Critics make it well known what they’re opinions are, but if you want to learn what the consumers think, then Reddit is probably the best place to find out. People are willing to share the good, the bad, and the things that make their blood boil. For those wondering which vehicle is simply average, then according to Reddit users, that’s the Volkswagen Passat.

So what makes the Volkswagen Passat so average? Are there any problems for the Passat? And why does anyone actually want an average vehicle?

What is the Volkswagen Passat?

The Volkswagen Passat is pretty much an overgrown Jetta. While we were promised an updated Passat for the 2020 model year, that didn’t really happen. There were a few changes made, but not enough to give the Passat a much needed face lift.

The 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 174 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque. This isn’t a new engine. It’s still the same engine as in the 2019 model. 

In fact, except for a few cosmetic changes, there’s nothing new about the 2020 Passat from the Passats of the past. So is the Passat worth giving a chance?

What the pros and cons of owning the Passat?

There isn’t an abundance of good about the Passat, so let’s start with that. Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard, as well as a 6.3-inch touchscreen. You also get frontal collision warning and the autonomous emergency braking standard as well.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with a ton of room, then the Passat is for you. Whether you sit in the front or lost the argument about who gets stuck in the back, you won’t feel as if you need to see a chiropractor once you reach your destination.

The Passat has more than its fair share of problems, however. The engine is known to misfire, the digital display frequently stops working, the oil leaks, and the ABS light has lost its glow. In fact, you might say that the Passat can’t keep up with its class segment anymore. 

There have been so many problems with the Passat, that in 2016, Volkswagen was pleading with consumers to forgive and forget. Well, it appears that consumers have done neither, but rather than fuming about the Passat, they think it’s simply OK.

What did consumers on Reddit have to say?

Say what you want about Reddit, but people don’t hesitate to speak their mind there. That’s the beauty of it. People are able to share their thoughts, especially about the auto world. That’s why when a discussion titled ‘I’m sick of talking about the best! Which cars are the most average in their segment?’ popped up, several people jumped aboard to talk about what they think.

The vehicle that got the most votes as being the most average was the Volkswagen Passat. One post stated, “The Passat. I recently drove a new model of that mediocre malaise machine. It does everything well enough but isn’t the best at anything. It is fine.”

Another Reddit user stated, “I have a 2.0T Fusion and rented a 2.0TSI Passat for a week. Malaise is the best way to describe the VW. The power difference was laughable. The Passat got better fuel economy but it’s only FWD and is really missing the 70hp and 91lb-ft. It had slower steering, softer suspension, and lazy throttle response with nothing behind it.”

While the Ford Fusion got a few votes, the Passat was the overwhelming winner of the King of Average. In fact, all Volkswagens in general got thrown into the mix. A Reddit user summed it up well when they stated, “That’s pretty much every VW product now. It won’t be the best at anything, but does everything quite well. And sometimes that’s good.”

No matter what your thoughts are on the Passat, it’s not a terrible car. It doesn’t have a lot of fans, but it’s decent enough. Whether that’s enough to help it stay afloat in a market where sedans are being discontinued in favor of SUVs and trucks remains to be seen.