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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  V6 4Motion great buy, but underpowered - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel - April 23 - 6:26 pm

  Purchased the vehicle with approx 80k miles. Loaded, flagship model in the lineup, everything electric/mechanical still works fine. This car is a tank -- very heavy, very "safe" feeling. V6 feels underpowered. Shouldve bought the V8. However, 4motion has saved my life twice. No hesitance to load my family (with newborn) into car.

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  Turbo lag - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alex Povolotski - April 23 - 9:33 am

  VW Passat is a great feat of German engineering. Autobahn for all, after all :-) The exterior is to fall in love for, interior is good and minimalistic, too but the drive feel... The steering is speed sensitive and I absolutely loved it! But... The speedometer has small numbers on it that are hard to read, so its not clear from a quick glimpse on it whether youre making 60 or 70 km/h. The transmission is lovely, very responsive and seamless. You really cannot feel it but the engine is unrefined. Usually, Im a big fan of smaller engines because of their efficiency, and almost limitless possibilities for improvement. But turbo lag kills me. Not responsive at all and jolty!!!

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  Loved this VW, repairs expensive though - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By thstraus - April 21 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car more than any other car Ive owned. Performance, great looks and excellent internal design and comfort outstanding! Maintenence however has been rather costly and a two year warrenty didnt cover much. The design and performance did cover the high cost though and I cant wait for the new 06 design. Love VWs

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  Terrific Car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By AHC - April 19 - 4:20 am

  My 2000 Volkswagen Passat has been perfect for 63,000 miles. Well, not absolutely perfect: the knob that adjusts the exterior mirrors has broken twice, and a few minor pieces of interior trim havent held up under our two kids abuse. But thats it - no other repairs were required at all. It gets 33+ MPG on the highway, is quiet and comfortable, and still looks sharp six years later. We love it.

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  This Car Rocks! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By GLee - April 19 - 2:53 am

  I just traded in my 2004 Passat GLS for a new 2006 Passat. Just when you think VW has topped what it can do, it pulls this one out. This Passat is the BEST one yet. It has kick but power in the 4-cylinder motor! The new design is AWESOME and the interior is roomier and the design Kicks. I drove the Audi, Honda, and Altima before this car. The only car that comes close is the Audi and you pay much less for the Passat. Go test drive the car and I guarantee you will leave the lot with one.

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  Passat 3.6 Sport is the Best FWD Car on the Planet - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tblank - April 15 - 2:13 am

  I bought a Passat 3.6 with Sport Package 1. The Recaro seats in the sport model are superior to anything I have tested or ridden in, including my dads Mercedes-Bernz S420. The leather is baseball glove quality, incredible. The 3.6L engine has great power and torque max is at 2,750 rpm (better than the Infiniti G35). This car has a solid Mercedes-like feel that is absent in the Acura TL, Toyota Camry, etc. The manufacturer incentives (for leftover 06 models) dropped the price so low that NOTHING else competes: It costs $4,000 - $5,000 less than the TL or a comparably equipped Infiniti G35 (though no interior option is actually as nice in either). The sport pkg. also has stiffer springs and shocks and sits 15mm lower, I love it. The steering feel is light but accurate, but I would prefer more effort.

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  Luxury Sedan at Family Car Price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JLMoran - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the Camry, Accord, and Lexus ES300 as well as the Passat. The VW won hands down. Im 6 3", and headroom was critical for me. Out of all the cars, the Passat and Camry were tied. Factor in that a Camry with all the features of the GLX was only about $1,800 less, with a shorter warranty and slightly lower crash scores, and the Passat was a no-brainer. The ride is silky smooth, and the engine gives me plenty of power when I need it without having to really punch the accelerator. In fact, I have to be careful as I find myself doing 80mph on the highway without even trying! Yet so far Im averaging 23.6mpg.

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  nightmare - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By alexandra - April 12 - 1:40 pm

  Ive had my 06 passat for almost three years but i has caused me so many problems, I am always at the dealership, it started with my windows not rolling down and it spent about two weeks to be repaired. My carpet in the interior started tearing when it was a few months old, and is reaping again after it was fixed, tire pressure sensor is on and off, air bag failure, to major problems such at recall on fuel pressure sensor that has been replaced three different times, and now the camshaft and fuel pump has to be replaced.....this car is comfortable but not reliable everyday i drive im afraid is going to leave me stranded never again will i purchase a vw! hopefully this is helpful for whoever

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  Great Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By FDCapt2 - April 11 - 4:00 pm

  I checked out the 3.6 Passat this week. I was floored at how nice this car is. It handles like nothing Ive ever driven before. The car Im getting out of is a 2003 Acura TL, which is pretty nice also, but the Passat is something special. The layout of the guages and controls on the dash, and with many controls on the steering wheel, makes it easy to adjust things on the move. At night the red and blue interior lighting is breathtaking. The lighting on all switches, knobs, etc., and the ambient red lighting bathes the console and dash in a soothing, red glow. I signed the papers today for a 3.6 with the Luxury Package 2, in United Grey, with black leather. Just Mud Guards are the only extras.

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  Just say no to SUVs by a VW - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By smithy - April 8 - 10:00 am

  We purchased this car brand new 4 years ago. It was my first "four-door family car" but I insisted on a manual trans for a sporty feel. I love the get-up and go. Someone tailgaiting? Put it in fourth and watch them disappear in your review mirror. My friends loved the leg room especially in back. Now it carries 2 kids in carseats. Followed the scheduled maintenance and the only problem was with the keyless remote for the trunk lock. My husband thinks it is time to upgrade to a monsterous SUV. Over my dead body! I love my VW! Ive had sport vehicles all my life -- this car by far is the most fun with the most pep!