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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  VW Passat 1.8T Sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cuppy the Pirate - July 22 - 8:30 pm

  Dealer advertised as a "Certified Pre- Owned VW". When I started doing the paperwork to buy, I was informed that it wasnt certified and it would be an extra $800. With good experience on my 2003 Jetta 1.8T, decided to take the plunge anyway. My mistake. I bought the car with 42,000 miles and it now has 54,000. At about 50,000 miles, the CV boots were broke ($400 plus) and now at 54,000 the water pump cut loose. Whod have thought a nylon impeller would not withstand about 200 degrees and hydrodynamic forces any longer than 54,000 miles. Not what I expected from "German engineering". Other than the hole in my wallet, it is fun to drive, roomy, and has timeless styling.

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  Zoom Zoom - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWNY - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent, smooth and fund to Drive. Intelligent panel display. Excellent safety freatures. Lot of power for 1.8, 190hp engine.

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  Another VW Success!! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By CABiern - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many VWs and driven them all into the ground. The Passat is terrific in all areas.

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  Awful CAR - Value Wasted! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By TX3Ni - July 20 - 8:56 pm

  I owned a 2000 Passat and absolutely hated it! The warranty only covered 24,000 miles, and the engine sludged. The service at the dealership was lousy. My wife decide she wanted a new car which is why Im here again. VW Passat still has the same awful mess created in 2000, just a slicker version. Its reliability was terrible. I lost a lot of time taking it to dealer and getting a run around delay from VW USA. It looks nice but if you want a reliable CAR dont try a VW.

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  No Complaints Here - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jcw24fan - July 19 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my Passat for over 8 years, have nearly 100,000 miles on it, and have almost nothing but good things to say about it. No ball joint replacement (apparently a common problem), no clutch problems, no major problems of any kind really. Minor problems have included emissions and radiator leak. Nothing else but standard maintenance (oil, tires, brakes). My only complaint is the difficulty in getting to the oil filter to change the oil. It requires that the front facia be unbolted, and several screws have broken off in doing this. Otherwise, Im very happy with my car, and will consider VW again in the future.

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  Lemon of the year reward - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disgrunted - July 15 - 7:53 am

  I loved this car - talk about an exciting ride! Hit the gas and it flies. However, in the 2 1/2 years that we owned it, it spent 58 days in the shop - that averages out to 1 day for every 500 miles, some stuff minor, others major. Two visits were 3 weeks long because they would fix one thing and another would go bad. 4 rearends, a catalitic converter, multiple relays - parking brake, heated seats, radio etc., We actually traded this off while it was in the shop for another long visit. 500 - 200 miles between visits. Oh and the brake calipers were bad, this happened on its last visit - not really impressed.

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  Dont buy this car again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lily - July 15 - 2:00 am

  It was good to drive within the 2 year warranty. The trouble appeared immediately after the expiration of the warranty, firstly the engine check light without any warning, then is the secondary air pump started to make noise every time I start my cold. It became worse over the time. Recently the vaccum hose was broken and I have to tow the car to the dealership. Do not mention I have took vacation off. The trouble did not stop, now there is some more troubles related to annoying noise. Anyway, the car is in the garage every two months. The dealership are not very nice either.

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  M.T. Driver - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By country drivr - July 14 - 8:00 pm

  This car is actually my mothers car n we drive n use it everyday. This car has been reliable to us for 4 years n still running strong.we love this car its fast n comfortable especially the W8 engine. I admit getting oil changes are alot but weve learned 2 do our own oil changes. Looked at other reviews n saw many complaints guess were lucky.

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  I want to drive this car every where!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ctay122 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had this car 3 weeks, and I am enjoying the heck out of it! I wanted Ink Blue, which the dealer told me was being discontinued, and as a result was a little difficult to find, but the dealer located one for me in NC (I live near DC). I wanted the grey interior with the luxury package and monsoon stereo, which I got. I also ended up with homelink (guess Ill get a garage door opener now). The car rides great and handles well. I have received alot of compliments on the look of the car. It has chrome trim, and with the bright blue, it looks sweet! My only complaint is Im short, and have to have the seat up all the way, so the arm rest is useless.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By aikiman - July 12 - 8:07 pm

  This car is one of the best cars in its class, in my opinion. Ive owned it for several weeks now and I have nothing but positive things to say about the design, engineering, and sophisticated feel of the car. I am coming from a Volvo S60 so I have something good to compare it with. While the Passat does not have the same power and feel as the Volvo, it can give it a run for its money for less. A lot of thought went into this car in terms of its engineering and driver experience, and it shows. This car was engineered with the driver in mind. If a Camry is your idea of the perfect car, then dont bother with the Passat because it is truly a drivers car. Ive read the few negative reviews here and all I can say is that I really dont know what they are talking about. (One of the most negative reviews posted on this site so far has been posted in its identical form on at least one other car review website.) Power is adequate and, in my opinion, peppy. It has more than enough power to merge on a busy highway and I feel like I am driving a car that is much more expensive. While there is some drop off in power coming from a 5 cyl turbo S60, it really is not all that noticeable of a change to. I also believe that the ergonomics are just fine. I am 58" and had no problem finding a comfortable seat position. The seat comfort is good enough (nothing compares to a Volvo, though) and the cabin is spacious. This is a lot of car for the money. The workers in Chattanooga who make this car should feel proud that they are making such a thoughtful product for US consumers. I am proud to own this car and love every minute of my daily commute.