Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen Passat has long been a favorite among shoppers looking for a little more luxury and style in their midsize family sedan or wagon. For many folks, the Passat has traditionally filled the gap that exists between normal, humdrum family cars and the financially out-of-reach luxury brands. Displaying a classy, restrained style inside and out, the Volkswagen Passat gives the impression of quiet competence, which is borne out by its refined driving character. A quality cabin and competent handling, along with a supple ride, are typical Passat traits.

The latest Volkswagen Passat is the biggest Passat yet and is priced considerably lower than before to more closely compete with mainstream family sedans. There has been some cost-cutting to meet that lower price, though, which means the Passat may be a little less appealing to aspiring German luxury car owners. Still, we think it has retained enough of its premium feel to make a case for itself as a gateway vehicle. As for used Passats, both second- and third-generation models are very good picks.

Current Volkswagen Passat
Available in a quintet of trim levels (S, Wolfsburg, SE, Sport and SEL), the current Volkswagen Passat boasts many of the qualities that have drawn folks to German cars in the first place. The well-controlled, buttoned-down ride quality is one, while its restrained exterior styling is another. The cabin, though not quite as special as that of VW's CC or the old Passat, is still one of the nicer environments to be found in the class. It's also one of the most spacious, with plenty of rear seat legroom and a large trunk.

The base Passat "1.8T" engine is a peppy yet fuel-efficient 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 170 horsepower. It is one of the more appealing engines in the midsize sedan segment, yet the Passat TDI's diesel engine is nevertheless worth strong consideration. Although a tad louder and with more low-end power than the 1.8T, the driving experience is similar enough that its 34 mpg combined fuel economy comes without a drivability penalty. Its highway fuel economy is actually better than what some midsize hybrid sedans can achieve. For those seeking more power, a 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 is also available.

On the move, the Passat is an engaging sedan to drive thanks to its well-sorted suspension tuning, precise steering feel and strong brakes. The car also manages to earn high marks for ride comfort, which is ultimately more important considering the fact that most buyers will be far more concerned with schlepping kids to school or co-workers to lunch than taking a spirited drive along winding back roads.

In total, the Volkswagen Passat is a midsize sedan that's worthy of consideration alongside the stalwart class leaders from America and Japan. While it still mostly looks and feels like a German car, it now has the generous space and attractive pricing expected of an American one.

Used Volkswagen Passat Models
The Volkswagen Passat was completely redesigned for 2012. It is larger and less expensive than the car it replaced, putting it more in line with American expectations for the midsize sedan class. Since that debut, there have been just a couple of notable changes. Specifically, these Passats came standard with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine good for 170 hp. It was sufficiently powerful and efficient, but loud and unrefined, making one of the other engines a more appealing used car choice. It was phased out midway through the 2014 model year in favor of the current 1.8T engine. The current Sport trim level and the Car-Net telematics system were also unavailable.

The previous, third-generation Passat was produced from 2006-'10 in sedan and wagon body styles. It was larger than the car it replaced and Volkswagen made an effort to move it upscale, increasing feature content and price. Perhaps as a result, this Passat wasn't as popular as previous versions, but generous passenger space, a high-quality cabin and strong engines should make it a good used car pick.

The standard engine for this third-generation Passat was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produced 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard and a six-speed automatic was optional. From 2006-'08 a narrow-angle V6 known as the VR6 was optional. This engine pumped out 280 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, and it could be had with all-wheel drive in the 3.6 4Motion trim. An automatic transmission was standard for the V6.

There were initially four trim levels -- Value Edition, 2.0T, 3.6 and 3.6 4Motion. Even though the lower trims had steel wheels, other desirable features like a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auxiliary audio jack and high-quality leatherette vinyl upholstery were standard. The upper trims could be had with luxury features like adaptive xenon headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control and 12-way power front seats.

The short-lived Wolfsburg trim level in 2007 added some extra luxuries and visual distinction to the 2.0T model. For the 2008 model year, the trim levels were renamed Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. For the final two years, Volkswagen dropped the V6, reduced the Passat to just a single (Komfort) trim level and discontinued most of the car's upscale features. A new hard-drive-based navigation system did become available, however.

Overall, our road tests of the time had good things to say about this generation of Volkswagen Passat, from the high quality of its fit and finish to the engaging yet fuel-efficient performance of the turbocharged engine. Tuned more for ride comfort than clipping apexes on a twisty road, the Passat's suspension nonetheless struck a happy balance between a plush ride and athletic handling dynamics.

The second-generation VW Passat was available from 1998-2005. It was a little smaller than the third-generation Passat but was very popular thanks to its tasteful styling, peppy performance and solid Germanic feel. Based on a stretched version of the Audi A4 platform of its day, this Passat offered an unusually upscale feel. From the way the doors shut to the way the car absorbed bumps without drama and confidently carved its way along a winding road, this Passat was one midsize sedan or wagon that was actually desirable. This certainly had an effect on our editors; both the sedan and wagon were Edmunds.com Editors Most Wanted award winners for five straight years, from 2000-'04.

Engine choices included a 1.8-liter turbocharged four called the 1.8T that made up to 170 hp, a silken 190-hp V6 and a short-lived 270-hp eight-cylinder W8. Equipped with the W8, the Passat grew too heavy and expensive to have widespread appeal. During most of the car's run, VW offered 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option on V6 models (it was standard on W8 models). A frugal 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine called the TDI became available in 2004. For used-car shoppers, any Passat should be fine, but those built for 2002 and later are the best choices, as they received updated powertrains and beneficial chassis improvements.

The first-generation Volkswagen Passat (1990-'97) sold in North America isn't quite as desirable as its successor. Although space-efficient, this Passat's styling was boxy and a bit strange, especially during the first five years when it had a grille-less nose. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was not a strong suit in these earlier Passats either, as it was described as rough in nature and was taxed with moving this midsize sedan. A few years after its debut, the Passat received more gusto under the hood in the form of the 2.8-liter, narrow-angle VR6.

User Reviews:

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  Need quality control - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW owner - September 20 - 7:53 pm

  I have owned this car for more than 6 years, never has any major work done on it. The only dealer repairs that I had made was a leaky crank shaft boot, and a couple of recalls. The ride still solid and sound. I have only paid for new brakes and 4 new tires at 60,000 miles, and scheduled maintencance. But the little stuff like the dash board back light, the hood release latch (cost $200 to replace), a broken mirror control switch ($70), were coughed out from my own pocket. Also the car had a few glitches during the warranty period, i.e. air bag sensor, trunk lock. I guess they should use better quality parts at the plant. But other than these, I still like my car.

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  ITS NOT A BMW OR A BENZ - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By glaxowelc - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Passat is a wonderful car and despite the reviews title, I do like mine. In my opinion, it falls far short of either the BMW or the Benz in most categories but, it doesnt cost over $45,000 either. This more than makes up for any of the cars shortfalls. German engineering at a bargain price.

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  6 year review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjss - September 17 - 9:13 am

  Bought the car new in 3/2002, very fun to drive. However, would agree that it is expensive to maintain. Oil changes and recommended mileage checkups are not cheap. Have read many postings about changing the timing belt between 60-70K (VW manual recommends 90K), plan to do, but will run 1000-1200K at an independent shop ($1500 at dealership). Concerned about oil sludge issues since the dealership did not use full synthetic until VW announced it should be standard (2004).

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  TDI Passat is fantastic - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Scott M - September 17 - 8:06 am

  I have owned many VWs. GTIs, Rabbits, Busses and Cabrios. I bought the TDI Passat as a knee jerk reaction to the fuel crisis of 08. Let me just say this is my favorite VW of all. We dumped a Ford Expedition to get this and I only lost maybe 25% usable space. I get 28-35 MPG in the city and 38 on long highway trips. The first thing I did when I bought it was have the software reflashed with an Upsolute package for $450. I now have 50 more ft/lbs of torque and 30 more HP. Undetectable by the dealer, doesnt affect reliability, huge difference on the road. Best $450 you will ever spend. If you want a solid family sized car that is fun to drive that looks good and gets good mileage...Passat TDI!

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  Some bad things some good things - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Not Too Happy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  Ok, it has been a good car but there have been some problems. First, in the last three months we have heard a rattling sound in the car....Over head cam tensioner needs replacing...., the running day lights have gone out twice...cheap bulbs burn out. The turning lights switch burnt out...needed replacing. Overall a good vehicle but beware it does not get mileage in stop and go. I live in NYC and my city mileage is like 170 miles on a full tank (12 gals). Better for surburban or rural open roads type atmosphere. Would probably have bought an SUV...

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  I love my passat! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By billkollector - September 14 - 3:00 pm

  I love my car. Have no doubts about this car, this is an Audi A4 with VW badging. All repair parts are completely interchangeable with an A4 of the same year. Passats are built in Germany so you know they are built correctly, not like the Jettas which are built in Mexico. You cannot go wrong with this car. Note for the consumer though, look for the 2.8L V6. The VW turbos have been known to need replacement after 100k km.

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  Number One Nightmare - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By wilde13 - September 11 - 12:36 am

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. It is my second Passst. Drove a 99 for 160K miles. It has been one tragedy after another. It has been one major fubar after another. Between electrical component failures, to bad electronic ignitions and keys to having both the engine and transmission go out at 81,000 miles. Volkswagen of America had the audacity to offer me a $1000 rebate on a purchase of my next VW. I am so frustrated I dont know what to do. I have kept up on the service, why not since its been in the shop so often. You will not see me even coming close to a VW lot for the rest of my life.

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  What you should know - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By ryan - September 10 - 8:33 am

  Driven this vehicle for over 10,000 miles and no problems. It is fun to drive; excellent acceleration, well mannered at high speeds (over 100 mph), handles great, and gets excellent gas mileage. Averages 27-30 miles per gallon on my commute and gets 32 or better on the highway. Interior is roomy, comfortable, instruments are well positioned, and there are many many upgrades. It does use premium gas and synthetic oil. So the maintenance costs are a little higher. Its worth it because this vehicle is fun to drive. I thought this is a great alternative to a Honda, Toyota, Infiniti, BMW, or Volvo. This has been my favorite vehicle so far for the price.

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  Headaches - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Headache - September 9 - 10:00 am

  So many minor problems. Ranging from malfunctioning electronic displays to car not starting. It has caused nothing but headaches and worries about what is going to happen next?

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  Awesome - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By carole1003 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I love my VW Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I originally thought that I wanted a Honda Accord. However, when I visited Edmunds.com and read the reviews for the Honda, it said to also check out the VW Passat. Im glad I did! I read its review and then test drove it! Ive never been happier. It rides smooth and I havent had any problems. Also, it comes with a lot of standard safety features that are not standard on an Accord, like the side curtain airbags. Im really impressed with this car! The only drawback is that it is a little more expensive for servicing than an Accord.