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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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CarFan - October 17 - 12:23 pm

  To compare this automobile to a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord is to do it an injustice. They are simply not in its league. I would compare it to a Volvo S60, Nissan Maxima, 2006 Toyota Avalon, BMW 3-Series, etc. It is German engineering at its most innovative and a truly remarkable package all put together. You would think you are driving a BMW or an Audi (OK, you probably actually are driving an Audi) and the turbo makes this car a blast. It has lots of power, features, room, blatant good looks and personality. I used to think VWs were overpriced but now I see they are underpriced for the class of vehicles they truly are in competition against.

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  Sludge - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By ugh - October 15 - 2:13 am

  I loved this car until the sludge set in. The dealer indicates that there is sludge ruining the engine of this car (and thousands of others like it). It is outrageous that VW will not remedy this problem. It is clearly a design flaw that is costing VW customers thousands of dollars. Also, I have had to replace the O2 sensor several times.

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  Good NON-SUV performer - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MtnDog - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Despite two recalls (ignition coils and fuel tank protection shield) this vehicle has performed very well. Comfortable, fun to drive, solid, spacious, yet nimble quick and quiet inside.

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  10 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By josephine - October 14 - 2:00 am

  great car. feels more solid than my husbands used 540i.

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  Great car with poor mileage. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By LD - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car, but I am very disappointed in the mileage. I dont get 20 to 21 miles per locally and 26 miles per long distance was the best I ever got. When I am at 250 miles clocked, I keep getting gas messages and beeps.

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  Fit & Finish - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By kb50 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased based in reseach (Fit & Finish) and our interest for fun w/a stick. Got that and great mileage. Husband loves this car & drives most often. Have had regular servicing and no mechanical problems. Had to have bumper repainted once from bad driving in parking lot. Our 6 year old hates this car. Car seat didnt work well & now hes too short & tends to get car sick. No arm rest this model year (2001-2). I miss being able to rest my arm on window while driving...

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  Anything but VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed J. - October 12 - 10:27 pm

  Loved the car until it hit 40K. Thank God I purchased extended warranty. two A/C compressors, one ABS module, alternator, (each of these cost at least $1200), fan motor, trunk latch, catalytic converter, part for Turbo, interior lock buttons peeled, arm rests peeled (VW would not do anything about this) No excuse for any of this. Im used to Asian cars, never had these problems with them! Had car towed twice, once for alternator and most recently for ignition part. That did it. I traded for a new 2015 Mazda6 last March. What a great car! Styling, mileage, quality, reliability. I dont understand why people make excuses for poor reliability with some brands like VW. I wont put up with it. Just read reviews. The top cars for reliability are Lexus, Mazda, Toyota, and Honda. Dont see any VWs up there do you? No excuse for poor reliability, I learned my lesson. Got rid of this car two years ago and bought a Mazda6, Very happy with Mazda, what a difference., No problems.

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  Fantastic car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By scontca - October 9 - 6:40 am

  I absolutely love my Passat. I have owned about a dozen VWs and this is by far the best yet. The car is very quick, smooth, quiet and luxurious. I have had no problems and I am sure the car will hold up well over the next few years.

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  Unreliable yet built like a tank - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By weatherman07 - October 8 - 10:26 pm

  This is my second Passat wagon - Im trying to sell it. I have no idea why I decided to subject myself to another used VW after my experience with the first one. Dont get me wrong - new/nearly new (3-4 years old) VWs are great cars; theyre reliable, luxurious..etc. But after they hit the 5 year mark, they go to hell. I heard a saying once that a check engine light is a beacon to let you know youre driving a VW, and that certainly rings true. Its always on and always very expensive to fix. The car does feel very solid and is good in the snow. The engine is slow to accelerate and gets mediocre gas mileage.

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  Best Christmas suprise ever! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By stephenleblanc - October 6 - 4:10 pm

  The only reason I didnt score a 5 on the "Fun to drive" score, is because I traded in a 2.0T EOS with DSG for it. My girlfriend FELL IN LOVE with a Passat loaner. I would say Im thrilled with about 99% of the Passat. Heres the short list of things that, to me, could be better: the sun visors FEEL cheap. (In the EOS too) the stereo sound quality is inferior to the one I had in the EOS. (disappointed) If this is all a chronic complainer can find, I say its all good!