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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  I wish someone warned me about the water - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw driver - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I owned a Jetta, now a passat. I loved it until the water began to leak in under the front and rear floor carpet. When I researched this issue it seems it is a long known defect/issue for these cars. I know two people who had the same problem, and found hundreds of others on line. My new car now smells like a old wet rug. Other than that love the car, but that is quite an issue to get by. VW claims not to know of it but replace pollon filter to address the issue.

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  GREAT for tall folks - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Burke - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Im dont agree with what some others have said. I am 68" and 260 lbs. and I fit in the passat with ease. i actually could move the seat up and still be comfortable. The head room (without the sun roof) is amazing. incredibly fun to drive, and the 4 cylinder turbo is great. no need for the V-6. This engine has plenty of power and better gas mileage. and I love driving the manual. However, I did have to take the car into the shop with a small computer problem, but I was in and out in a very short time.

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  My 2005 TDI Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By paul - April 20 - 8:13 pm

  I finally succumbed, kicking and screaming, to buying a car that gets good mileage. Yes the SUV is killing my monthly budget. The Passat was an obvious choice, having owned diesel cars many years ago; I wasnt expecting that this car would be so great. The pickup is amazing it is very comfortable has plenty of room, the trunk is especially large and with the rear seats folded down cavernous. The body style still looks great despite the new design coming out this fall. I think this would be a good choice for anyone interested in a car that would be used mostly for highway commuting. I would not recommend this car for local driving; this engine is not well suited for this type of operation.

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  GLX Wagon: A Benz in V-Dub clothing - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By J ay Devereux - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have thoroughly enjoyed our 2000 Passat GLX wagon from time we drove it off the lot. The satin silver exterior with black leather is stunning. With the exception of a ridiculous cupholder design, the vehicle is terrific in every detail. It features everything you love about high-end German cars but at a 30-something price: power, doors that close with a teutonic thunk, handling, fit/finish, etc. Will probably trade up to the W8 Passat AWD next......

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  Biggest Piece of Crap I have ever owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By k_brackney - April 18 - 6:11 am

  I bought this vehicle in Germany over a year ago. In the past year I had over 2600 dollars in repairs. Not routine maintenance, but repairs. It ate oil....there was never a leak, but the oil would disapear. The maintenance lights would appear magically after repairs were completed. I purchased the VAG COM diagnostic program to stem the cost of the regular repairs which were required for safe operation of this money pit. I was throughly disappointed that I sold my 06 Ford Focus. But I was able to unload this clunker to purchase a 2011 Chevy Equinox. I will never buy a foreign car again!

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  Worst car I have ever had! Lemon for sure - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By ajh2009 - April 17 - 8:13 am

  I read reviews on hundreds of cars before I purchased my used Passat Wagon. I read some negative ones but for each bad one there was a good one or two so I made the decision to become a VW owner. What a horrible Idea. My Wagon has been in the shop several times - currently for $4000 worth or repairs (not covered under warranty) Thank God I purchased the extended warranty or I would really be upside down in this car. Everything from the AC / injectors / Fuel Pump, Water Pump / Sun Roof/ You name it I have had to repair or replace it. I will never purchase a VW again. The problems I am having should be replaced - repaired at no cost because they are faulty equipment and design. Not my fault.

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  Great Long Term Relationship - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By taxman - April 16 - 10:00 am

  just over three years with the car and couldnt be more pleased with the overall experience. A little more excitement would be nice but absolutely nothing has gone wrong - not a hiccup. Fresh Poetenza 950s have made a difference over OE Michelins. Sylvania Silverstar bulbs also. Other than these and Mobil 1, aint done nothing else.

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  how many w8 are on the street? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Si Heon Lee - April 16 - 10:00 am

  great power from 60mph~120mph

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  Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By anthony - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This automobile feels like a $50,000 BMW without the high maintainence cost.

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  Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anthony - April 14 - 10:00 am

  This automobile feels like a $50,000 BMW without the high maintainence cost.