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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  glx 4motion passat wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ron stidmon - March 2 - 10:00 am

  the Passat 4motion system works well and the car has a very solid feel. Much more comfortable ride than Subaru Forester but not as firm as most SUVs. Styling is attractive and the controls are intuitive,

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  A must to consider - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris - February 27 - 11:56 am

  The 2007 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T has excellent all around functionality, a great feel, great design and it gets good gas mileage too.

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  Frustration, Frustration! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephany Morgan - February 25 - 6:46 pm

  I enjoyed driving this car for about the first 48000 miles. Then problems began to occur with an "oil sludge" problem. I am told this is a significant problem with the 2001 Passat. Most recently my Passat was at the dealership for about $1000.00 in parts and service and was driven only 7 miles before the same indicator light again appeared. I have already purchased another car due to the problems and unreliability of the Passat but at this point I am unable to even sell this one until this problem is taken care of.

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  9000 KMs and Loving It - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By wagonguy - February 24 - 10:00 am

  With our 2 kids we werent sure whether we made the right decision about buying a wagon over a mini-van. I am so glad we got this wagon!! It hauls as much as a minivan, gets great mileage (averaging 32mpg), very comfortable both up front and in the back seats and is a blast to drive. We got into an accident early on and the wagon handled it like a tank. This thing is built like a tank. For a family of 4 or less, this is the car to get.

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  This is one classy automobile - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By trmichaels - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I spent 6 months car shopping and researching, and test drove over 12 vehicles. The Passat stood out from the pack. It has a head-turning exterior, a sumptuous, well-appointed interior, superb German engineering, and is a fantastic bargain when you consider how many features it has (in GLX model) that competitors charge extra for. This car is fun to drive, and exciting to own.

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  a dream - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By emc - February 21 - 10:06 am

  I love this car. i found a 2002 passat with 5000 miles on it. It was the exact color i wanted. I counldnt ask for more. When i sit in it i feel as if im in a lexus. It drives exteremly smoothly.I find myself filling up on gas more then in my toyota but, its worth it. I love everything about this car thus far. Its quiet, and smooth. I like the heaviness of it. I feel safe. Its a great car. I was skeptical about a vw, i always had a toyota; not anymore.

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  MUST READ THIS - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By NO on VW - February 20 - 11:00 pm

  Do not buy this car. From the very beginning of ownership, it has been a money pit. Within two years, had to replace entire suspension, total front dashboard in car (anything that had lights in it). One major problem after another. Also one minor problem after another. Car looks great, but is a terrible on reliability. We have been stranded multiple times...even on vacation. That our experience as fair warning. Do not buy a VW Passat.

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  Driver Found - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJWCAW - February 18 - 2:00 am

  After driving Chevys and Fords all my life it is nice to find a car that is both reliable and fun. Living in the Pacific NW the traction contol really comes in handy during those long winters and my frequent trips over the passes to Seattle.

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  Outstanding Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Choaro - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Passat for a almost five months and I still absolutely love it! I strongly considered the Acura TSX and the new Saab 9-3 and looked at the Passat as an afterthought. Even though the TSX has a slightly higher horsepower rating, the Passat felt MUCH more powerful when I test drove them both in the same afternoon. The fit and finish of the Passat continues to amaze me and blows away most people who get in the car for the first time- the attention to detail and standard feature content is very impressive.

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  VW Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rrucier - February 18 - 2:00 am

  A great car.