Is Honda or Volkswagen better?

My aunt is deciding on a used car, and she's wondering if she should get an Acura TSX or a Volkswagen Passat. They're both 2012 models. The Volkswagen costs less, but the Acura is certified-pre-owned.
I've heard many people say that Volkswagens are built better than Hondas. However, I've also heard many people say that Volkswagens continually give issues, which I know Honda and Acura products don't give (my cousin has a 1998 CR-V with over 300,000 miles on it). So, would you buy the Passat or the TSX?

Honda didn't cheat their way to meet US emissions standards. VW did. That's enough reason for me to buy a Honda.

Both are excellent cars. Honda/Acura has gained a reputation for quality and reliability while VW remains a world leader in automotive engineering and sales.

The Passat is larger, more luxurious. The Acura more sporty with higher performance.

European cars cost more to maintain and overall cost to own will be higher.

It really comes down to driving them both and determining which car your aunt prefers. But she will pay more overall to own the VW.

Honda vehicles are far more reliable than VW vehicles. They are also cheaper to repair and get better mileage. Also a certified pre owned car will have a great warranty. This is a no brainer, get the Acura.

Honda is better than Acura. Non luxury cars are almost always better than luxury cars.

VW isn't even in the same ballpark.