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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  What a car! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobthebike - October 6 - 2:26 am

  Having 9K miles, I just dont have anything negative to say. The mileage is utterly unbelievable as I consistently get 35+ mpg. All the electronics work as advertised and are intuitive. It racks down the road smoothly and quietly. I know the 5 cylinder has been around for awhile, but it has been really refined into a first-class powerplant. Lastly, the fit and finish (especially the paint) of this car is believably world-class. Good job VW!

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  Love my Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By mexglx - October 4 - 6:51 pm

  I love this Wagon! I bought used with CPO warranty from VW. Has 60K miles. They take care of every little issue. The power of the V6 is amazing. It is fast. Love sport mode. The ABS and traction control do a great job. All the features it has are amazing for a 2007. Memory seats that remember each key fob and move seats back to my spot when I open the door. Tons of room. Im 63" and my daughters child seat fits behind me when I drive. Great multi-function display in dash with Nav directions/audio/trip info. Multi-func steering wheel with Bluetooth phone functions. Handles fantastic. Feels like a Benz with VW price! Discovered tons of cool features after reading the manual. Love the engine

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  So much fun - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe - September 30 - 1:10 pm

  I test drove a lot of vehicles, including Acura TL, Volvo 40, Infiniti G35 and the Lexus IS 250. When I prioritized fuel economy, seat comfort for all passengers (12 ways on both fronts, Lux Edition) and fun factor, I kept coming back to the Passat. Ive taken it to Florida and back, averaging almost 34 mpg. Ive had a couple little problems that the dealer fixed right away; the satellite radio was defective and the right rear door mechanism broke inside. This has been a very enjoyable purchase, and I often find reasons to go somewhere now. I have about 8000 miles on the vehicle now.

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  Needs better brakes - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chicagoguy - September 30 - 5:06 am

  The Passat is a good overall car. My only complaint is the cars brake rotors. I bought the car new and at 15K miles I noticed the brakes didnt seem right and brought it to the dealer. They told me the car needed new pads and rotors. This happened again at 30K and yet the dealer said this was normal. Ive owned many new cars over the years and have never had to replace the rotors every 15K miles and have concluded that VWs rotors arent up to standard. Its not right to expect a customer to have to fork over hundreds of dollars for new rotors every 15K. Because of this expense, I wouldnt buy another Passat.

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  NEVER BUY A VW !!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sk - September 30 - 12:13 am

  I bought vw passat 03 as certified used and had a very bad experience. The only reason I bought the car was because of its sexy interior and exterior(silver). Last 4 yrs, I had nothing but bad experience, done every service regularly, almost every time the vw dealer finds some problem costing anywhere from $300.00 to $1500.00 for that repair or this repair. I was driving probably about 50 miles a month as I had a Honda Civic. After about 3 yrs of use, I was worried and purchased a top vw platinum warranty, but the problems didnt stop nor was any part/problem covered by this worthless warranty - i paid about $2000 for this warranty. NEVER BUYING A VW AGAIN.

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  stay away very bad CAR and SERVICE also - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Codi - September 28 - 10:00 am

  very unreliable car , faulty engine and very bad service from dealer. had to take it in too many times , once 6 times in a row for bad falty engine already shortly buying VW passat. stay away , also very bad service people, unfriedly and they dont keep appoitements . filing complaint with better buisness bureu. will never buy vw again. Buy VW if you want a car that breaks down all the time.

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  A blend of comfort, performance, economy - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By CHCHRISTI - September 28 - 10:00 am

  A friend raved about his Jetta TDI, and I drove it and was impressed. At first I thought the Passat might be more car than I needed, but I love the way it performs and it exudes engineering savvy. Lots of details have been carefully thought through.The selectronic transmission allows it to be shifted like a standard or driven as conventional automatic. Way cool! The moon roof is a nice feature and the trunk space is phenomenal. Ive owned the car for two months and am still discovering nice features. So far I can recommend only two changes: lighted switches on the visor mounted progammable remote control buttons so you can see them at night .

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  Great Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill_in_ny - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Very nice car (my wifes). Wonderfull fit and finish, loaded with safety features (air bags, anti-lock, pinch free window) very comfy. Rides on air with enough road feel to make it seem like you are part of the car. More room than most SUVs without lugging 4000lbs around. Quick around town and on open road. Great on long trips (took turns and drove staight through from NY to FL)

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  The best of class - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By akalita - September 25 - 10:10 am

  Just got the new Passat few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Interior design is impeccable, outside it looks awesome as well. No resemblance to Toyota whatsoever (some people saw Coroll in rear end, beats me where they got that from; put the two cars side by side and see for yourself). The 2.0T engine is all new and has gobs of power and great torque curve. The car is also very quiet, even at high speeds. There is no competition in this class for this car; Camry and Accord cant even hold a candle to it (Accord especially, with even A/C optional), tons of standard luxury features. Automatic transmission is finally up to par (previous models had annoying kick to it).

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  So far, so good - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By qstone - September 25 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I compared Altima, Camry, Accord and Passat. See my posting in the appropriate discussion group for results. We chose Passat because of warranty (hopefully we dont need it), exterior styling, safety features, interior quality. We have 2200 miles on our Passat now, and we still get in and tell each other "I love this car." There was an annoying buzz at around 2800 rpm that was driving us crazy, but it turned out to be the tilt/telescope lever under the steering wheel. I re-locked it and buzz went away and stayed away.