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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  THE WORST LEMON EVER - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By DOWNONVW - March 22 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car 4 years old and I cant remember the exact amount of miles then, it has about 110,000 now. Everything that could go wrong went wrong luckily I had an extended warranty. I always loved VWs but this car has turned me off to them completely. From now on Im sticking with Toyotas or Subarus.

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  nice car, but lots of problems - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cjunkbok - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Youll buy it because it looks great, but then never buy another one again because things just keep breaking.

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  Dont Buy a VW Passat!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ihatevws - March 21 - 12:10 am

  Just in case anyone out there still needs convicing that VW and their Passats stink when it comes to reliablity,... I had the window partly rolled down the other day and closed the door. After which the entire window fell into the door after breaking off the cheap plastic clips inside the door. Nice! VW wanted over $400, but took it to a window place and they got it down for $250. Have had the car not start which cost $600 to replace some crazy electronic part. Front axle just broke, numerous lights have stopped working and now I need a timing belt and water pump. Im praying to sell it before having to do more work on this piece of junk. Too bad since its such a good looking car:(

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  Poor Engine - Terrible warrantee - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By hp007 - March 20 - 12:30 am

  I have had this car for 6 years and did the oil change as required. I gave this car to my daughter for college in Maryland last month. She called one night and said that a light was on saying not to drive the car. At 11 PMt, I guess I was supposed to tell her to start walking along the side of the road. (I was thinking rape,or abduction.)I told her to to drive to the nearest gas station and get oil to see if the problem went away. It did not. We had the car towed to the VW dealership in Dover,Delaware. There was a warranty extension on the engine due to many oil sludge problems ruining the engine. Since she drove to the nearest gas station to be safe, they voided the warranty!!!

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  Capacity Performance Quality Efficiency - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallB - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Owned 3.6L since new. 40k miles and a great car. Never stranded, no major issues. Get amazing MPG on the highway; e.g SF to Tahoe - avg 28 to 30 MPG City 16 to 18 depending on driving style. Solid NO rattles! Remember this was German built. Capacity! Folding rear seats can fit 7ft plus items. Rear facing child seat & still leg room in the front. No issues in a year or more. Park sensor beep in rain issue was fixed now no issues. Comp update – hesitating acceleration gone. Performance, handling, features, quality unmatched. More HP & Torque than BMW 330, can take it any. Styling has held well, granted not as great as a BMW but sacrifice a little vanity for HP, room, cup holders, features.

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  Big Disappointment - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RAL - March 17 - 11:06 am

  The dealer has been fantastic! The first 30K miles I owned this car I thought it was the best vehicle I have purchased new! (my used 1990 Miata with 200K miles beats anything!!) Since the 30K mark it has been all down hill! All of the ignition coils have failed. Only after the "sludge problem" stopped the car dead was I informed by the dealer that VW sent out clarification in late 04 about the need for synthetic oil! I bought in 2005 & had no notice of this! Now with 60K I am told one axle needs to be replaced & the boot on the other is leaking! (Not warrantied!)($1000) I cant tell you how many service issues, recalls! seat heaters, shock bolts, on & on & on!

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  Excellent purchase! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vampirecat019 - March 14 - 1:06 pm

  Ive had my Passat for two years now, and besides regular maintenance and a few repairs I could do myself (Aged plastic hoses, etc.) which ANY car would need replaced at 120,000 miles, it has been an excellent purchase! There are a lot of reviews on here saying the Passat is junk, but if you cant properly inspect a car to see if it has been maintained like any car should before you buy it, youre a moron, and have no right to slander a perfectly good car. After initial purchase with 110,000 miles, I changed the water pump and timing belt myself. Yes, I had to take off the front bumper. Boo Hoo! This is one of the EASIEST cars Ive ever owned to work on. Ive had an RX-7, Impreza, Accord.

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  NOT TO FOND - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By JOE DON BAKER - March 13 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS JUST SIMPLY NO WORTH THE MONEY, FOR THE PRICE OF THIS CAR I WOULD MUCH RATHER DRIVE A MERCEDES OR BMW. BUILD QUALITY IS POOR

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  Best Car I have Ever Had - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kev30 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 02 Passat about 3 months ago and I am loving every minute of it. I have owned several cars in the last decade, but nothing even comes close to the ride and build quality of this amazing car. After I bought those cars in the past, I would grow melancholy with my purchase in just a few months, but not with this one, I still get out and look back as I am walking away. My only regret is that I did not get the leather (please do yourself a favor and get it). My suggestion to Toyota and Honda is to take a trip to Germany and see how these guys do it.

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  Smooth and reliable - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By hiwaysanity - March 13 - 2:00 am

  In the past 2 years the car has performed nearly flawlessly. The only warranty issues were a broken rear seat belt guide, and a dissembled rear ashtray. It starts and runs willingly, accelerates energetically and handles predictably and securely. On the highway it cruises very smoothly, and has exceeded 30 mpg on several occasions. The cruise control is the most accurate I have ever used.