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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  Keeping the fingers crossed.... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By T Digs - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After owning Hondas and Yotas, I took a chance on the Passat. For the money, I beleive its one of the best looking cars on the road. It has performed up to my standards thus far and although it doesnt see much highway- its at its best there. The turbo lag is truly noticeable, but once you shift into second, the rocket boosters kick in. Noticeable exterior flaw that Ive noticed on mine and others is the fogging and subsequent BAD LOOKs of the chrome trim around the windows. Given the excuse as many have heard that it mustve been caused by a car wash. (guess I should just leave it dirty). Crossing my fingers it can deal with a long WI winter.

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  Its a shame - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve C. - September 3 - 1:56 am

  It let me down. Ive maintained this car well. Babied it, in fact. Did all of the proper fluid changes, including brake and coolant flushes, rotated tires, etc. But it still began to require expensive repairs around 70,000 miles. Brake pads only lasted around 30K. The exterior and interior held up well. The leather seats are soft and durable without much care and conditioning. The car handles great, does good in the snow, but oil leaks and coolant problems ruined an otherwise great experience. I wouldve kept buying VW products if they could just hold together to 100,000 miles without expensive repairs. Sadly, they cant. Nice car, just dont keep it much past the warranty.

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  Almost perfection - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By spidaman - September 2 - 4:56 am

  The Passat Komfort Wagon offers a wonderful balance of design, performance, comfort and safety. We traded down from an 04 Touareg, and have not been disappointed by the fit and finish of this vehicle. The sole Achilles Heel is the powerplant. While peppy and enjoyable on the highway (especially when passing), there is significant turbo lag, especially compared to our other driver, a Saab 9-3 with the same size 2.0 L turbo-charged engine. Additionally, the mileage is not nearly as good as the Saabs, and gear selection in this automatic could be better tuned. The VW shines on design, fit and finish. The leg well is a bit narrow, but seats are comfortable, and leads to a fine day drive.

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  12,000 mi Review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Very Content - August 31 - 2:00 am

  One year and 12,000 later and not a problem. Based on some of the reviews I have read - I am waiting for something happen. Overall, car is fun to drive, good fuel economy (avg. 27- 29mpg), looks great inside and out. Recommend getting the Monster mats for the floor and tint the windows - both have saved my interior.

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  Love my 2nd Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By vigupta - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my 2000 Passat GLS. This one has the 5-speed stick, which makes the car much more fun to drive. My 1998 Passat (RIP--smashed up by a drunk driver) was the Tiptronic automatic. Much slower.

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  Great, except for seat comfort! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By heathera - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car!

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  Stylish and Practical - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By 4petite - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Up to 1200 miles and having fun. Minor little transmission problem that fixed itself. This is my first German car so Im a little worried about reliability, but it sure is more fun than my Toyota. Great safety features for the price.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RL331 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car in general. Superior build quality and use of materials.

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  Awesome Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mohamed - August 27 - 7:11 am

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  Great long-term vehicle! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By kaper - August 27 - 2:10 am

  I bought my manual trans V6 Passat almost 10 years ago and have to say its been a great car overall. There have been few unexpected repairs but the repairs I have had to make have been expensive. The car has a peppy V6 engine that gets great gas mileage (low 30s on the highway). My wife describes my Passat as "smooth in every aspect". Ive been happy with the quality of the engine and body. The interior controls have a quality feel but many of the buttons, knobs and cupholders have failed or begun to become unreliable. Overall the positives of the vehicle far out way its issues and I hope to drive my Passat for many more miles!