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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  1.8T 5MT GLS Wagon is a wonderful car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ovi - August 15 - 11:26 am

  Just came back from a 2,400 mi trip (Ontario to NC and back). The car is absolutely fantastic: excellent performance in heavy traffic and on highway, low fuel consumption (average 33.11mpg with AC on, 65-70MPH) and very comfortable seats. Great torque @ 2000rpm, very stable/quiet car. I only miss the 6-speed manual transmission. This car will serve you well if the driving habits are reasonable and maintenance is properly done (5W40 syn oil every 5,000mi, good oil and air filters). Yes, some repairs are expensive at the dealer but if you find a good repair shop youll see a huge drop in ownership costs.

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  Has potential, needs improvement - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By infpos - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Was very excited about this car until I bought it and many small things went wrong starting on the first day. Thank goodness its certified. If the automatic waited longer to shift, it would be more fun to drive and the cup holders are just silly. Seems like they almost got it right, maybe newer models have been improved. Next time Ill buy a Honda.

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  Good Stuff - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jnpzwix - August 13 - 2:00 am

  We love our Passat, my wife and I always argue on who gets to drive instead of who gets to ride. My favorite car of all time was the 1984 Audi 4000 Quattro...all of those feelings are rushing back. The Passat has a great look, ride, and feel with the German engineering. This car is an excellent value for the price.

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  First VW - Very Good but not Great - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By edmundsfan5 - August 12 - 5:53 am

  Ive had my 2010 Passat for a few months, and for the most part I am happy. I totally agree with the other rave reviews of the spirited 2.0 turbo engine, and the incredibly smooth DGS transmission. Its very stable at highway speeds, as it should be coming from Germany. My only real complaint is the intrusive road noise on uneven pavement - there is a lot of that where I live around DC. I have also noticed some annoying rattles in the drivers door and dash, but I dont know if its just my car since most people rate the fit & finish very highly. Great fuel economy and plenty of power for every day drivers. I especially enjoy the low end torque pushing me back in my seat.

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  Great til the warranty ran out - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Patrick - August 11 - 8:50 am

  This has been a great car to own. Mine was made in Germany, had had no problems until this year (2005) when I ran into the EMISSIONS WORKSHOP problem others have. Dealer wants $3000 to 5000 to fix it. BUT WAIT - my excellent mechanic has assured me that this is a well known design flaw (O2 sensors too close to catalytic converters), and that by moving them around (a couple hundred bucks), the problem goes away. You can also ignore the engine light until it is time to pass smog tests. ALSO, the Volkswagen dealership is just about the least customer friendly place I have ever dealth with - their focus is entirely on revenue, and they could care less what you think about them.

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  Awesome Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatlover - August 8 - 9:00 pm

  I hated to become a station wagon mom, but I tell you, I love this car! We have a beetle, too, and I love them both!

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  Wish this car was worth what I expected - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By roger2texas - August 8 - 4:56 pm

  I dont understand.. I hear that VWs are supposed to be great cars, but this car is so expensive to repair!! CV joints/axles are unbelievable and 5k miles after being replaced, axle is out again! VW dealerships are very unfriendly, and want over $500 for any little thing. Temp sensor has gone out, alternator out, transmission kicks ugly when downshifting from 2nd to 1st, sharp object about to poke through leather from inside of seat, interior is peeling really bad (doors, trim, console, back ashtray, etc..), car burns excess oil (approx 1 qt. every 1k miles) NOT NORMAL for 2003 with 75k miles and full castrol synthetic 5w-40! Poor gas mileage even though premium fuel is used as REQUIRED!

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  Not bad for a wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By harmsaj - August 7 - 9:23 pm

  Fun car, has plenty of kick when you punch it, not my GTO, but hey. This is the first turbo car and VW that Ive voluntarily bought, and it was worth it. We just drove back from the mother- in-laws, 489 miles. There was still over a quarter tank of gas left, that rocks! Couple design features Im not crazy about, but later, fun car, great utility, kind of a rough ride for a larger car, but moves like a smaller car. Suspension is kind of mushy, no slaloms anytime soon. Sounds sweet with an aftermarket intake!!!

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  W8 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By PT409 - August 7 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car-so long as you get the Sport Package...

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  Falling apart - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jacek - August 4 - 4:56 pm

  Bought new as a second car. In seven and a half years put on 42,000 miles. First thing went the batteries, little over two years old just after the warranty. Then the interior moving accessories, ashtray lid, broke twice, I dont smoke use it to keep change. Then the cup holder -terrible design every time I use it it feels that it will break. The wood trim and the shifter was next, new shifter over $180! Antenna and the rubber trim on it and around the base; need to remove the roof panel and the skylight to replace a $.50 gasket cost over 400 bucks! All the rubber trim is falling apart. Then the console mounting brackets broke, had that replaced for $370 Now a $3.5K bill for front end!