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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  Dont Buy One - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By neal1 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has been a horrible car to own. Problems include: 02 sensors (stranded 600 miles from home and could not get the car for 2 weeks), major water leak in front dash, headlights burn out every 2-3 months, car sputters, remote key does not work, 2 major recalls (vw wont replace ignition coils until they break- good luck being straded on the side of the road 4 times- hope you have life insurance) driver seat belt would not work- took 5 months to get the part.

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  A Blast to Drive. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By luckyg22 - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Passat a week ago I traded my Lincoln Town Car It was a 2001 . I just love this car. It has so much power and is so much fun to drive. I wish I would have bought a long time ago . My son had a BMW once and this car reminds me of it. Just the way it drive sounds , handles. I cant say enough about it . Its great. I love it.

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  OIL SLUDGE AT 120K! READ THE FORUMS - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By j1eis - August 1 - 10:46 am

  Sure I took a risk buying this car used at 119,500 miles, but all the reviews online were pretty good for this car. 400 miles later I started having oil pressure lights and engine lights come on and when I googled the symptoms, I got all kinds of bad news about the car. Oil sludge is a problem and if its not fixed fast, the engine will need replacing. Im not even sure if there really is a fix for this problem. If you have this car, get it checked right away. These reviews make it look like a good car, but be careful and read the forums to see what will really happen if you purchase/own this car. 2002 also has this problem

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  You too can Drive One - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw2008 - July 29 - 1:43 am

  "CHAMPAGNE TASTE ON A BEER BUDGET" probably covers everything that you need to know about the new Passat, and for all you non-drinkers, you just plug in your cool key and drive. The value to cost ratio is excellent. I tend not to keep cars for over 3-4 years, so as for reliability, the Passat will probably work just fine or will be covered under warranty. On the other hand, my wife has the C. Beetle and she loves it.

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  Solid Performer - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By FrankB - July 28 - 6:30 pm

  The 2005 Volkswagen Passat GL 1.8T is an excellent all around alternative to a minivan. It performs like a sports sedan. It has good leg and head room and great rear cargo space. The 5-speed manual transmission is fun to drive.

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  Passat is the Best Value! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ptsurfrider - July 27 - 3:20 pm

  I bought this vehicle new and have put it through rigorous testing (off road, extensive mileage, power w/the V6). I dont recommend my testing, but the results have led to my conclusion that VW German engineering really does last. Ive owned a Buick Riviera, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and a Toyota Camry. Though Toyota and Honda are excellent vehicles, my Passat is the most fun to drive. My next vehicle purchase will definitely be a VW.

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  Love / Hate - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - July 27 - 2:20 pm

  I test drove the Altima, Camry, and Corolla along with the Passat. The Passat was far superior, and unexpectedly solid. It felt like I was driving a much more expensive car, tons of power, great visual and mechanical design. But, I was conned. The window sticker said MP3 and Navigation system, MP3 was never there. I brought this up to the dealer, and got the run around. VW service has been shady at multiple service centers. The rubber coating on the interior is bubbling. And none of it is covered by the very very limited warranty. And the tiptronic transmission is more of a suggestion to the engine than a command with its slow response. And the trunk will not close in cold weather

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  Curlys Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Curly - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Passet back in 1990. I was not happy that purchase then a friend of mine convinced me to test drive one again. After my test drive, I was amazed at how much Volkswagon improved this car. Long story short, after saying I would never buy another Passat, I am a happy owner once again.

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  Excellent value - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By JT - July 25 - 3:09 am

  I thoroughly researched the midsize segment and found the Passat to be a perfect fit for me. I live in metro Phoenix so opted for the S trim since Im not a fan of leatherette seats in our intense summer heat. The base model has plenty of standard features, and I was able to purchase a new one for $18,800. I love the fit and finish of the vehicle with its accompanying handsome, understated design, and youd be hard-pressed to find a comparable sedan for under 19K. Ive owned all type of cars from different manufacturers, but this is my first VW, and I am very pleased. I highly recommend the Passat.

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  Nice Car, but Costly Repairs - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aphid - July 23 - 4:53 am

  I shopped for two years before buying an 00 Passat GLX 5M. I seriously considered the Audi A4, Ford Bronco, Saab 9-3, Olds Alero, and BMW 3-Series among others. This car has some very nice features. I liked the way it drove, I feel safe in it, and I get many nice comments from passengers. However, non-warranty repairs have included MAF (2.5 yrs) for ~$500, control arm (3 yrs) ~$300, 3 rear brakes, rear window motor (5 yrs) ~$250, serpentine belt & powwr steering motor (5 yrs) ~$800, drill out license plate mount from trunk lid (6 yrs) ~$100, rear view mirror (6 yrs) ~$0 (but frustrating get done), belly pan (7 yrs) ~$250, & others that I cant think of right now. If the dealer/repair experience had been better, and if repair costs werent so high, Id probably stay with VW/Audi.