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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  MY VW LEMON - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By KATHYL94 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought a new 2002 vw passat in April 2002.In August when I was driving with my baby the car started shaking and would not accelarate above 20MPH. My dealership said it was a defective ignition coil, they replaced it. On October 31st the same thing happened again with my baby in the car.Long story short today is November 20 and I still dont have my car back, yesterday they told me it would at least be another 2 weeks they are waiting for a new batch of ignition coils,they are all defective.Also radio had stopped working and front right speaker is cracked. So much for the premium audio package!

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  Crappy Passat - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aarons - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is being repaired every month. Power Windows keep breaking, VW known defect, suspension, bearings, wheel hub. Looks great but what a piece of expensive crap.

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  So far so good - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By naessj - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my new GLX 4-motion Wagon last week. I already have a 2000 Golf and had some early problems (all warranty), so I am on guard this time. BUT, so far everything is great. The gas mileage is less than I would like, but thats the price for the fast lane. Initially I checked out Subarus (the next Outback / Forester) and for the price (got a good deal) I gould not pass up the VW

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  04 GLX Wagon V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bonobo - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car for one week now, but WOW! Got it for my wife (30th birthday gift) and we couldnt be more pleased. Great ride, great features, and that famous VW fit & finish. For a "mommamobile" it doesnt get any better than this, and I find myself envious of her ride! Its simply the most classy, well-refined, and user- friendly wagon for under $40k. Looking forward to many years of happiness in owning this vehicle. We hope the reliabilty is better than what weve been reading about, however. On the upside, it cant be any worse than the horrendous car she previously had, a 1999 Pontiac Grand- Am GT. GM should have paid ME to take delivery of THAT car. Go for the VW wagon, yall.

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  Fun to drive - rough on the wallet - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeremy - November 27 - 9:23 pm

  This car is really fun to drive. It handles well. It costs WAY too much to maintain. $900 to replace the timing belt. $500 to replace the brakes. Timing belt slipped and had to get the engine replaced. Found a used one for $3000 as opposed to the $7000 the dealership quoted me. Basically its not worth having because it costs too much to maintain.

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  Fast, Comfortable & Useful - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bob Swain - November 25 - 6:20 pm

  Purchased new. Not driven hard except for an Audi Quattro Club weekend at Road America where it held its own at 110 mph plus. Several long trips were very comfortable. A very useful hauler of all kinds of stuff. Sound system: Excellent & I have lots of cassettes and CDs to play. I prefer the front end styling to the later chrome; understated, not glitzy. The engine is wonderful: strong, powerful, smooth and gets remarkably good mileage for an eight; 25 mpg plus at 65-70 mph. Major complaint: Car delivered with OnStar and salesman knew it was important. Two years later (and three years short of the new car warranty) VW canceled the service. VWs response to my complaint. Too bad.

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  BYG Review8 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bygkid - November 25 - 7:20 am

  To own a W8 is love. I cant wait to turn the key, crank the stereo and shift into fun! The W8 is a marvel of auto-feats, 4Motion keeps all four tires grounded like no other! The 6 spd manual is effortless and has a powerband that is limitless.

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  Brains & Beauty w/Fun Personality - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By bostonian8 - November 24 - 12:36 pm

  A longtime Honda/Acura guy, I was looking at getting a new family sedan. Looked at sedans in the $30-45k range:Audi, BMW, MB, Lexus, infiniti, Honda, Nissan, and Acura. Many great choices, but none had a better combination of performance, road feel, elegance, or room. Many smiles were had driving the Passat especially when pondering about the real benefits of great mpg of the 2.0, and its very excellent value compared to others evaluated. Research showed VW/Audis have a reputation of lower reliability to Japans best. My criteria homework showed I could live with the balanced experience of a fun, safe, practical car, that sacrifices a little reliability for some very "soulful drivability

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  Volkswagens are great - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kinghaas - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Quick car. Recently purchased a brand new Volkwagen Passat Station Wagon V-6 4motion. Wanted another one, so I bought a used one.

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  not thrilled @ 1st but its growing on me - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lori & Tom - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Sporty, gives us a confident feeling in snow & bad weather. Getting baby in & out out of the back is impressive, as the rear doors open very wide making access amazingly painless! The turbo acceleration takes a while to get used to, theres a measurable hesitation when you really need it. Door locking system, seems to think. If I pull the hatch release button, then dont open it for a few minutes, it thinks I didnt want it to open, thereby, locking it again! The remote buttons are hard to push with big fingers,& even harder in cold weather. Its been in the shop 3 times for various problems, making us leary on its reliability.