The thing that strikes me about American cars is just how cheap and cheesy the interiors are. It looks like you could just blow on the door panel plastics, and they'd start to peel off.
They can keep packing more and more horsepower, but all that hp doesn't make a damned bit of difference to people stuck in city traffic.... they want strong low end torque, and pleasant interiors to help make you forget about the miserable commute ahead.
at least that's what I want! The Passat delivers on that score..
My dad liked it so well he just bought a 2002 Ford Explorer and loves it. Go Ford/Mercury!
I like VW's also. I drove a roommate's Rabbit GTI a lot in the 80's, and it was a cool little rocket. The only problem I have with them is the price tag.