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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  You will love the Passat Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom_from_Pennsylania - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We first rented a Passat wagon in Germany eight years ago, and liked it so well that we bought one. It gave us seven good years of reliable service, but the 2003 is worlds better than the old ones. It truly has the power and handling of a sports car. It would be a serious mistake to buy a mid-size wagon without test driving the Passat.

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  Great vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By PRMD - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I owned different vehicles in the last 32 years, Vega, Mitsubishi, Cadillac Seville, Volvo, Mercedes Benz, Oldsmobile, Conversion Van, Diamante, Honda and BMW. I enjoy more driving my Passat GLX than any other car I ever owned. I recommend it to everyone asks me about it.

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  Boy is this car fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joys VW is a joy! - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. Excellent in the city, and care free on the highway. The styling is unique and attractive. I enjoy being seen in this car almost as much as I enjoy driving it.

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  My Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DThomas - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car for about a month or so. I had originally orderd a BMW 325xi and couldnt get the one I wanted in the time frame I wanted. I am very glad I went to the Passat, it has just about the same performance as the BMW and I got a top of the line model for about $10,000 less than the beamer. I am very satisfied so far with this vehicle.

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  I love my passat! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By senators98 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. I was debating between the passat with 4 motion or the Honda Accord. Im so glad that I chose the passat. It has the smoothest ride, even over really bumpy roads. I get so many compliments from people who see my car. Its got a great luxurious interior with a drive similar to a mercedes benz, for less money. I have had wonderful experiences with this car. The only problems so far have been that the plastic covering the rear lights and reflectors are cracked. But, they are replacing them for me for no charge. The car does not have very good fuel efficiency, but the other features make up for it. So, no complaints by me.

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  Wow, Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick Snider - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Wow, nice ride, we have only owned it 2 weeks and its a blast

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  A Sleeper that Does Everything Well - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Solar1 - September 24 - 10:06 pm

  I have put 15,000 miles on my 2001 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T with no major problems and I REALLY, REALLY enjoy driving it. My car has an Autotech rear sway bar and a GIAC chip (www.giacusa.com) which makes it quite fun to drive. its sure footed, roomy, quiet, has a STRONG midrange and has responsive, well-weighted steering. The interior trim quality needs improving and yes, the headlights burn out quickly but these are not critical flaws. I just drove from Boston to LA and it was AWESOME. This is a great touring car and it really surprised me in the twists! Its no Honda Accord but I think thats a good thing - for a little more attention to maintenance, you can have a car with a lot more character. It is a nice sleeper.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By john wallace - September 23 - 9:13 pm

  this car is totally underated fun to drive and way ahead of northamerican my first passat but not my last Own and dont lease service is great too

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  Overall Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By coder157 - September 23 - 5:30 am

  Ive never owned a vehicle that has had this many recalls. Between the electrical heaters in the seats, the fuel system and now the right rear wheelhouse liner/shield. This is my second Passat, I never thought I would buy another car until this one. The quality put into VW Passats has really gone downhill.

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  I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jotorre - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great times in my car. The only place where i would purchase another VW is at Valenti in Watertown CT. Great people honest, Excellent service and they really go the extra mile for you. As far as Im concerned they are the best dealership in this area.