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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  Nice Job - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rotonya - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a 2000. 20 HP makes a difference, no turbo lag.

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  WOW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By silverpassat - April 7 - 7:06 pm

  I test drove the car about 6 months ago, I revisited the dealership on a whim. I re-test drove the vehicle and enjoyed the feel. I purchased the car, not expecting to buy a car, and have not been let down since. I am used to the perfomance of Saabs and Volvos and I am not dissapointed at all with this car, more so excited to drive it every day. This is a great car with a great driving experience.

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  Second Passat Not Bad - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Had an 02 GLX 4Mo wagon, traded on this 07. This car is completely competent if not outstanding. The 02 was vault-like and had nary a noise body-wise when I traded it. This one is more jarring over bumps, something I attribute to the 17" wheels vs the 16" on the 02. Not nearly as solid vs the 02, though. I, like some others here, use synthetic oil every 4500- 5500 miles and have not had a problem in 15 months and 23k miles (68k total on the car bought used). Ergonomically it is bigger and has a better driving position. Overall satisfied. DONT bother with the Nav system-replacement DVDs are $99/yr for updates. Got a Garmin and pd. $129 for lifetime updates.

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  2012 TDI - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By catom - April 5 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased my Passat 3 months ago and have driven it 5200 miles. I had to search for 2 weeks to find a White car with black interior but I located it in Fairfiel, CA. The salesmen, Zain, had the car as he promised and the whole process went smoothly. I have had a high of 44MPG and a low of 38MPG with a combination of city and freeway driving. It performs great once you learn to use the torque of the engine and not floor it. The radio is great and the bluethooth works every time. Ive had no problems to date , it;s been a fun car to drive with loads of room.

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  This Car Could Be With Us For 15 Years! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dolphin - April 4 - 10:10 pm

  I needed a new car, and it came down to the Passat TDI and a Camry SE. I am happy with my choice. The United Gray with gray leather interior looks great. We had some trouble with the original radio, but that was replaced. I am considering adding the rear fog light. This car will end up with my daughter when she goes to college, she is 10 now, and it is an incredibly solid car. It has room for 5 in comfort, and gets 33+ MPG’s cruising at 80-85 MPH, with enough torque to pass anything in your way! it is a little heavy on the wind noise at these speeds, but I can still hear the sound on my kids’ video games!

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  Great car, lots of costs - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cmzimme - April 2 - 10:06 am

  I am finally at the end of my lease with my Passat wagon. My car has been in the shop numerous times for various problems; i.e. electrical, engine problems, minor things like bulbs burning out and the brakes needed to be replaced at 25K miles! To add insult to injury, my local VW dealer has ONE certified repairman so many times I had to wait for up to 2 weeks to get my car into the shop. Bottom line is that I took a lot of time researching cars when making my decision and unfortunately VW did not live up to my expectations. This car is expensive all the way around; repairs, gas mileage, etc. Be cautious when purchasing this car.

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  Good car, expensive to maintain - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kster - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great car for the most part of 50k miles. I have just had many little things fail that had to be resolved. As I was driving it home on the day I bought it, the check engine light came on. Took it back the next day for service, didnt see it for a week. New car smell was gone :( After that I had minor things like vanity mirror light go out, the rear door handle sticking, rear window not rolling down, and a starter. The lastest thing is my alarm system not beeping right, due to battery replacement by the dealer. I am proud to speak of German engineering despite its flaws.

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  Complete Package, Zoom, Boom and Wow - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chowdhury - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Really fun to Drive. I bought the car at 43000 miles. I have already put in close to 3000 miles. Still feels like I am driving brand new car.

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  Dads Silver Bullet - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By leopard4003 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have evered owned!!! It beats Mercedes-Benze,Acura and Honda. It wins hands down over a Lincoln LS in all areas. It aint no Beatle. It goes and handles like a Leopard. I live in mine and its the best riding and handling car period.

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  Passat better then ever - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobb - April 2 - 12:33 am

  I love my Passat. I have put 5,400 miles on it already; city and travel with 26.4 mpg. This is the second Passat that I have owned. Nitpicks: cruise control lever easily knocked, front of seat cushion not adjustable, key is clunky and may cause problems with lockout. Otherwise car is a full 10.