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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  Review @ 16,000 mi - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - December 12 - 8:30 pm

  I came to the Passat from an A4 which was too small. The potential competitors were either too expensive etc. I think of the Passat as an A6 with a $15,000 rebate. No problems so far but I am concerned with the oil pump bolt that is a recognized failure item. I routinely get 28+mpg on highway at speeds that almost never get over 100. The acceleration from 65 or 70 to way too fast is right now with no drama. So far one of the better cars I have owned. The VAG reputation for for lack of long term reliability is a concern which is why it will be gone before the warranty is. From what I understand the Passat wagon is being killed off. If true, that is too bad.

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  Seriously Consider this Gem of A Sedan - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By iceref91 - December 11 - 6:17 pm

  I am extremely thorough in my research and very picky when it comes to the car I want. I am a college student; however travel 25,000-30,000 a year for my job as an Ice hockey referee; I travel the midwest and east coast. This car thus far is awesome on road trips. Quiet, smooth, powerful tdi engine. 3 driving modes make this awesome to drive, while I am getting 43 mpg highway and 30 mpg city (not babying it @75 on the highway). I did replace the awful hankook tires with Continental extreme contact dws. The build design is great and you can tell the high quality, just watch for the rattles in which the dealer quickly fixed. If you want a fun to drive sedan with awesome mpg get this!

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  The Perfect Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By dale49 - December 10 - 4:15 pm

  I have had this car for a few days, and it is everything I had hoped for. It is a replacement for one that fried a wiring harness on the way home from the dealer, which Im sure was a fluke. The mileage is for real, its built like a tank, and its a blast to drive. Add to that the free maintenance for 36k miles and the price, and youll have a hard time beating it. I looked at everything from Kia to BMW, and nothing else comes close to this combination of features, fuel economy and price. I would buy this car again in a heartbeat...actually, I did.

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  chasbra New 01 Passat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By chasbra - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Fun, safe, quick and confortable. I have 80000 miles in less than 2 1/2 years. No problems. The car is fun to drive and I made it even more so by adding the AVGO ECU chip. Now it has approximately 217 hp and 200+ torque. At 80000 miles I would normally trade by now, but cant get the chip for the 2003 yet, and cant find anything as good at or near the same price. It handles better than the 2004 Maxima, 2003 Altima, 2003 Mazda 6 and 2003 Acura TL/Cl Type Ss. All of which I test drove this week.

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  Typical German Car - Driver Oriented - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom - December 6 - 1:10 am

  As typical of German cars, the Passat is fun to drive. The 2.0T is quick and responsive. The variable mechanical assist steering is a plus - the car is highly maneuverable in the parking deck (great turning radius) but stable and tight at highway speeds where you feel connected to the road. I think the jury is still out on the FOB ignition key. Why not have a RF system with push button ignition and door unlocking sensing? I like the driver’s side glove box and other storage bins. As luck would have it I test drove the car in pouring rain and found the driver’s door umbrella required me to get wet to pull it out with the door swung open.

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  Lemon of all Lemons - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DanH8VW - December 5 - 1:10 pm

  Just a warning just dont do VW. I absolutely hate this car, because of poor service and reliability. I dont go anywhere for fear it will break down again. VW service is horrible. I have a door that has never opened, just not safe. I have needed CV boots since the day after I bought the car. This car was a replacement for my 2002 Jetta, which was a death trap. I fear for my safety in this car. I have leaked every fluid since it was new. Dealers and VW state meets specification. I wonder should they be prosecuted for theft. I have paid more in maintenance and repairs than what the car cost. Ontario VW wants $2800 for each CV boot replacement, more than its worth.

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  Good car for good price - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joost - December 5 - 5:43 am

  We were going to pick up a Dodge Ram 1500 Pickup truck and saw the new Passat on the other side of the dealership (same dealer). After our test drive we were sold! We love the car with the heated seats and the moonroof. At night the dash looks very cool with the red and blue allumination. And the cars handling is great too!

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  Beware VW Fans!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By iblackwell - December 3 - 11:25 pm

  After owning VWs for years this will be my last. I actually traded the Passat today for a BMW and I couldnt be more relieved. The problems and repairs have been unending from the start. Under 3 mo. old, the sunroof leaked and all of the carpet had to be replaced, I have replaced (3) Front axles, a valve cover gasket, numerous sensors, the thermastat, (3) window regulators, motor mounts, Both headlights because they turned white after three years and wouldnt pass inspection. I even had to replace the antenna and the oil dip stick because they fell apart. Lastly the interior trim peeled off (VW sprays a coating over plastic - ???) All this at 75000 miles! The services every 5K are COSTLY!

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  Drives great. Features are awful - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By jdp5000 - December 2 - 10:45 am

  Cons. Everything else. Radio/GPS is the worst I have ever had. Often when your first turn the car on the radio/nav wont respond to commands for 1-2 minutes. When I put the car in reverse the backup camera doesnt come on for 1-2 minutes also. By that time I am long out of a parking space. Worthless. Navigation wont allow address entry for the first 1-2 min. The Nav entry system is cumbersome and just poorly designed. Remote start is also designed by a moran. You have to start the car and then restart the car when you enter it. VW-carnet is worthless. It is as though Vw just threw somethin

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  So disappointed with my 99 Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Clare Grief - December 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought my VW Passat new in 1999. It has been back to the dealer regularly ever since. Engine fan, engine temperature sensor, interior and exterior body moldings, major oil leaks, oil coolant leak and finally last month, the spark control module failed leaving me stranded on the side of the road. These repairs have cost me over $3,500. This is by far the most unreliable car I have ever owned and it has only done 34K miles.