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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  Too new to tell, but.......... - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By dkross737 - June 25 - 12:46 am

  Ive had my TDI SEL just about 2 weeks, so all comments are preliminary. Engine and DSG combo-first rate, mpg 45+ 75/25 Highway/City. Interior well laid out, but some cost cutting (vertical travel on center armrest and forward edge of drivers seat, goose-neck trunk hinges, prop rod vs gas struts for hood) ) noted...car is built to a price. First rate highway car with great road manners, audio, seat comfort, and noise level. Exterior somewhat bland, but that may attract less attention from our State Troopers, and not look dated in 4 years.

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  Extremely Unreliable - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By lee - June 23 - 9:23 am

  The car is stylish, but unfortunately seems to break down frequently. I have under 30,000 miles and have had the throttle body replaced, throttle body wiring, and steering column replaced. It has left me stranded 5 times. Probably the least reliable car I have ever owned. Im totally bummed I have a 4 year 60,000 mile lease, its a horrible car

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  awesome! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - June 21 - 6:36 am

  Ive only had this car about 2 months, so far with 63k mi, my wife and i love it. 25-35mpg is a little less than i wanted, but still pretty good. fun to drive, takes corners like a champ.. 1.8T has been "upgraded" with a new performance chip, giving me roughly 200hp (up from 170), blowing those other sports cars away.

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  could be worse - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By M.S. in California - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Almost 60K now.Ignition coils were not an issue for me.Volkswagon had to keep on me to bring it in for replacement.Car has burnt more headlights then all the cars Ive driven put together!Hasnt been as reliable as my Fords have been.Much more reliable then my buddies S-40 Volvo,and MUCH better built!Drives very sweet,handles great at 136 mph.Excellent handling once you get rid of the factory tires.Overall a nice car.

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  A Very Happy Owner - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy VW Driver - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is perhaps one of the best sedans ever made. Its combination of sport, luxury, and safety makes this Passat one of a kind.

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  Love my car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2002 GLS Turbo 5m - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Most enjoyable car I have ever purchased. Previouly owned back to back Accords which were nice but not really fun. I look forward to just going for a drive due largely to performance and luxurious feel. I have the manual transmission and dont really notice the turbo lag. My gas milage is great. Dont understand the people who say fuel economy is poor. I get 22-25 in town and 31-34 freeway. I am and 6 feet tall and wife is 55" and both find comfortable driving positions. Had to take car in for ingnition coil recall and power loss to stereo. Both warranty items fixed promtly.

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  Reliability Issues - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By as0723 - June 19 - 1:45 am

  Purchased new and in the past 3 years have had a wheel bearing replaced, suspension makes creaking noises, and the vehicle starts very rough and has even not started several times when cold. The last two items listed (suspension and starting issues) have been dismissed by the dealership service and VW as normal. Even when it wouldnt start and I had to have it towed to the dealership, they eventually got it to start, said they couldnt find anything wrong, nothing they can do and even that the vehicle is operating normally. Normal for it to not start? Thats not normal to me for a new vehicle, and not what I want out of a new car, I expect it to start every time and provide reliable service.

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  people are so cheap - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By lindsay - June 17 - 4:02 pm

  This car is great mine is at 160 k miles the inside of my buttons and locks buttons did peel and bubble but its only a 50$ fix... People complain about the up keep costing so much but ITS A VOLKSWAGEN! It is not an american car repairs cost more the engine is not regular its all new technology if you cant afford up keep you shouldnt buy a foreign car. Its like buying a name brand purse to look rich but not having any cash in it. [non-permissible content removed]

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  Luxury Ride, Econobox Mileage - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomato Pie - June 16 - 11:00 am

  Driving 96 miles each day, I needed to replace my wonderful 1991 Acura Legend that had accumulated 215,000 miles. I wanted to retain the great comfort, safety, and performance of the Acura while improving on the 25 mpg I was getting. Research took me to the TDI Passat, and I got one of the last leftovers for 2005 (cannot get the diesel in the 2006 Passat). I have logged 5,000 miles and I am THRILLED with this car. It is powerful, comfortable, and I am averaging 43 mpg on the highway when I can keep my speed under 65.

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  Germany Wins Again with the New Passat! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatLovers - June 15 - 7:56 pm

  We were in the market for a high-end car such as the Bimmer 328i and the Audi A4, but the price was a bit too high. So, since we wanted a nice price on German engineering (Im German, so Im biased), we went to VW and test drove the Passat. We loved the car from the first drive! This car has power! Shes a classy gold color-a real looker, fun, fuel efficient, very comfortable, and lets not forget safe! It even has excellent IIHS safety ratings! We are very impressed with the ride. And, along with the Lord, the ABS saved my husbands life today, after someone slammed their brakes on in front of him. So, we definitely do recommend the Passat to anyone who wants high quality at an affordable price!