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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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwownerx2 - June 14 - 10:30 am

  We bought our Passat 1.8T this year with 124,000 for $4000 from a private owner. The car drives like it is brand new;however, we have had to replace the water pump at 135,000 miles and the timing belt. The interior components are top notch, lots of room, just a joy to own and drive. Yes, maintenance is expensive but the car drives and rides like a brand new car. I can do basic stuff like brakes etc... We just bought a 1999 Passat VR6 as a third car and hope we are as lucky. When you buy used cars with high mileage, you have to expect it is like rolling the dice.

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  Great longevity - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lc - June 13 - 12:24 am

  I have the 2004 model. After 11 years and a great ( indy VW) mechanic and regular maint. and oil changes, Ive had minimal costly repairs. Maybe, Im in the minority but Im holding on to it, with just 115,000. My last VW went past 200,000.

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  VW still has quality issues - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jld2 - June 10 - 8:44 pm

  A new billion dollar factory and still quality issues. My fuel door fell off in my hand! And to add insult to injury they told me that I had to pay to fix it because it was an "external influence!" And when I inquired as to what the external influence was the customer service representative replied, "Cold weather!" So I have to pay $300.00 to replace my fuel filter door because it got cold in Pennsylvania! VW got the engine right. Great mileage, quiet operation, starts quickly in cold weather. The DSG is responsive but expensive, it costs over $300.00 every 40,000 miles to service. Too bad their lousy attention to details like designing a fuel door that will wont fall off.

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  my baby - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Spikeddy13 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its my first car and I will never do anything other than a German build from now on. Its amazing.

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  best of the wagons - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ralph turley - June 10 - 10:00 am

  compared with other wagons, passat is the best value. others in the same class were either too expensive or too small

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  This car is a piece of JUNK!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DosGattos - June 10 - 2:26 am

  This car is a piece of junk. At first it was great to drive and I had no problems. Once the check engine light came on in 2008 I have had nothing but problems. I cant count on one hand the times the coils have been changed. The sunroof opens on its own, speakers are intermittent, doors wont lock, lights burn out, brakes wear quickly,etc.. Right now it is sitting in my driveway because the engine light is on again (2nd time in 3 months) and it shakes horribly and smokes. Dont buy this car!!

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  Best Car In Price Range, By Far - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By cts - June 6 - 2:00 am

  The Passat is very quick "off the line" in every day driving, and that there is more than sufficient speed to merge and pass on the highway. The car also cruises quite comfortably at 70-90 mph. The seats in the car (eight-way power) are extremely comfortable and very supportive during aggressive driving. However, everyone has a different back- end - some of my friends prefer softer seats than those in the Passat. On value - you get an all-wheel-drive car with gobs of luxury features for under $31k (see below). Ive not owned the car long enough to discuss reliability. Well see.

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  Impressive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By iMacMan - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I am incredibly happy with my 2003 Passat! My wife and I researched and drove many cars, but it was clear that we found a home the second we settled into its wonderful cabin. The Camry was nice, tight, but felt boring and underpowered. In spite of its exciting styling, the Altima felt cheap. The Accord wasnt really an option as Honda vehicles rust terribly on salted central Canadian roads. I intended on getting the V-6, but I much preferred the pep and fuel economy of the Turbo 1.8 four. Easily the best car in the class.

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  13 Months & 20,000 miles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By socalkid - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had the 1.8T GLS automatic for 13 months and 20,000. My biggest concern was/is reliability. Up to present, the only realiability issue involves the driver side head light burning out on 2 seperate occasions. Dealership claims to not finding anything wrong. Well see. Love the car. Its looks, drivablity and fit and finish are first rate but I doubt it will ever outlive our Nissans reliability. My suggestion, if looks, style, sportiness and fit/finish are what youre looking for, get the Passat. If you plan on keeping the car for over 5 years, get a Toyota, Honda or Nissan.

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  Best car I have had - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Idman - June 2 - 1:10 pm

  Purchased this 06 Model with all the Luxury options available that year. The car had 43k miles but came with a 2yr./24k bumper to bumper warrenty. Included was 90 days Sirius Radio free. This car is out of this world, its by far the finest automobile I have ever owned. Beautiful to look at from any angle, great interior ergonomics, outstanding performance and my gas mileage for combined driving is in the high 20s. The smile never goes away when I am driving this Passat or just looking at it in my driveway. All this praise and I have only had the car for 5 weeks. I would recommend this Passat be on your check out list when looking for a world class automobile.