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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  Bought Over a BMW 330i and Volvo S60 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By babydoc - October 24 - 9:20 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 is an absolute joy to drive. My wife and I both like it better than her Volvo S60 T5. The combination of its 276hp, dynaudio stereo system, leather interior with wood trim made it feel like a better purchase than the BMW 330i. The engine seems incredibly responsive, and typically is at about 2,500 rpm at 75+ mph. This car is a world apart from the 03 and 04 Passats Ive ridden in.

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  2006 Passat 2.0t - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By gringo1 - October 23 - 4:26 pm

  This car has been bullet-proof after almost 60,00 miles, which, I have to admit, is quite a bit different from my previous Passat (1996 GLX). But I bought another one, didnt I? Replaced the wiper motor early on, under warranty. After that, nothing. My only complaint is that the ride has softened. My 96 was a slot car. But, its still a beautiful design 4 years later and is the best blend of performance and fuel economy I know of in the segment.

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  You cant Have Mine - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed - October 22 - 10:06 am

  Bought it new and after 60K have nothing but praise for this vehicle, and the warrantee that came with it. I havent paid for a thing other than gas, oil, breaks and new tires. A (slightly) noisy water pump was replaced for free under the 100K drive train warrantee, and thats it. The car still looks great, doesnt burn a drop of oil, is pretty easy to work on, fun to drive, is loaded with features uncommon in its price class, Gets 28/31 MPG, plenty of power and offers exceptional comfort for me @ 61", 215lbs and my family.

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  this car is great - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jennifermayo - October 21 - 10:00 am

  The customer service at the dealer was horrendous, the sales manger crunched on a candy bar as he half- assed explained my warranty and the such, but ut was such an awesome car in that I had to get the car. I bought itused and I have never had any problems with it. It only has 30k miles on it and it has just hit its stride. It is great car and it habdles excellently.. The interior has clean lines and is simply elegant, not flashy- similiar to interior of a BMW.

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  VW is King. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Fan - October 19 - 9:23 pm

  Blue Anthracite/Beige Leather 2002 GLX 4Motion. I got her for $28,000, including TTT, from VW South in Charlotte, NC. Living in Washington, DC, theres a big market for Passats, and was having a hard time locating a dealer that a) knew the VW products, b) was willing to treat their customer decently, and c) was willing to haggle on price. None of the VW dealers I met over the past two months fulfilled these three traits. So, I went to Charlotte, NC, to visit family, and went to the local VW dealer. I couldnt have had a more pleasant experience with the salesmen/finance managers/service dept. Im now sold on VW and Audi. Edmunds, many thanks for giving me a heads up on pricing.

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  A really nice car. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By hsm - October 19 - 8:53 pm

  This car is fun to drive, safe, and well built. Handles wonderfully on the highway or around town. Tiptronic is a unique and useful feature, especially in snow. Traded in an 03 GL and 04 GLS. Both nice cars. This vehicle is more comfortable and roomy. Interior takes some time to appreciate. Old style was simple and clean looking.

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  This Car Rocks - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter Mastrangelo - October 18 - 2:33 pm

  Having owned a 2002 4Motion I decided to try the newly designed Passat when my lease expired. Also in the equation was the new Toyota Avalon and the Lincoln Zephyr. The Avalon is beautifully done but a bit too floaty and isolated for me. The Lincoln is nice but my preconceived notions about Lincoln as being stodgy got in the way. It is a nice car...but oh that new 3.6L Passat! The interior is the best Ive seen, BMW look out. The seats are comfotable and the handling is precise. The new electomechanical steering is a blast to feel since it is stiff at speed but the wheel turns easily at low speed. The mettallic black finish and ten spoke alloy wheels make it stand out in any crowd.

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  VW New Passat GLS V6 - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jbaril - October 18 - 2:00 am

  good car; far more interesting and attractive than Accord, Camry, Hyundai. Probably just as good as Audi A4, but less expensive.

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  Great car for the money - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shoff - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used to replace a 94 Passat GLX. Great performance, styling, and many helpful features head the list of improvements, including keyless entry, side curtain air bags and a great stereo. Mileage is in the 21 MPG range. Just replaced the water pump at 60k, otherwise the car has been flawless!

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  Amazing car, but... - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shoff - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car except that I am getting SUV milage during the winter, and the interior is somewhat smaller than my 1994 GLX. Milage is in the 13 to 17 MPG range, even with light driving. My 94 was in the 18 to 20 MPG range on average, and my "99 GLX gets around 21.