2014 Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.27/5 Average
37 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

A more fuel-efficient 1.8-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the 2.5-liter five-cylinder on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat SEL model and will gradually be phased in on other trim levels. VW's Car-Net telematics interface also debuts this year, and most trims, including this year's new Sport trim level, now have a standard rearview camera.

Pros:
  • Refined and quiet ride
  • Strong V6
  • Fuel-efficient diesel engine
  • High-quality cabin with above-average passenger and cargo space
  • Top safety scores.
Cons:
  • Below-average acceleration with 2.5 and TDI engines
  • Touchscreen electronics interface in SEL models is slow to respond.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 37.00
  • MY 2014 Passat TSI SE Experience - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I got my 2014 Passat TSI SE in October 2013 and I like the car for its driving performance with excellent fuel efficiency. I get up to 36 highway MPG and for my commuting route I get 33 MPG. I noticed I get the best MPG when my speed is between 45 and 75 MPH. I have 7000 miles on my car and lifetime MPG is 31 MPG. On my commuting route when I drive 2007 or 2010 4 cylinder Camry I only get 27 MPG. I like the music system design that produce clear sound without a need significantly increase audio level while on the noisy highway. I have driven Passat competitor vehicle and noticed high wind noise that makes it hard to listen to music.

  • Exceeds Expectaions - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Having gone through literally a dozen or more of newer type cars over the last decade I can safely say that this car lives up to and exceeds expectations. No car is perfect and there are a couple of annoyances such as the traction control (too intrusive), or the slow navigation unit; but car is fantastic. Ive had it 2 months and average right at 40mpg all the time. I just took it on a 1100 mile trip and averaged 42mpg going between 75 and 84 mph. Also, acceleration is great all around. This is only the third car Ive owned that exceeded gas mileage (others were 2013 Mercedes and 2008 Golf GTI). Overall the car is solid with no rattles. Its an excellent family car.

  • My first VW - 2014 Passat 1.8L T - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have test drove several used or certified VW vehicles in last month (Passat diesel 2.0L, Passat 2.5 L Manual, Passat 2.5L Auto, and Jetta 2.5 L Auto). I was able to test drive the 1.8L Turbo automatic - and I was sold as soon has I hit the gas pedal. It has great acceleration. After my first week of driving I was able to drive +400 miles for city and some highway driving. I filled up with 1/4 tank of gas and it cost me less than $24.00. The electronics (cluster, radio, and Hvac are decent). I picked the VW becuase of the simple styling. I chose the Passat over the Jetta due to additional space. I am very happy with my purchase. I hope to be a VW consumer for a long time. :)

  • S to Wolfsburg Edition - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Had an S in Blue, damaged, not convinced fixed right, traded for this. Opera Red, Cornsilk leatherette interior. Beautiful car. Very much a Volkswagen. Elegant, but tough. Understated. A machine. Awesome on the highway. Like the new 1.8l turbo. Had a 2.5l inline five on a 2010 Golf. I thought it was more than enough engine for that car, decent gas milage, but this is better.

  • Unmatched TDI mileage, huge and comfortable, early build quality worries - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    1) Mileage: You will get blown away - the EPA numbers are junk (as usual) but in the opposite direction of gas cars. Here you get more, a lot MORE than claimed. Note: Hybrids will always outperform in stop and go city traffic. However, on the highway, diesels will blow hybrids away. The choice is thus dependent on driving environment. 2) The engine is silk smooth, once above 1.3k rpm. 3) The car is big, especially the back seat and the trunk. 4) Suspension is on the softer side and absorbs bumps very nicely. 5) Very low road noise 6) Have had a couple of squeeks and rattles from the dashboard in the first month. A little worried about build quality.

  • Worst vehicle Ive ever had - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The NAV is not user friendly. When you enter the car, the media plays whatever it wants to even if your apps arent open. The display changes from whatever setting youve selected to show that youre making a call and to whom youre calling; so if you had it set on the speed you have to change it back after starting or ending the call. As soon as the a/c was out of warranty the compressor went out. I have had it replaced less than a week and its gone out again. Besides the fact that my TDI has no value because of the lies the company told, the car is a piece of crap.

  • 4 Time Passat Offender - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have many years and miles of Volkswagen ownership under my belt. I simply like the feel behind the wheel of the Volkswagens; firm ride, tight cornering and firm comfortable seats. My experience with the brand is nearly 100% positive. I do take an interest understanding key maintenance issues as recommended by my independent VW mechanic. Keys to successful ownership include using synthetic oil, Top Tier gas brands and ethanol free fuel if you are really committed. The Passat 1.8 TSI engine coupled with the smooth shifting 6 speed automatic transmission is an impressive combination. The engines ability to hit pick torque at very low RPMs got me over my believe I would never settle for anything less than a V6 engine. The 1.8 TSI engine delivers brisk acceleration and excellent gas mileage. The option to manually shift plus the sport mode give the extra driver engagement I enjoy in the brand. In suburban driving I average around 28 MPG. I have gone as high as 39 MPG on an 800 mile freeway trip with cruise set between 70 and 80 MPH. One observation is that at 45 miles per hour the transmission goes into 6th gear taking the engine down to 1200 RPM. This low engine speed can cause the engine to lug. I generally do not worry about it. An option to avoid the lugging is to run in sport mode if you are spending a good deal of time at 45 MPH. I love the subtle look of the spacious interior. I like the classy exterior but I find it a little boring. I am not the type who craves extra attention. The Wolfsburg addition is the second least equipped version of the Passat but it has the modern essentials including heated faux leather driver and passenger seats (power seat for the driver) and steering wheel controls for the radio. I love Volkswagens trip computer system. Those who desire more electronic engagement in their cars will find the radio system inadequate at least in Wolfsburg addition. Stepping up to the SE level solves some of the short coming with the electronics like a navigation option and backup camera. Had I been able to find a nice deal on an SE, I would have stepped up to the next level. One other note, the Hankook tires that came from the factory are a poor option. I expect when I switch to my preferred brand (Toyo), the ride, handling and cabin noise will be even better.

  • Fahrvergnugen! Driving enjoyment! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I sampled quite a few --Accord, Camry, Mazda6, Fusion, Sonata, etc. The Passat felt the most tuned in. I love the torque curve that kicks in a very low rpms. Up-shifts come quickly, which makes the Passat seem like it has long legs. Im getting nearly 30 mpg in town. It really favors soft-pedalling the gas, but has plenty of juice when needed. Handling is excellent. Seats are comfortable. No squeaks or rattles. Soaks up bumps smoothly. Overall build quality seems to be right on. No USB port?!, so I bought a dual outlet converter. The Bluetooth works very well. Plenty of room. Stickered for $27,500, I paid $24,200, plus 0.9% financing.

  • My Dads Volkswagen - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Like the title says, this really is my dads Volkswagen. I traded in my 12 GolfR for this after my dads glowing review of his 13 TDI SE. This is my 4th VW, and Im as happy as ever. Build quality is top notch, with a lux leather/suede combo for the seats, and upgraded faux woodgrain for the 14 model. Gas mileage (why we buy these) is better than advertised. On 85 miles of mixed driving yesterday, I averaged 43+mpg when I parked at my door. The Fender sound system is great, and Bluetooth seems more clear than in my GolfR. The leg room in the back is incredible, and theres quite a bit of trunk space (though not as much vertical space as you might hope). Overall, Im thanking my dad.

  • As good as a BMW - but half the price - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I am used to driving BMWs and Jaguars for the last 25 years. I bought this car after having a Jetta for a year and I loved it but wanted a bigger, heavier car with more bells and whistles so I traded it for this PASSAT. I LOVE THIS CAR! I am tall and long legged and Its extremely comfortable, has all I could ask for except leather and a sunroof, but with rear camera, bluetooth, MP3 and iPod, heated seats and it performs beautifully and extremely reliably EVERY DAY and gets great gas mileage and needs NOTHING and the warranty and included service at the dealerships are great. This car just works flawlessly and is a great performer on the road. Its never needed to go into the dealership for anything except scheduled maintenance and I have several dealerships to go to and they are all EXCELLENT AND TAKE FANTASTIC CARE OF YOU. Update: My car was subject to the Takara airbag recall. 11 deaths and hundreds of severe injuries as metal schrapnel could explode into your neck or face. VW said 6 - 9 months wait for replacements. I was NOT going to allow myself to be the next death or injury. VW would not take my car in on trade on a brand new. Tried emailing the VW CEO in Europe for a solution - none offered. I traded it in at the local BMW dealership for a preowned 328i and very happy. VW is a great car but I was not going to drive a death trap and they offered no help.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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