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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  Some hitches in its get-up - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Suzanne03 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  First off, I love this car - comfortable, sporty, great speakers (Monsoon) and gas milage about 22 in the city. However, it has not been without its issues and I hate to say that after a year, I may be selling it. Having owned it for 13 months, its been in the shop 3 times. Twice now for an engine "miss" where only 3 of the 4 cylinders are firing and once for a high pitched, very annoying, whiring heat/ac fan noise that they are unable to identify and fix.

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  Driver Found - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By OhioNavyman - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Passat just about a year ago, and I enjoy driving it more each time I sit in the cockpit. I was close to buying a WRX before I saw this. The 1.8T engine provides plenty of pep. My 65" father could sit behind me. Theres enough cargo space in the trunk to fit even my wifes hefty packing habits. The ride is smooth and quiet, but I love the sound of the turbocharger when I floor it. The interior is the definition of luxury, and the blue and red instrument lighting is sweet! I tested Accord (no 5 spd w/V6), Altima (ugly inside), and WRX (a bit too racy). Ill never buy another Japanese car again.

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  Great car, but interior could be nicer - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mjegan59 - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I went out truck shopping and came home with the Passat Wagon turbo. It gets close to 30 MPG and is so fun to drive that I even went without my coveted 6 cyl engine and 4 wheel drive. It whips around tight u-turns, accelerates like crazy on the freeway (moves just as fluidly between 90 mph and 120 mph as between 40-70 mph), makes almost no noise on the road and has a sick sound system. It feels great on the road even at high speed and still accelerates at altitude and climbing mountains.

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  Love It!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jowibo - July 14 - 10:00 am

  To the guy who complained about no room for owners manual--theres a cubby for it underneath steering wheel- -I didnt know it was there, either until I read about it online. And VW is replacing all 4 coils now, so that point is moot, too. I am so in love with this car--Id marry it if I could. Ive always been a car nut, but dont think Ive ever been so pleased with one. I have 10,000 miles today (bought back in July--allegely first 2003 in town) and never had any problems. Great in snow, excellent mpg, etc. Cant figure out why they put 180 hp in Jetta but only 170 in Passat.

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  Bought now rather than later... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By radin2son - July 8 - 12:40 pm

  Planned to down size from 2 cars (Hondas) to 1 (wagon) in the next 2 years, but couldnt resist Aprils incentives. (Seems every one is paying about the same, less than invoice.) Also liked the fact that 05 Passats come fully equipped with options limited to 17" wheels and leather package. Chose 17" wheels. My independent mechanic, who always said buy Toyota or Honda, OKd the Passat. He has seen no problems with newer Passats and described the TDI as one of the sweetest engines around. Hope reliability is as good as our 99 Accord. (Didnt expect same with 02 SI.) First full tank showed 28 mpg for mostly city driving. Trip meter makes you think it will be better. Expect mpgs to improve.

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  Only minor problems so far... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By tcjack - July 8 - 10:00 am

  have read a lot about the ignition coil failures but I havent had a problem yet. Sure wish they would recall all the defective lots though, would sure be POed to be stuck by the side of the road.

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  Car ok ,I satisfaction . - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Wesley Ciaston - July 6 - 6:05 pm

  Recommended.

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  Worst car and customer service in the world - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By totsntators - July 5 - 3:14 pm

  EPIC FAIL: 44K miles in and my engine completely dies on a busy interstate while im 5 months pregnant. apparently a bolt holding the injector pumps in place broke, dislodged the pumps and killed the engine. breakage was traced back to fuel system replacement done 3 months ago. i filed a formal complaint with dealership and GM of dealership reacted by aggressively demanding his rental car back and threatening to call the cops on me if i dont return it immediately (we were loaned the car until our repairs were done). customer care heard about all the incidents but took no action or accountability for what happened. worst car ever owned and will never buy VW ever again. buyers beware!

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  Problems - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank - July 3 - 11:03 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T has been in the dealership for a total of 14 work days to fix problems with it. The check engine light went on and I cant lock the doors or the alarm will go off. The interior lights go on while driving and the doors unlock and lock while driving. The stereo volume goes up and down (told I have to live with that according to my dealer). They still cant figure out what is causing the problems.

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  01 GLX wagon: a beauty - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By famdoc - July 3 - 10:00 am

  never had any repairs or waranty work. did have an accident and getting parts for it through the VW network was very poor. i love this car, but the parts issue really dampened my enthusiasm.