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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  LOVE VWs - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwanted215 - July 29 - 5:43 pm

  Im still young and my last car was a 2001 vw gti vr6 which was fast and luxury, I decided to grow up and try the new passat. I was a little cautious getting into a big sedan from a coupe, but this car has power, comfort, performance and a gorgeous look. I have it fully loaded and wouldnt have it any other way. Its a german engineered car made to perform and for it to perform it needs good fuel... with that said the car is great and so was my last VW so I plan to stick with them.

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  Consumer Reporting on Vehicle - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joy Jones - July 29 - 10:00 am

  The only thing I dont like is that snow and dirt easily get caught up in the wheel area and make the car shake until you have washed them out.

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  looks good but poor quality - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Henrylin - July 29 - 10:00 am

  my passat has had numerous parts and quality problems (>10) since ive owned it

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  Love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By r32752 - July 29 - 10:00 am

  I really love this car! It handles exceptionally well and is quick. The color selection was great and the vehicle is a winner in my book.

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  A Very Good Car - Update - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark-- Boston - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Now > 4 years into ownership and at 108,000 miles, I thought Id update my review. I still like this car a lot. It remains reasonably reliable with only fair fuel economy ( although Ive been getting 24-25 MPG on the highway lately). Cost of maintenance has been relatively high, but I do drive a lot, so I feel it has been quite acceptable. Engine (V6) is running smooth and not burning oil. Im thinking of driving it until 200K or until the cost of repairs gets too high (Ive done the TB and WP at 85K). Im still overall satisfied with the car and service Ive been getting. Ive had two electrical problems. Fuel pump died at 60K (recall) and drivers seat heater died (expensive, but needed fix).

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  My first VW - 2014 Passat 1.8L T - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff D. - July 25 - 4:53 pm

  I have test drove several used or certified VW vehicles in last month (Passat diesel 2.0L, Passat 2.5 L Manual, Passat 2.5L Auto, and Jetta 2.5 L Auto). I was able to test drive the 1.8L Turbo automatic - and I was sold as soon has I hit the gas pedal. It has great acceleration. After my first week of driving I was able to drive +400 miles for city and some highway driving. I filled up with 1/4 tank of gas and it cost me less than $24.00. The electronics (cluster, radio, and Hvac are decent). I picked the VW becuase of the simple styling. I chose the Passat over the Jetta due to additional space. I am very happy with my purchase. I hope to be a VW consumer for a long time. :)

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  Styled and well built German sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jorge - July 24 - 9:36 am

  Purchased in 2006 from a private party. I have previously owned a Mercedes 230S, Audi 80 and Volvo 240, V70, S80s and a VW Sirocco. I would consider this a well behaved, fairly high quality, fuel efficient mid-sized sedan. I looked at Camry and Accords before I purchased it. I liked the styling and performance on the VW better, plus the Toyotas and Accords looked "blah", and had little driving personality. No problems in three years of ownership, regular maintenance and two VW recalls serviced at the dealer. Gets 31 MPG+ on a 27 mile highway trip to work. VW is the master of small engines: Hits 100 mph+ effortlessly on a 1.8L. Currently costs $35 to fill the tank. Upgraded tires to Yokohama

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By TSF - July 23 - 6:43 pm

  Maybe Ive been lucky, but I have put almost 90k on the vehicle since purchasing used in 05 (now 119k miles), and havent had a single problem. Fun to drive, great mpg w/ the 1.8t and 5-spd. (avg. 33 mpg on the freeway), looks good, unbeatable interior design and looks with the leather seats. Matches or exceeds the 01 Acura TL it replaced in every respect except horsepower, and it has been far more reliable to boot (2 trannys, new dash, other issues w/ 01 Acura).

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  2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8T 5-spd Manual - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By hawkjet48 - July 20 - 3:06 am

  I have experienced only minor defects with this car. The radio connector failed three times under the dash. Also, I had a bad bearing in the blower motor which was covered under warranty. Other than random misfires during interstate driving, this car has been problem-free and repair-free over 63,000 miles. My only complaint is about the weakly designed pop-up rear seat power receptable, which has been fixed three times at the dealers expense. For a sedan, this is a blast to drive while consistently getting 31 mpg to 33 mpg at highway speeds. This car is a good combination of performance and economy with the 5-speed manual transmission.

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  Great Car but with Some Problems - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By big guy cool cars - July 17 - 6:00 pm

  I love the car, I enjoy driving it, and I like the way it looks, but it has some problems. I had the entire a/c replaced twice and down here in South Florida it just extremely uncomfortable. Luckily it was all covered. the other problem was that the radio knobs started peeling, but once again it was completely covered. Also, some turbo lag that is noticeable, but I still like the performance. After all that, I still smile when I press that accelerator and turn that extremely responsive steering wheel. This is my second Volkswagen and it definitely wont be my last. It is safe, good looking, has great performance, and most importantly it is very reliable in every situation.