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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  I love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JetsetTX - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Love it! Nissan tried to copy the Passat and failed. Drove the Mazda6 , a nice car, and the Passat before choosing the VW. The 6 is nice, the Passat is much more well equipped than the Mazda 6i. I wanted ABS, not standard on the Mazda. Cant get it without every package, which adds over $4000 to the cost. VW introduced the GL, I drove it and decided this is the car I wanted. The car the others failed trying to copy. Its fun, roomy, gets great gas mileage. Better interior than the Altima, Mazda, and Accord. The best car in its class.

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  Love it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Denverw8 - November 23 - 2:43 am

  I bought this car used after my 328xi was stolen. I was somewhat pressured into it and cant say I regret it. I drive in Denver and the mtns. I have been impressed by the smoothness and comfort of the car. It feels every bit as well built as my old 3 series. At 100+mph in the mtns, it feels as solid as any other German car I have owned. The 4 motion with snow tires is perfectly fine even in 14 inches of new snow yesterday. After 62000, I have not experienced any issues at all. I am frequently complemented on how nice it looks with the BBS rims and love the relative stealthiness of this car. I may never own a V6 again. I just added a new Kenwood nav/stereo/bluetooth...A+

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  my new ride - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Cassidy - November 18 - 7:04 pm

  Great car great deals

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  I own two - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aldo Waker - November 16 - 6:50 pm

  I own a plain vanilla GL sedan and a GLS wagon with upgraded 17 inch tires. Overall, both are good performing cars. Have never had a mechanical problem. The wagon is a great ride on the highway and the sedan is easier in the city. Handles well and good fuel economy. I wish the seats were a little bigger/wider. Im 6 feet and 200 lbs and have sat in much more comfortable cars. Having said that, the interior is pretty roomy for a small car. Can seat 4 comfortably. There is a bit of turbo lag on the when you you want to accelerate which can be frustrating. Once it kicks in, it is pretty quick. They are very fun to drive. Trunk/rear space is excellent.

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  Rock solid, but pricey for the VW badge - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Vlade Divac - November 14 - 12:50 pm

  There are too many things to love about the car, so Ill only list the cons: The navi takes getting used to, and for $1,800, there are PLENTY of things missing: 1) voice-recognition, 2) touchscreen capability, and 3) you cant play CDs while using the nav. The iPod: its great having the dock connector and an aux input, but the display doesnt include artist/song/album info. Ridiculous! Also, the aux input should be in the armrest, not next to the dock in the glovebox. The Dynaudio is crystal clear even at high volumes, but needs more bass. My Sirius capability didnt work and had to return for servicing immediately after I got it. Bummer. Theres a button for it but no Bluetooth!

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  nice ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobby43 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  this is my 1st vw & i like very much, it has nice ride and quite from inside.

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  2008s are good buys - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Davrub100 - November 12 - 8:43 pm

  Our first VW was a 2005 VW passat sedan GLS. To the day we turned it in it was fun to drive. But we bought it before children and a family. So in the market for a small SUV or a wagon, we compared the Rav4, CR-V, Volvo V70 and Passat Wagon. So to all the dealerships we brought our car seats, and strollers. We tested every one of the above cars. This test eliminated many other cars not mentioned. Being petite(51") my wife did not like reaching up to put the children in the car seats, after the 2005 Passat the SUVs were not fun to drive. So it came to price between the Volvo and VW. With several 2008s to pick from. I went to the best deal. $4000.00 below invoice. They needed to unload 08s.

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  VW - Never Again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Millenium - November 12 - 8:16 am

  Since I purchased this car 6 years ago, it has been in for repair at least 4 to 10 times per year, every year (on top of the regular oil changes). Always some electrical problem or oil leak. In the first 3 months all four tires had to be replaced. While the people at the dealer were always friendly and cooperative, they were not forthcoming with detailed answers about any of the mechanical/electrical problems.

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  Time will tell - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By marystdi - November 9 - 9:10 am

  I just bought my Passat 2 weeks ago. My husband had been looking for us a new car and trade in our KIA Minivan with 191,000 mi. We travel. Was disappointed in the 3yr 36k mile warranty. Having a Kia was use to the 100K warranty. Shopped several dealerships and decided on the Passat TDI SE. Just to find the right color. Well found a dealer 1 hr away from us that offered a FREE Lifetime warranty on Engine and Transmission. Since we keep our cars a long time this was great. Well 2 weeks and 1000 miles first tank was 41 mpg city and hwy. Have noticed the 51+ on the display screen but we keep our mileages in a book. Love it Room Good Ride and Excellent quality inside and out. Will keep posing

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  Great Car if You Take Care of It - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By f1forkvr6 - November 8 - 4:33 pm

  Like any other car, if you take care of the little things, the Passat will be reliable for as long as you wish to drive it. I have nearly 300,000 miles on mine, and other than VWs self destructing heater core, its never, ever left me stranded. Its fuel economy is okay on the highway (27-30), but what makes this car shine is its fun-to-drive factor. Its pretty nimble for its size, and offers very predictable but sporty handling. It has enough room to move a small office, carry a 9 x 12 rug, or a Christmas tree (inside, trunk closed), and offers rear seat passengers enough leg-room to cross their legs withough kicking the driver! this is an all around good, fun, value.