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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love that car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
By eurocat - September 26 - 10:00 amThis is my dream car...from the time first came out Ive always wanted one. And let me tell you...there have been NO dissapointments at all. The car offers a smooth quiet ride, it hugs the street and the turbo allows you to feel a little power despite the economical 4 cylinder engine. I love the look of the car and the comfort. It seems like youre driving a more expensive car than you actually are. Reliability has been good, except for a couple of minor quirks in the beginning. 5 stars!!!
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04 Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By GV - September 26 - 10:00 amSo far, we have truely enjoyed this vehicle - considering that weve only have 180 miles on it. We are looking forward to a long road trip that we have planned for the Thanksgiving holiday!
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w8 6 speed - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By tony6spdw8 - September 26 - 10:00 amin syracuse, I wont let my wife drive anythin unless it is awd. build quality is excellent, shifter is good, clutch is very vague, easy to stall, to assisted, car is reasonably quick, for a family sedan, but put 19: rims on it, tint the windows, and put a spoiler on it, and even the fast and furious kids are impressed. only real complaint is the soft rev limiter in 1st gear that starts shutting it down almost 800 rpm faster than in 2nd-6th, just as the car really starts coming on in 1st, you are into the rev limiter, then it pulls real strong to redline in every other gear.awaiting the snow, to see how it performs in a syracuse ny winter with blizzaks on it
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Not impressed, But satisfied - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Mr Jay - September 26 - 10:00 amBack in the shop w/less than 2500 miles. This vehicle has a tendancy to give ghost codes (caution/warning lights for no reason) the only problem with that is the inconvenience of the drive too and wait at the garage. The controls/levers are a tad bit confusing but youll get used to them. On the up side the W8 has great lines and is very attractive. The interior lighting is neat. You will enjoy driving the W8, it has good exceleration (not great, good) If you dont like paying high gas prices dont buy this car. It runs on 91 OR BETTER OCTAIN that is what is suggested by VW.
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Passat GLS V6 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Piech - September 26 - 10:00 amBest car I have ever owned. The way the switchgear works, that all effort is the same, the solidity, the quality of materials and build quality cannot be matched by any American.
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Good design, almost flawless exectution - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By tboneharry - September 26 - 10:00 amOverall, a wonderful car and highly desirable. Fantastic interior design and execution makes me feel as though Im driving a much more expensive car. 4Motion system outstanding in poor weather conditions, but adds weight that hampers acceleration. Solidly built and extremely comfortable, with a great compromise between ride and handling characteristics. Overall, a much more appealing design than its chief competitors in the midsize family sedan category (Accord, Camry), which seem competent but utilitarian in comparison.
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Oh yeah I love Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By ohmaud - September 26 - 10:00 amExcellent performance; true German engineering, hugs the road tight on curves when going fast, dual transmission (shift from auto to stick) is awesome fun!
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This car always makes me smile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By grammatarz - September 26 - 10:00 amThe only unfortunate thing that I have found is that 2003 is the first year that they installed a plug in the back of the manifold. Unfortunately mine blew without warning after 4 months..this may be a chronic problem. Ultimately, the car gave me no warning that all of the oil was blowing out as I was driving. It should have given me a low oil pressure sign or something. Its something to look into.
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very good, more stuff than you need! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By will - September 26 - 10:00 amvery competent car. lots of fun! runs great, handles like on rails.
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2003 PASSAT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By ELAINE CESARETTI - September 26 - 10:00 amLOVE THE DESIGN AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CAR HANDLES GREAT WITH THE TURBO. SUSPENSION A LITTLE TIGHT, COULD BE A SMOOTHER RIDE.
