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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  Passat: Best Bang for your Buck by Far. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By clayton - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Brilliant! 2 many "pluses" to list here. Just go drive each of the cars U are considering & maybe one car a level above in price range. The Passats performance, styling (except for the pitiful cloth interior), and features compare more closely to the Lexus/Infinity/Entry-level Benz level, than the Camry/Accord/626 group. The only real stand-out disappointment (on the 2002) is the cloth materials & tones, which are amazingly poor (ugly lint magnets). Whoever came up with those tones/materials should be run out of town. If this guy worked for a defense contractor, our our $30 million fighter jets would have vinyl floor mats in the cockpit.

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW OWNER - January 1 - 1:50 am

  This car is exceptionally fun to drive, considering its engine is only 1.8 liters. It is fast and averages an all around 26 mpg. Mine has a 5-speed standard transmission. This is a premium automobile at a big discount!

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  2012 Passat S Automatic w/Appearance Pkg - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By jt4210 - January 1 - 1:31 am

  I own a 2012 Passat S class, before owning this car I drove a 2000 Honda Civic EX that I had the misfortune for acquiring in 2008. My Passat is equiped with a 5 cylinder 2.5 liter engine. This is an incredible car to drive! When you shift this car into D it drives like a Benz E-Class, when you shift it into S in drives like an Audi S4! The car is beautiful inside and out! When you sit down in the back seat of this car you get the same feeling like when you climb into a Suburban or a Yukon. All three feel like stepping into a house.

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  Nice sedan but BURNS too much OIL - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stevie - December 28 - 8:43 am

  Ive owned my passat for over 2 years know and use it daily for my commute to and from work. Overall I am happy with the car. its a four cylinder with a manual tranny. The car has had no real issues except that it burns too much oil between oil changes. Approximately 1 quart for every 1,500 miles depending on driving habits. If you drive over 70mph expect to burn even more oil. Dont forget this car runs on synthetic oil where an avg. oil change costs about $85.00 or $8:00 per quart. Adding all this up, an oil change with the additional oil needed to add between oil changes can cost more than $100.00. There is probably something wrong with the design of this turbo charger on this engine.

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  Still love this car after 2 years - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jane - December 27 - 12:56 am

  This car is a great value. If you have the opportunity to buy it used, go for it. Ive had this car for 2 years, over 30k miles and it still runs like a new car. It handles like a sporty car and has a luxurious interior. I have black exterior with beige leather interior - very nice looking. I thought the light interior color would be hard to keep clean, but the leather has held up great so far. No cracking or anything, it still looks new. With regard to reliability, Ive not had a single problem with it.

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  Just do it - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Driversfound - December 26 - 10:00 am

  43,000 miles in 18 months and not a single problem. Very comfortable on long trips, and never had it to the dealer for anything other than an oil change.

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  You have to test drive this car!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By c74 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This car wasnt even on my list of possibilities, but someone convinced me to test drive one and I fell in love. The beige leather interior with the wood trim is gorgeous; it truly feels like a luxury automobile. And it has a sporty feel to it (for a 4-dr sedan), I love just driving around in it. I noticed that its also a real head turner (unlike the Camry or Accord) And, if you get a darker color for the exterior, the chrome accents stand out a lot more, its just a really sharp looking car.

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  2003 Passat GL - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By panderholm - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car. I had a 2000 Accord EX V6 A, and I simply like the Passat better. It handles great especially since Ive added 17 inch wheels and high performance tires -- like night and day. For a basic family sedan that looks sharp and drives well, the Passat is the way to go IMHO.

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  1st VW ever - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 1stpassat - December 21 - 3:53 pm

  Purchase used. Looks and drives new. Put 600 miles on in 4 weeks. Not a squeak or rattle to be heard. Bought for safety, mpg, fun to drive (right on). Feels glued to the road at high speeds. First VW so far totally love it. Previous owner seemed to have dealt with 3 recalls, 2 computer updates. If I had to deal with that probably wouldnt be so happy. Others cars considered: BMW 3-Series, Infiniti G35, Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4. For the money outstanding Euro car, cant be beat. Great that VW fit a full size spare in the trunk! Love the key fob! When the car is pushed hard in corners, notice body roll. I would buy another VW.

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  I Still LOVE This Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By thevelvetelvis - December 18 - 6:14 pm

  I bought my 2004 passat GLX 4motion slightly used with less than 9,000 miles on it. I lived in North Idaho for 11 years and this little car handled everything the weather threw at it. Now Im in Florida and I still love my car. Im At 65,000 miles and It has had no problems at all. Zero. I always do the routine maintenance and It still runs amazingly well. I have always had Japanese cars with their very good repair record but loved the way this little car handled so I bought it, always thinking if it becomes a problem, Ill sell it and move on. When its time to replace this car Ill get another German car. I just love the way they handle. Its sick, but I do love this car.