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 good looking nice ride. - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Hilliard - July 22 - 10:06 am

  Some road noise.

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  Passat Wagon- fun, functional, awesome - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lise - July 22 - 10:00 am

  We bought the Passat after trying out over 8 different models/makes. We selected it because it offered all the features we had to have in a car; safety, economy, comfort, fun, and looks great. The kids love it and are excited for their friends to see it- no wonder, its a beautiful car. The Passat is smater than the humans that drive/ride in it- seats molding to your own body, remembering you when you return- even if someone else has taken your place before. Hopefully this car will last as long as the 17 year old Saab we traded in.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RRanchL - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is way more car than I expected! I went to get a Jetta and ended up in a Passat and am I glad. Its truely a luxury sedan at no where near the price of a BMW or Mercedes for the same features! I love driving it and you dont see a million of them on the road like some of the other sedan models! Highly, Highly recommend.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Desert Driver - July 19 - 2:00 am

  There are very few things that I dislike about my Passt. It looks great and handles great. I have taken the vehicle on several road trips, encountering a variety of weather conditions. It performed flawlessly. The only problem has been with the headlamps that continue to burn out. The dealership has taken care of this and is covered under the warranty.

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  The Best Yet - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By riskc - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I have owned SAABs, BMWs, Volvos, and older VW models. For the money, you cannot buy a better vehicle than a VW. Comfort, drive, safety are all standard with this vehicle or any other VW for that matter. I look forward to a long relationship with this car.

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  Great Car while it is working... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By iamddn - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I used to love my Passat. It is great fun to drive and roomy, while feeling extremely safe. Then, I recently started having electrical problems on my 5-month old car. I cannot get through to anyone at any local VW service shops. I repeatedly call but can never reach any person. As directed, I leave voice messages, and despite the receptionists promises to have someone return my call shortly, no response at all. Ever. Do you research and you will find that VWs owners repeatedly have the same two complaints: electrical problems and poor service. Both these problems have existed for years and do not seem to be changing. I wont buy another VW.

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  2013 Owner manual Errors - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By mikewlv - July 18 - 3:00 am

  I am disappointed in Volkswagens Customer Service and Support. One of the features that was important to me was the Rear Backup Assist and Park Distance Sound Alert. During my demo I was shown the operation of the rear camera, the salesman walked in back of the vehicle. The camera worked camera, but no sound alert. When I asked, I was told it probably needed to be turned on in the setup menu. I check the manual at home and on page 217 it does show a picture of a sound on/off soft key. When I call WV they to told me it is not available, even through it is listed as available on their web-site.

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  would buy again - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By js - July 17 - 4:43 pm

  Only complaint is quality of the leather. Looks great everywhere except drivers seat, weathers too quickly, but gets used 90% more than others.

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  Sooner its gone the better - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw_no_more - July 16 - 5:20 pm

  This vehicle while is fun to drive has spent more time with the mechanic than with us. 5 trips to fix the injectors, 4 trips the second time they went in only 140Km. I cant believe 2 sets of injectors in only 140Km. All 4 wheel bearings failed before 80Km, AC failed, trunk release failed, and on and on. The dealer would try something and when surprise it wasnt fixed told us to book another appointment, great except we live 5 hours from the nearest dealer, in one case it took 4 trips to fix one little problem. NO support from the VW dealer so we phoned VW Canada and all I got was "thats the way our warrenty works" I guess that means tough luck consumer. Stay away from this vehicle.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Manuel R. Tamayo - July 15 - 7:36 pm

  Previously, a car was simply a means of transportation. Now it is fun to drive, comfortable to be in, and a real pleasure to own. At first I questioned about the difference in fuel cost between the diesel and gas engine. However, I am able to average 33 miles per gallon in tight city traffic and about 42 on the open highway. The diesel engine is quiet and smooth. The car rides extremely tight with a comfortable road feel even in high wind. It corners like a cannon ball in a laundry chute. It simply has a solid sensation about it both inside and out. When asked how I like it, I say "Best car I ever owned and I have owned a bunch." That about says it all. Except, I bet I sold some.