How do Volkswagen cars measure up to Hondas and Toyotas?

Hello! For anyone who’s noticed I’ve been gone, I am back from an extended business trip during which I was so busy, I barely checked my email, let alone Fluther.

I am officially in the market for a new (new to me) car. I am looking for something extremely reliable. I know from experience that Hondas and Toyotas are the most reliable affordable cars, and I am pretty sure that everyone agrees on that front. I haven’t heard much about Volkswagens either way, but I kind of like the Volkswagen Passat. How do Volkswagen cars measure up to Hondas and Toyotas?

I am also open to other suggestions. My ideal car would be a 2003 silver Honda Civic, automatic transmission, less than 90K miles. But I’ve been having a difficult time finding that combination for less than $6,500, which is my price limit. (I am not interesting in having monthly car payments; I currently have $6,500 saved to buy a car, and I am not interested in spending any more than that.)

Basically, what I am looking for is:
– silver
– automatic transmission
– looks similar to a Honda Civic
– between 2000 and 2003
– less than 90K miles
– extremely reliable, well-made car that runs well even at 100K+
– approximately $6,500

Does a Volkswagen Passat fit what I am looking for? Are there any other makes/models I should be considering, given my criteria?

Thanks so much for the suggestions!

Question #2 coming up… :)