevy Monte Carlo SS coupe; that vehicle is built on the same platform as the Impala and powered by the same V8 engine found in the Impala; ratings for the Monte Carlo SS will be available free on http://www.ConsumerReports.org.
The Chevrolet Impala scored "Very Good" overall. Both the V8 and V6-powered versions of the Charger were rated "Good" overall. The V6 and four-cylinder Sonatas achieved "Very Good" scores as did the four-cylinder versions of the Fusion and Milan.
Consumer Reports recommends only one model from this test group of family cars-the freshened Chevrolet Impala. Previous versions of the Impala have been mostly above average in reliability, and CR expects that trend to continue with the 2006 model. All the other cars in this group have been significantly redesigned; because of those redesigns Consumer Reports is unable to predict the reliability for those models. Consumer Reports only recommends vehicles that have performed well in its tests, have at least average predicted reliability based on CR's survey of its own subscribers, and performed at least adequately if crash-tested or included in a government rollover test.
The new VW Passat is roomier, more powerful, and gets better fuel economy than the previous generation. But interior quality and ride comfort are not quite as good on the new vehicle as on the one it replaces. The Passat 3.6 ($33,315 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 280-hp, 3.6-liter V6 that is quick and fuel- efficient. The Passat 2.0T ($27,440 MSRP) is equipped with a 200- hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has the performance of some V6 powerplants. The six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly most of the time. Braking was very good overall.
The Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan are new midsized sedans that are very agile and satisfying to drive. The Fusion and Milan both scored higher in CR's testing than the corporate cousin upon which they are based-the Mazda6. The interiors in both vehicles are well-made and space is generous. The Fusion SEL ($26,025 MSRP as tested) and Milan Premier ($25,870 MSRP as tested) are equipped with a 221-hp, 3.0-liter V6 engine that delivers very good acceleration and good fuel economy. The Fusion SE ($19,976 MSRP as tested) and base model Milan ($20,415 MSRP as tested) are equipped with a 160-hp, 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers adequate performance. The six-speed automatic transmission used in the V6 models is both smooth and responsive. The five-speed automatic transmission used in the four-cylinder model is not as smooth or responsive. Braking performance was very good.
The redesigned Hyundai Sonata mimics the top-selling Camry in many respects, but costs less. Like the Camry, the Sonata has a comfortable, quiet interior. It also offers up-to-date standard safety gear including side-curtain air bags and electronic stability control. But it's less agile than the Toyota. The Sonata GLS ($22,995 MSRP as tested with a V6 engine and $21,345 MSRP as tested with a four-cylinder) are powered by either the optional 235-hp, 3.3-liter V6 or the base 162-hp, 2.4-liter four. The base engine delivers adequate performance while the V6 is much more responsive and powerful. Both transmissions used in the Sonata-a five-speed automatic in the V6 and a four-speed automatic in the four-cylinder-shift smoothly and responsively. Braking performance was very good with the optional 17-inch wheels and excellent with the standard 16-inch wheels.
The facelifted Chevy Impala sports new styling, engine upgrades, better rear seating, and an improved interior. These improvements keep this large sedan competitive, but there are better choices. The ride and handling are sound, but lag behind many competitors. The Impala 3LT ($26,840 as tested) came with a 242-hp, 3.9-liter V6 engine that delivers responsive performance. The four-speed automatic shifts smooth. The 303-hp, 5.3-liter V8, tested in the Monte Carlo SS coupe, is quick. The brakes are very good overall, though CR found long stopping distances on wet surfaces.
The Charger is a big, rear-wheel-drive sedan with a muscular design. However, those burly looks take a toll on visibility, head room, and ease of access, while the rest of the car lacks the refinement of some competitors. The Charger SXT ($28,860 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 250-hp, 3.5-liter V6 that provides ample performance but sounds somewhat coarse. The Charger R/T ($36,295 as tested) is powered by the 340-hp, 5.7-liter V8 that sounds tough and is very quick. The five-speed automatic transmission used in both vehicles shifts smoothly, but was sometimes slow to downshift. The brakes are excellent.
Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Website; the magazine's auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645. Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at http://www.ConsumerReports.org?source=CR65.
Consumer Reports(r) is published by Consumers Union, an expert, independent nonprofit organization whose mission is to work for a fair, just, and safe marketplace for all consumers and to empower consumers to protect themselves. To achieve this mission, we test, inform, and protect. To maintain our independence and impartiality, Consumers Union accepts no outside advertising, no free test samples, and has no agenda other than the interests of consumers. Consumers Union supports itself through the sale of our information products and services, individual contributions, and a few noncommercial grants.
EDITORS: A high-resolution graphic supporting this story is available for free editorial use at http://wirepix.com/newsphotos.
http://www.usnewswire.com/
Source: usnewswire
All trademarks and copyrighted information contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
Related Computer Hardware Articles
|
