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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  BEWARE BAD BRAKE DESIGN & PERFORMANCE - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By pjce - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The 02 Passats have a significant brake problem. My car is 2 years old this month with 22,000 miles and I have been informed that I need new rear brakes! Because of the design, BOTH PADS AND ROTORS MUST BE REPLACED! The rotors cannot be "machined" so they must be replaced when the pads wear, AT A COST OF $700! I have been told by the dealer and VW customer service that this is considered NORMAL WEAR. I have owned many other makes and models of cars and have never had to replace brakes at 22k miles. Worst of all, this will be a recurrent problem every 2 or so years.

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  STOP LOOKING FOR ANOTHER CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dustin 007 - February 1 - 2:00 am

  I actually have had a number of minor problems with my car.....where do I begin. Front bumber paint peeling. Gas cap did not close. Replaced windshield. 3 burnt out headlights. Faulty trim on drivers door at bottom. Bump in dash, replaced entire dash.Ummmm......what else...replaced window trim on rear passenger window. So why do I love my car? Well its said that Volkswagon owners (many of them) dont mind the problems because the trade off (for me anyway) is pure driving pleasure for the price. If you really love to drive and feel good when you drive then you cant go wrong. Want more info one on one or advice write to me. Hatstoyou@videotron.ca Afridezaing.

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  I would never buy another VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By TJS - January 31 - 1:50 pm

  We purchased our Passat wagon in May of 02 and when we hit about 50,000 miles we had nothing but trouble. The ABS module went ($1050 part) the oil pump went due to sludge from the turbo engine which also caused other problems...another huge expense. Neither the dealer nor VW of America would assist us in resolving the issues with this vehicle. They have the worst consumer service I have encountered. Since getting these repairs I have learned that these vehicles have many more problems and that there have been numerous complaints made and VW still will not put a recall out for these makes and correct the major electrical flaw. I will never purchase a VW again!

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  EV - Passat Review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By evera - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about 18 months and I love it.

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  Passat 1.8T, best combo of fun and room - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By wwein - January 29 - 2:00 am

  After driving my Passat for a year and a half and putting over 26k miles on it, I am still amazed by how the car does so many thing so well. Its wonderfully comfortable (Im 64") and not tiring even on 500 mile trips to Maryland from New England. I use Michelin Pilot Alpin snow tires in the winter and am able to go through almost anything. No surprises in a hail storm with 2 inches of slippery hail on the roadways. I love this car. The engine sounds great and pulls from idle. In traffic I can put it in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear and it will pull itself uphill without me pressing on the gas pedal.

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  TDI 6 SPEED MANUAL - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By LINAS M - January 25 - 6:11 pm

  Great value surprisingly quick Over 50 mpg highway , mid 40s in suburbs VW should offer a sunroof for manual drivers and power passenger seat.

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  First and last Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By benleon - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I like my Passat, but I doubt Ill buy another one. The six cylinder has nice pickup around town, and is fun to drive, but it dies on the highway, especially if you are carrying people. Also, the gas mileage is ridiculous - I get 13 to 14 mpg around town. Little things - like not being able to read the dashboard meters - make me question the engineering. Also, this car - even with front wheel drive - is terrible in snow. And the Passat is expensive for what you get .. my next car is probably the Infiniti G35. I regret buying the Passat instead of the G35 ... both in the same price range.

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  Two years flawless - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jay-Seattle - January 24 - 6:10 pm

  I convinced my wife we should buy new and I am glad I did. Ive been very happy with this car and have had no problems with it. It still drives like the day I drove it off the lot. If you can find a used one for a good price--go ahead and grab it. This car is a nice mix of a lot of things. Its like a small SUV (good space), handles like a fine european sport sedan, and get good (not great) gas milage. Hard to beat it!

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  Better than expected - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mulfomi - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I expected alot when I bought my Passat and it has exceeded my expectations. It has been a blast to drive with the 5 speed and I get 30+ mpg when driving on the highway. The ride is great as it provides a smooth ride (since it is a family sedan after all) yet when you want some handling, its pretty good.

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  seats and tires - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimmyv123 - January 22 - 12:32 am

  The leatherette seats are comfortable however Ive noticed a seam is starting to open along the left side bolster padding of the drivers seat. Its not an aread that I sit on nor is it a stress area from getting in and out so I have no idea why it would be failing. It probably wont completly open up until after the 36,000 mile warranty expires and I dont think the dealer will repair something that hasnt happed yet. No more leatherette for me. Also, the Hankook tires are less than satisfactory. They are extremely noisy on anything but smooth-as-glass pavement and with 27,000 miles on them with rotation every oil change they are about done.