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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  My own toy - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Julian Rojas - June 1 - 1:20 pm

  I went to test drive a Jetta, but just could not resist the temptation of the Passat. The Accord (my other option) looked too standard for my taste, Too many on the road to feel that you are driving your own toy.

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  Never Owning a VW Again! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By luckymeblp - May 29 - 9:46 am

  I bought the car new in 2002 and now am at 82,000. Have had issues with headlights constantly burning out, leaks in the carpet causing mold, the sand colored cloth interior dirties easily and is impossible to clean. The rubber coating on things peel, the tint peeled the first year, things break off all over the place, the sunroof opens randomly on its own and nearly all of the dash has shorted out at one point. It is incredibly expensive to have anything repaired or replaced (which happens quite often). Also, having it repaired at the dealer is astronomically pricey, so just prepare to pay a lot for anything to be fixed... and mechanics hate to see you come in b/c its difficult to fix.

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  VWROOOOOM - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark - May 29 - 8:26 am

  I love my new Volkswagen Passat 2.0T. It is so unique and a real head turner. The Turbo 2.0 feels like a little Jet and the Tiptronic transmission is a blast. This is a cice car that beats the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord hands down, with a bit of style too. I compare it to the BMW 5-Series easily.

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  great car, but quality issues - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By B5 passat - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had it for a year but now its developing a few issues. It seems that if these great VW ideas actually worked....it would be worthwhile The collapsing side mirrors failed to work, the door handles have always been a problem (even since the 95 passat!), the coil pack has again been a longstanding issue with problems, and the worst issue so far is an intermittent starting problem. I am forced to sell the car simply because its too costly to own. If this were an M3 then I could somewhat reationalize the cost of repairs

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  Happy with the purchase - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatWagon01.5 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought the GLS V6 after weeks of research on family wagons. It all came down to this car and the Volvo V70. The Volvo V70 had very cheap interior, weaker engine, less performance, and very uncomfortable seats for $7K more!! The decesion was an easy one. We feel we got a lot more car for the money we spent. This car is bordering on luxury auto for $24K. It handles great. The engine is very responsive. It has tons of room if you fold the back seats down. The only problems we have had have been minor electrical issues. The fron headlight ($50!!! at the dealer), and the remote transmitter (warranty) had to be replaced.

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  GLS The real thing - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By happybuyer - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I looked at several Japanese and couple of American and two german cars before buying. I never saw myself driving a Volkswagon but after driving, I have to say it is the real thing! There is definitely something to the German engineering quality. The easiest way for the layman to tell is get on the highway and listen to the nothing. It is the quietest car I test drove. The doors are solid not light panel like the Japanese models. The six airbags says something about safety. The fit and finish although not plush is very well designed and the dashboard lights at night are a cool look that no one else has.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kim - May 22 - 4:56 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat is definitely a looker! I have the Mocha Brown color (that looks grey sometimes and black other times, and then brown other times) with tan leather interior. Its a very sharp looking car. It is very fun to drive!

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  Hell on wheels - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By altour1980 - May 21 - 6:30 pm

  Bought this car used @ 16,000 miles. was great initially. after one year, had to have the catalytic converters replaced, the emergency brake engaged itself, and had to be towed to the shop, just outside of warranty for that, it started doing it again. The AC unit is not blowing cold air in the second year of ownership, the coils were replaced, and now the check engine light is on but of course they tell me that its something else and has nothing to do with that even though the car was just fine before they touched it. went to change a fuse and the whole electrical system freaked out! loved this car but my gosh whats next? UNRELIABLE and cant wait to be rid of it!

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  One to smile about - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By MixPix - May 20 - 1:50 pm

  This is our second Passat, the first being a 98 1.8T 5-sp. I loved that car, but my wife decided it was time to go more "upscale", so we moved on to BMW. Since then, I have had two 7 series Bimmers, two 3 series and a 02 Altima 3.5 SE. I traded my tired 2000 740iL in on this gorgeous 06 3.6 Passat. United Gray/ Mocha Latte. I spent two full days looking at everything from Chrysler 300s to Mercedes E350s. Infiniti BMW and Audi. Guess what,......this is BAR NONE the BEST car for the money out there. I too keep finding new things to smile about in this car. The Dynaudio system is a blast, and built in XM (or Sirius) is easy to use. Power and Handling are tops in this arena.

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  My new VW... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By d00d - May 18 - 8:23 am

  This great looking car is pretty fast considering its relatively small engine (2.0L 134hp.) The 247 ft/lbs of lowend torque is what makes it a really fun drive - I find myself saying "farfegnugen" a lot! I love watching the mpg average with the TDI engine. I had problems with the dealer just handing me a box with the books, wrong keys and no new car walk through. The car spent its 1st week in the shop because a speaker wire was bad, causing a high pitched whine. They had to route a replacement wire from the amp to the door speaker. I REALLY WISH 4MOTION would have been available with this model!!!!!!! Im also concerned about taking it back to California & passing the smog check.