Pontiac Grand AM vs Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is more fuel-efficient at 24 MPG combined, against 23 MPG for the Pontiac Grand AM. (Comparison uses each model's most efficient version.)
Side by side
| Pontiac Grand AM | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints (NHTSA) | 1,318 | 854 |
| Most reported problem | Brakes | Brakes |
| Crashes and fires | 99 and 15 | 15 and 18 |
| Typical mileage at complaint | 70,000 miles | 76,000 miles |
| Recalls | 3 | 5 |
| Fuel economy, combined | 23 MPG | 24 MPG |
| City and highway | 19 and 28 | 20 and 29 |
| Yearly fuel cost (EPA) | $2,900 | $3,400 |
What the numbers say
NHTSA has 1,318 complaints for the Pontiac Grand AM and 854 for the Volkswagen Passat. Complaint counts depend heavily on how many of each vehicle were sold, so a higher count does not by itself mean a less reliable car.
Safety recalls on file: 3 for the Pontiac Grand AM, 5 for the Volkswagen Passat.