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:

• 

  Good deal on family sedan - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ingrid Gardner - March 12 - 6:12 pm

  Actually I originally purchased this vehicle to do a business. After the business did not work out profitably. i found myself thinking of selling the car for about a min. After really thinking about the fact that the trunk room is enormous , leg room in front and rear are adequate road for someone 6"4 like my son can actually lay down in the back seat. I could not part with it. It is clean bland and German . Classic lines no complications or surprises. Great gas mileage , take 87 unleaded can get at least 458 miles on a full tank before refill, Great road car . Great individual climate controls, sunroof. Can add navigation later from dealer for about 1800.00. It is not diesel so whatever the problem is with emissions complaints with the diesel you will not have that problem with this car. Plus it just looks like it will look good for a long time. Im going to pay additional to put a clear coat on it. I like the chrome grille and the chrome around the car windows it gives it a real refined look. When I want fun i just jump into my 06 Infiniti . This is a safe , practical grown up car. Im retiring soon so this just suits me fine. Check it out for yourself. An actually wheelchair plus luggage can fit into the trunk.

• 

  My dream car!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By the duke - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive wanted this car for a number of years and I can definitely say it was worth the wait. Just like everyone I know who has looked or purchased the car has said, its simply a fun car to drive. Deceiving with the amt of room througout the car; engine is more powerful than expected; and great interior and exterior style. The leather and luxury packages are a must.

• 

  Whats all the excitement about? - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sw - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My Passat was delivered with a defective radio and an indifferent attitude. The dealer in Libertyville, IL was unconcerned about my problems. Besides, the car has lousy gas mileage (burns 92 octane for a V6?) and a mushy ride for a VW. Otherwise, the hard seats and spare interior add up to an uninspired choice for a compact/mid-size car. These cars are nothing special.

• 

  Problemed Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By wdr - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Fun car the drive and sporty. However, the Oil Pressure sensor has gone off 6+ times and they just keep replacing associated parts and have no answer for me. The O2 sensor has gone off 3 times in last three months. 20 day wait on replacement parts, that tells me alot about that problem. Am getting rid of VW and getting a Honda Odessey!!

• 

  Overall Great - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By yobagoya - March 7 - 6:10 am

  Went from a 2010 Suburban to my Passat to save a little on gas. Now I spend about $50 a month rather than $130, so that is a big benefit right there. Bought mine used for under $15k certified. I am 65" 255" and am comfortable in the drivers seat, but would probably have a hard time in the back seat. Have taken my family of 4 on vacation in this, and my 2 boys are tall as well. Everyone was comfortable. Great gas mileage and handling. When the turbo kicks in its like hitting hyper space. Took some getting used to, but very enjoyable to drive. Currently have 28,000 miles and not any issues. As with any VW, service is key. Run synthetic oil and keep up on the service. Since service can be rather expensive, would suggest if you are mechanically inclined to do as much as possible yourself. Just had a quote for a 40k service on the wifes Jetta and was almost $500, which you can do for about $150 in parts if you do it yourself. The big hit is NSG plugs which can run $15 a piece. How can you beat German ingenuity, they got it right for us tall people. I can not fit in comparable cars comfortably like Toyotas or Hondas. [non-permissible content removed]

• 

  Its Fantastic! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mongo - March 5 - 5:13 pm

  My 2003 Passat was a great vehicle in every way. Its speed, handling, comfort, quality, reliability...every one was top notch. Thats not to say that it was the fastest or most comfortable car ever, just that the car met or exceeded my desires in each of the categories. There was absolutely nothing about the 2003 that I disliked, but when I first sat in the 2007 model I knew it was only a matter of time. Im extremely tall, and the Passats have been good tall-person vehicles for a long time. The 2007 model offers me even more legroom with no loss in headroom, and more thigh support from the drivers seat. Thats a great combination for me. So far, the cars been bulletproof.

• 

  04 Passat GLX 2.8 V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWlover222 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I initially started with a 2000 VW Passat GLS V6, which had a continual "no start" problem. VWOA bought the car back from me and offered a great incentive to purchasing another VW. I decided on the 04 VW Passat GLX. I only have about 1,000 miles on the car but I love it. Many said I was crazy going for another VW after my experiance, but I think they are great cars. Fun to drive, comfortable, powerful and stylish

• 

  An OK car, quite good for the money - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lackluster - March 4 - 10:00 am

  After having owned the car for a week, my initial excitement is wearing off. The car seems slow to take-off, it seems you really need to mash the accelerator. The car feels large and sluggish, and the Monsoon sound system has far too much low-quality bass. In addition, the exterior mirrors produce an inordinate amount of wind noise at speeds in excess of 55 mph.

• 

  A True Q Ship - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bienagiter - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Tasteful styling coupled, a torquey engine, well-spaced ratios in the 6-spd manual, and AWD makes for a potent combination that slips under the radar (literally). The AWD with ESP ensures that corners are taken with aplomb. Handling in rain and snow is incredible. Some may find the ride stiff. Steering is a bit overboosted, although adjustment takes place quickly. Very comfortable touring for two, and easily hauls 5 without disomcomfort.

• 

  vw passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By m.j. - March 4 - 10:00 am

  excellent vehicle handling and ride, comfortable on extended trips as well as around town.best vehicle investment ever made.