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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  A pleasure to drive - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cwolvesr - November 6 - 7:00 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Passat W8 is more than we expected, we traded an Audi A6-Quattro for this fun machine. A lot of the creature comforts of the A6 are not on this vehicle, but in this area, certainly in the winter, this car out-performs our A6 Quattro in handling in snow/sleet conditions, which is important to us. The W8 engine performs like a charm and when performance from the engine is necessary, all the horses work. We have never had a problem with this machine up to this point and my wife loves it, which makes it all worth while. It is sleek and unassuming, yet delivers all that we ask of an automobile. The fuel mileage is not great, but we knew that going in to purchase, but interstate average is approximately 23 mpg, which is not too bad.

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  A Brilliantly Executed Driving Machine! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By kewllewk - November 3 - 1:16 pm

  I cannot begin to express how fantastic this car is in every regard. The Volkswagen Passat 3.6 is awesome to drive around town, through twisty turns and muscling down the highway. Its power delivery is smooth and voracious, the sport tuned suspension is nicely balanced and the car is laden with technology. From the sleek and refined muscular styling to the balanced performance, interior comfort and features of the car, this is probably one of the most well rounded and capable vehicles on the road today. The body of the new Passat is also incredibly rigid which really enhances the feeling of control when driving the car. Take a look at this car. You won’t be disappointed!

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  Great Car - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By rahjr - October 29 - 4:23 am

  Traded in my BMW 328i for the Passat, so I was a little nervous that I was going to be "stepping down" in quality, etc. I just wanted a slightly bigger car that didnt rattle my teeth every time I went over a bump. I got just what I wanted with the Passat. It is very very quiet and gives a nice smooth ride - cant believe it only has a 4 cyl engine, but it has 200 hp and it gets down the road very well. So far, I couldnt be happier - nice comfortable ride and plenty of room inside.

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  Quality German sedan - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By homerkc - October 27 - 6:27 pm

  This is the fifth VW Ive owned and while not the most exciting, it is the highest quality! Smooth and comfortable, and very roomy. Back seat passengers are amazed. A terrific highway cruiser - every VW Ive owned is as stable and smooth at 95mph as most cars are at 65. The 2.5 engine gets a bad rap, as its more economical in real life than many of the newer turbo engines. Im seeing 25 avg in around town driving, and 31 on a high speed trip through Texas. I shopped against a Fusion 1.6T and was certain the Ford would be my choice, but the quality of the VW shone through. Im very satisfied with my choice.

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  One of my favorites - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By wg_h66 - October 26 - 5:10 pm

  Purchased mine used 07. Overall a very fun and satisfying car to own. The fuel efficiency really wasnt that great and it is premium only, so it can be expensive. The only issue I had with it was due to the cabin pollen filter not being maintained properly. Two days of heavy rain and the passenger side floor was filled causing computer damage. (I had no idea going in that this was an issue). If you are reading these reviews before purchase then you will have a very dependable car.

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  Peppy Passat - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Betsy Money - October 26 - 8:47 am

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  repair bills 3 inches thick shameful - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ryan - October 25 - 7:06 pm

  This car is a joy to drive when the check engine light is not on. It has Great hwy mileage. As for the down side I paid 6700 for the car a year ago in very good shape still looks great but have replace over 3000 dollars worth of crap on the car in 5 different visits to the dealership. I got a stack of papers from the previous owners of every service visit and oil change so i thought i would be ok. I was wrong regardless of how well you take care of this car is just a nightmare in random repair bills.

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  Max bang for the buck - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By W.D.White - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This is an all around great car at a price that adds a real feeling of triumph for us value addicts.

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  Excellent car- great buy! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mihirmaniar - October 25 - 10:00 am

  My Maxima was totalled in an accident. We were looking for a V6 family-sedan under $30K. Our shortlist was Passat, Acura TL and Maxima. We test-drove many cars- older 528i, A6. Weve previously owned Mazdas, Nissan, Toyotas. We did a lot of research on the web- Edmunds is awesome! After a couple weeks, we converged on the Passat GLX and absolutely love it! The exterior/interior is eye-catching and the handling is far superior than the Japanese cars. I am hoping the Passat will last me as long as the Japanese cars- theyve increased the warranty to 4years now which is great. German cars feel stiffer than the Japanese cars, and make you stick to the road.

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  Dont buy it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael McKaig - October 25 - 12:20 am

  I bought my Passat new in 2003. This car was fine until 30,000 miles then it began falling apart. The interior flooded at 40,000 miles from body leaks requiring an entirely new carpet etc. It was put back together wrong, cracking the windshield with crossed wiring in the dash. It is now in the shop again for the flooding problem at 46,000 miles. Also, it needs an entirely rebuilt brake system at 46,000 miles. German engineering???? Spend your money elsewhere.