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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  one owner TDI - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave - August 26 - 10:13 am

  This car was chosen for size and mpg. Best mpg has been 56 and 36 is the lowest. Performance is suprisingly good with 1 or 2 adults in car. Add 2 more in the back seat and they will be suprised at the space, but driver needs to reconsider passing on two-lane roads. This car does hold its speed very well on the interstate. Climbs mountains as if they are ant hills. As long as the glow plug relay gets the right signal, this car starts like a champ on sub-zero mornings.

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  Great Car, but... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Island Dude - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Had the Passat now for four years and it has never failed us. Car has everything, great looks, good performance, lots of room, but in my line of work I have placed alot of miles on the car--105k in four years. Ive recently had to spend $1500 to replace a water pump, timing belt, and an axle boot along with the 20K interval service. Im concerned that this might be a trend from here on out, but up to this point, the car has been very reliable. One disturbing note--service cant readjust my factory setting headlights without a fee, which I thought was pretty bogus.

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  Car Guy loves it! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By artsy - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Im a car guy and Ive owned some great ones (and a few not so great ones). I had high expectations of this car, since it was by far the most Id ever had to pay for one, and it has exceeded my expectations. Excellent ride, handling, comfort. Weve drive a family of 5 loaded to the hilt 550 miles and got out feeling like we had flown. I cant believe some of the bad reviews here - build quality doesnt vary that much in VWs - they must work at Mazda dealers! Own an Audi for thousands less. This car is absolute best in class!

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  A nice car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By TommyK - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Good car for the money. Nice build quality with spacious interior. Coming off an A4 I find the handling a bit lacking in corners but the ride quality is better. Would have bought another Audi but with the Passat sharing so many components it wasnt worth the extra eight grand. Only major concern; the auto isnt matched well to the engine, use of the tipronic is a must.

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  Keep it German but think American! - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Emeka - August 25 - 3:10 am

  Two months after purchase, I was at the service station due to some rattling sound coming from my front bumper.Come to find out that something was coming loose. The following month, I was at the service station again due to a hissing sound that comes on each initial pull out.After these issues were fixed for free of-course, I have enjoyed every ounce of my car. Everyone who sees my Passat all say the same thing.."wow, your car is beautiful". Some think its a BMW at first sight while some say they never ever considered a VW until seeing mine. German engineering rocks but they need to understand that Americans love comfort and convenience together with reliability.

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  "Where excitement goes to die." Really? - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By moreldav - August 17 - 1:44 pm

  My love of cars has spanned a fair number of years and over two dozen cars. This is my second VW. I traded in a 2008 BMW 535xi Sport for this car, which had replaced a beloved 2002 Audi A6 2.7T. The Passat has reminded me of the many reasons I am a fan of VW Group cars. I was concerned that the transition out of the driving experience of the BMW would be rough, but I was wrong. The Passat is comfortable, spacious, well-appointed, reasonably quick, and sneers at gas pumps (I drove from NJ to Boston and back on one tank of regular fuel). It is not going to win stoplight drag races or autocross rallies, but as a large family sedan, its really tough to beat. Glad I ignored the naysayers!

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  Mechanical Problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By MartinT - August 17 - 7:33 am

  In 74 K miles: Two sets of rear pads and rotors in 2 CV boots, one wheel bearing, one temp. sensor, emissions light often goes on, one radiator leak, one cam seal oil leak,three engine coolant flushes to get rid of gunk in the G12 coolant which stops up cabin heater core, cup holders break, rear view mirror is failing, door locks intermittently dont lock

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  Expensive Problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By LawHoo - August 14 - 4:06 pm

  My Passat was a great car until we hit 45,000 miles. Then we needed to replace the secondary air pump ($600), then the brakes, now at 58,000 miles the secondary air pump is out again ($600) and the tie rods need to be replaced ($500), plus the paint is peeling off of the bumper (no accidents). Oh yeah, the control for the outside mirrors fell off. I love the car but the maintenance has become a bit much to bear.

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  Needed new engine at 7,720 miles - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Portero - August 14 - 10:50 am

  I was a big fan of this car until the "check engine" light came on at about 7,700 miles. It started to drive like it was using 4 cylinders instead of 6. The dealer says that they arent sure exactly what went wrong, but one piston ring seems to be defective...so they are replacing the engine. I just hope that it runs like new when I get it back.

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  MY car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Light - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR! This is The most fun to drive. I look for excuses to take highway trips just so I can be in my Passat. Her name is Luna and shes a beautiful Dolphin Grey. I used to think it was weird that guys named their cars...until I met my Luna.Ive fallen in love with the American lanscape again and even drove this all the way from Michigan to Santa Fe and back- ALONE- and Im a 49 year old woman. It makes you feel safe, confident and dare I say it...young! This car screams- "LETS TAKE A ROAD TRIP"!