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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  2015 Passat 1.8TSI 60k no problems! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe - June 21 - 2:48 am

  I bought this car in Feb. 2015. Today I rolled 60k (yes thats about 40k/year). This was my first non-American as well as my first new car. Im quite impressed, I have done nothing to this car but change the oil and flushed the trans. at 50k (per service schedule) and drive the heck out of it. It has only been to the dealer for its regular service. Lets see you do that with a Chevy, Ford or Ugh...Dodge. I drove Ford Explorers for 10 years (loved them and worked on them regularly) until my job and the miles I drive pushed me to get a gas sipper. And gas sipper it is! Forget the diesel, I have the 1.8 TSI SE and have gotten as much as 45mpg on a single 60 mile trip, mostly flat farm roads averaging 50-60 mph. Overall average is 33.5mpg with about 70% highway driving. It would take a couple hundred thousand miles to make up the added cost of that diesel, not to mention the scandal that Im not part of. I would still prefer a larger SUV, but as far as a 4 door car goes, Id be lying if I complained one bit. Backseat is huge, car feels more upscale than Toyota, Hyundai and all of the American garbage theyre churning out. Gauges are crisp and easy to read, all controls simply laid out and very functional. Super smooth ride, acceleration is not blinding but plenty powerful enough for daily driving, has all the top end and passing power you would need, keep in mind this is coming from a car guy. This thing will probably go 200k without a hiccup, still have original Continental tires, original brakes etc. (trying to get to 100k with them). Not to mention it is a sharp, classy looking car. Black on black with tinted windows=sweet ride! UPDATE: I traded the Passat in August 2017 with 90k on the odometer. Original tires, brakes etc. only service was I replaced 2 light bulbs that burnt out. I also replaced spark plugs myself at 80k, they could have gone to 100k. Car was so reliable I bought another. This time 2017 Passat R-line, Black on black with tinted windows of course.

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  Smooth and comfortable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By fcarre2 - June 20 - 10:36 am

  I came across a used W8 with low miles and decided to make the purchase. I have been very impressed with the smoothness of the engine, the rock solid feel (far better than my wifes Lexus or my old g35) and the overall comfort of the vehicle. I have the sport package which tightens up the suspension a bit. After 10,000 miles I dont think I could go back to Lexus or Infiniti - they just dont have the so-solid feel. I have had no problems to date and on the highway I run 24 mpg. Mixed city driving gives me 19.5 mpg. Lastly, the sport suspension with the BBS wheels certainly draws plenty of nice comments from others.

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  DSG Nightmare - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By awd_turbo - June 16 - 7:34 am

  17,000 miles now, and going in for the fifth time in an attempt to fix the severe hesitation from a complete stop. The rest of the car is great, but the way the transmission works drives me crazy and ruins the whole experience. Its potentially a very dangerous issue if it decides to act up when pulling out into traffic.

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  A follow up review - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pat - June 15 - 11:46 am

  When I wrote a review in January 07, I had given this car an overall rating of 9.4. The 2.0L VW Passat since then has been as close to a perfect vehicle as possible. The fuel economy is much better then expected, especially when you take a little care in not engaging the turbo. 0-60 acceleration is excellent, but where this car really shines is in how quickly the car achieves passing speed. I never, ever expected it to be that quick. Fit and finish is as good as it gets, and this has become the best, and th most favorite car I have ever owned. The latest vehicles I have had include a 2002 Maxima SE and a 2004 Maxima SE. The Passat has them beat.

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  I still love it even I had trouble - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By alick - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I had some unhappy experience with my car, losing wheel cover twice; rear brake right cant turn off. However, I am so comfortable with the interior design, performance and the service of my dealer; over all, I believe buying passat still a good choice.

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  Dream Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rhonda Cooley - June 14 - 1:16 pm

  This beautiful car is so nice to drive I often have the urge to pass my house and keep driving! Truly, it handles better than any other car Ive driven, and I look forward to my next long road trip!

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  Never a VW, Audi, or Porche again!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sad Owner - June 12 - 8:40 am

  Beautiful car. Fun to drive. In the shop 20 times more than our Honda! Ignition coils, light bulbs... over and over again... broken seal that let the back passenger footwell flood every time it rained. The dealership wouldnt fix the seal under the warranty b/c it was a wind or water leak!!! (Leaks through faulty seals apparently arent covered) AVOID VWs if you dont want the headaches!!

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MaxChan - June 7 - 10:06 am

  Great car. Expected to be underwhelmed, but the car more than met my expectations. On the highway, drives smooth - like butter! Highly recommend.

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  67,000 Miles and Needs a NEW ENGINE?! Save Your Money - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By never again VW - June 5 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Passat new, have always taken care of it, and up until recently we enjoyed it. Taking it into the shop this last time we JUST now found that out there is an OIL SLUDGE issue (which they have KNOWN about but didnt tell consumers!!) - to the tune of $1,500 to "maybe" fix the problem?!! If that doesnt work than theyre saying it needs a new ENGINE for $8,500! The car is STILL under warranty, but VW wont cover the repairs because we dont have all our receipts for oil changes! Talk about undermining on the edge of criminal. I will NEVER again buy a Volkswagen again! I guess folks are right : buy a Honda or Toyota and you wont get screwed!

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  Lots of fun with room - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By annapoal - June 1 - 12:13 am

  The 1.8t with a 5 speed produces great mileage with very good performance. Ride and handling are great. Lots of room. For what it is worth, that german feel. Very nice sound system. Lots of little things like door sill plates, chrome lip on trunk edge, super trip computer, and little sun visor behind mirror. Excellent value with all the air bags, stability control, antilock brakes, and premium sound. Threw in the winter package and there is not much to want.