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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  Lovin it - but where do I put stuff? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By new Passat owner - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my Lexus RX300 for this beaut. Love this car, 1 month into the lease. Red/blue dash at nite is awesome. Great stereo system (better than Lex). Wish there was more room for stuff inside! Handling is a little squishy but really I have no complaints. This suckers FUN to drive.

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  2003 VW PASSAT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By marnmart - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is the greatest car Ive ever owned! One of the few cars in my price range that had any style ant all. This is the only nice-sized, safe,well- equiped, economic car that doesnt look like I inherrited it from my dad! I bought the car because of the way it looked, but love it for the safety features, the way it handles. Its a great car for long trips-good leg & trunk room.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwunderbar - February 11 - 5:23 pm

  Excellent fit and finish, great power, good sound system, very much improved rigidity and suspension.

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  Ride on - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ride on - February 11 - 10:56 am

  I drove multiple other cars in this segment. Chose the Passat after driving Honda, Nissan, Dodge, Mercedes and Cadillac. This car has similar or more features for thousands less. Being a large person- 65, 230lbs- the interior amazes at its roominess. I stayed away from the nav system (mixed reviews), and find the rest of the controls are very intuitive and easy. Build quality rivals any of the others, Japan or European. Mileage very adequate- averaging 25mpg since purchase. A little road noise is noticed at speed, but nothing unmanagable, or unable to be overcome by the fantasic sound system.

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  My Mom-Mobile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Christi - February 8 - 2:43 pm

  This is a wonderful car that has given me few problems in the time Ive owned it. The AWD allows me to corner at any speed I want and never complain. Ive been able to drive through rain and then a couple of feet of snow and it feels no different that driving on dry pavement. This really feels like it is the Audi in VW clothing.

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  2002 GLS V6 manual - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ayilar - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent overall. Zero trouble since we bought it 2 years ago. Quiet. Very comfortable on bad roads -- among 2002s, the only car that beats it in cities (for less than 30K) is the C- class Mercedes. Very comfortable on long road trips: a 4-hour nonstop drive leaves one without back ache. Best in cities, where the suspension soaks almost all bumps, and on highways, where the car is stable and averages 30 mpg at a fast clip. Weakest points? City mileage (16 to 18 mpg in clogged traffic) and not really involving to drive on country roads (better than an S60 but the C-class and 325 are more fun).

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  Great Car-Compares to near luxury class - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Craig Cr. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Great car. It is tight, handles great, and has plenty of power with the 1.8 turbo. I drove the Saab 9- 3, Audi A-4, Acura TSX before deciding on the Passat and love it! It has more room than the A4, and is thousands less. The Saab is nice, but again the Passat does it all better for less, and the Acura..blah, blah. The Passat could easily compete with cars costing $10,000 more. I drove the 6cyl Passat and preferred the 1.8, it felt peppier with the turbo, and is easier on the gas, the leather adds a lot of luxury to the car, with leather wrapped steering wheel & controls, heated seats, rear sunshade and heated nozzles...its worth it.

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  One of the best cars made - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By 04sienna - February 5 - 1:16 am

  This is an amazing car that looks and drives like new 5 years later. It is fun to drive, yet is still a luxury car. There have been no problems with this car ever, and it just has the normal service at the dealer. It has had its share of miles on it and there is just no way I can get rid of it. It may not look it, especially with it being a VW, but forget the problems known about VW, because they are not true. The one thing to know is that this car will last forever as long as it gets serviced.

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  Excellent car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By brian_h - February 3 - 7:44 am

  Good Fuel economy and roomy interior. Navigation, backup camera and onboard computer processor is too slow. I have had my eyes on this car for several years even before it was redesigned. Went with the 2013 Passat TDI SEL Premium mostly because it was the newest but also because it has the backup camera which was added safety for a home with small children. Unfortunately this is also the biggest disappointment as the processor in this car is so slow that I can start the car, put it in reverse, back out of the driveway and be headed forward down the street before the camera ever turns on to show me the street I am leaving behind. As a consequence this is Not a Reliable Safety Feature.

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  Go for it ! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By peter - February 2 - 9:30 pm

  We purchased the vw passat in candy apple white, sport package w/18" wheels, what a great looking car! The ride is exceptional, tight and confident. This feeling rises in proportion with the speedometer reading. Personal taste is subjective, but I truly believe that the lines of the passat are best accentuated when presented in candy apple white with 18" wheels. A real head turner. Odometer is approaching 10,000mi and no issues. Go for it !