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 satisfied owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael Silver - August 15 - 10:00 am

  More power than most small 8 cylinders; standard equipment is better than most luxury cars. Ive own BMW, Mercedes, several Lexus cars, but this is the most fun car Ive ever had.

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  Love It!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris Marino - August 15 - 10:00 am

  Wasnt sure if I was going to like a 4 Cylinder after having a Loaded GLX VR6 for 7 Years, but I love it. The Tiptronic transmission is smoother and more responsive than the one in my wifes C Class Mercedes. All the extra space is awesome, especially with a new baby. The safety features are very comforting.4 Wheel, ABS, Traction Control,Electronic Stabilization/ Front, side and curtain airbags all for $23,000. The rear seatbelt locks and there are tether hooks on the backs of the seat and anchors underneath them, making car seat installation a breeze.

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  Better than expected. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jascha - August 15 - 1:43 am

  She has the road presence of a car twice its price. The manual tranny squeezes every last horse out of this 4-banger and I love the pickup in 2nd & 3rd gear. I drove 918 miles so far, within the last week and there are only a few complaints: 1) The ESP is weird. I usually drive with it off. The mechanical components of the car usually sort out skids and slips just fine for experienced drivers. 2) The auto-hold function needs some getting used to. I stalled the engine twice before I noticed the throttle needs to be floored in order to move. 3) I dislike the fact that there is no km/h display on the speedometer. 4) Vmax = 130. Which blows.

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  Avoid this car like the plague - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nakie - August 13 - 2:50 pm

  This is the most unreliable Ive ever owned. This model is total rubbish and should have had recalls on the engine and all the hoses attached. It is the ultimate in cheap manufacturing. I have replaced the transmission all hoses and connections below the engine(plastic fittings that all cracked) the dip stick holder(plastic) that came out in multiple pieces when checking the oil the engine that froze and died when the oil strainer became clogged with sludge( the red light came on telling me to stop but by the time I could get off the road the engine was starved of oil and had to be replaced

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  Fun to Drive - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alexander - August 12 - 6:40 pm

  The first thing that impresed me was the engine - it is small but quite powerful. One just has to push the accelerator pedal down to get most out of it. The acceleration is especially impressive with the gear in the sport mode - even from a zero start. I love the exterior design. Tthe same goes for the interior, with some reservation for the front seat ergonomics - they are comfortable but could be a bit more accomodating. To add a "fly to the ointment" - I already had to get the sensor switch in the passenger seat safety belt buckle replaced. The dealership experience has been very good so far.

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  Nothing Beats a Volkswagen - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat Lover - August 11 - 6:30 pm

  Look, all cars can have issues. I supply equipment to automotive manufacturers and if you had any clue to how they operate you would understand cars having some issues now and then. I purchased this car used this past December (2009) and have put over 20,000 miles on it with no issues. I love the car and the reliability. All cars are going to have issues, its just which ones have the least. I am sold on Volkswagens and will continue to purchase them for they are WAY more superior than the American made cars today. I would highly recommend this car to anyone for I get comments everywhere I drive it. People that ride in it love it as well. Keep up the good work Volkswagen!

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  Passat Review - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By David Jones - August 9 - 7:23 am

  I purchased a Passat after driving American made cars and felt I had to take the chance. The stability and control I have, have not been found in an American made vehicle. It is extremely comfortable and quiet and get better mileage than the Ford Focus I drove before. I have much more room, better mileage and look much more impressive in this vehicle.

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  Fun when it runs - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By JoeMaMa - August 9 - 1:20 am

  Bought new fall 2000 first problems right away. Coil problems and only 3 months old! Multiple trips to dealer before it was fixed. Over the next 4 years only a few trips to dealer for electrical related problems. Most trips were in the $400.00 range each time. Spring of 06 500 miles from home motor burns up due to oil sludge problem. After being required to produce all receipts for oil changes VW replaces motor and turbo. Its a miracle a trip to dealer that I didnt have to pay for. Except for van rental, crying kids and hotel. All this with only 54K on odometer. 6 trips to dealer since, more electrical problems. Its fun when it runs. (zoom zoom?)

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  Lots of faults - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWs are Unreliable - August 7 - 6:50 pm

  Had the car since new. I have had an endless run of problems with the car combined with incompetent VW Australia Servicing. Problems include: Turbo PCV valve failed (at 12 months) Coil packs failed (at 18 months) Drivers elec window failed (numerous times) AC compressor failed (at 2 years) Brake pedal switch failed (causing intermittent complete power loss to engine computer!) Steering column/convenience unit failed (3.5 years) Brakes replaced at 20,000km Paint peeled off drivers door handle Battery failed at 2 years Suspension noisy over bumps Ill never buy another VW, and Ive already turned several friends off getting one when I explain the problems I have had. Worst ownership exp. ever.

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  Really nice - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By aljommm - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This is a great road car. I look for excuses to drive it on long trips. Seems like the faster you go the better the feel. A strong performer that doesnt need to downshift to climb some fairly steep hills. A car that goes this well really should stop well -- and this one does. The brakes have a really good feel to them. The ride is taunt and doesnt smooth all the bumps, but get real - this is a sports sedan. What you lose in smooth ride is more than compensated for by the handling.