2006 Volkswagen Ratings, Reviews and Awards

Piggybacking off one of its best sales years in North America in 2005, Volkswagen’s 2006 lineup entered the scene refreshed and modernized. Although the manufacturer didn’t add or release any of its vehicles this year, it did put extensive focus on some of its most popular models to keep them competitive with similar vehicles and continue to grow sales. The Passat received a major facelift this year with a redesigned front end, a more upscale interior, a new 2.0-liter engine drawing 200 horsepower, and a longer and wider base. More features came standard, too, like MP3 connectivity and traction and stability control. The Golf got a mid-year refresher with a new engine for the hatchback trim and additional standard features to some trims, like the GLS power sunroof. Two new trims were available for the Jetta – 20T and GLI – while the company gave its popular Beetle a new engine and restyled headlights and taillights.