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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  Perfect Fit - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By numberonecargirl - February 1 - 6:13 pm

  I had a Lexus SC300 so I am used to luxury. In purchasing this my 2003 Volkswagen Passat, I had to make sure it had all the comfort and options that I was used to. I was just looking for something bigger to fit my family needs. This Passat did just that. It is fun to drive, and my children like all the lights at night, they look cool according to them! LOL. I love that it plays my burned CDs and I love my heated seats. The 4Motion is wonderful, since I was used to the rear wheel drive with the Lexus, and that was an uncomfortable feeling in the winter. Now I feel stuck on the road. I also have room to fit a ton of groceries and my children are not cramped. I also get a ton of compilments, and that I like!

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  Very impressive car! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By HAZER - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Have 2100 miles on it. Excellent low end torque/power--it glides effortlessly over mountain passes. Great mileage. Avg so far 41 mpg hwy @ 80 mph w/air on. Car handles really well. Passengers dont believe it is only a $27,000 car. So far, Im convinced you would have a hard time finding a better combination of comfort, power, class and economy in the under 30k price range. If the reliability is good, this will be a tough car to beat.

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  Best car for the Money - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By kriley50 - January 31 - 7:04 pm

  What I love about his car is the Turbo engine. Plenty of power when you need it and excellent fuel economy as well. I love the way the car drives. German engineered cars are just fun to drive period. The seats are comfortable and the Cabin is extremely roomy. I just love the way the interior is laid out. The best thing about this car is the price. I paid around 26k for an SE and I feel like I got a ton of car for the money. I just dont think there is a better deal out there.

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  Great highway car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By ctf60 - January 31 - 5:58 pm

  This is an amazing highway car; 36 mpg at 55 mph on a level is achievable. The cruise control makes travel effortless. I have had this car for two years now (currently with 79,000 miles). The styling inside and out is eye-catching (my wagon is glacier blue......wow, it looks better than most every vehicle on the road). When I first bought this car used, I had trouble with the check engine light. Was very erratic in my choice of fuel (sometimes Id use 93 octane, sometimes 89). VW recommends 91 octane. Since then, I havent varied from this and the past 5 months have not seen this light come on. Suffice it to say, that the emissions system of this car is very sensitive.

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  Top Choice - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael - January 31 - 3:30 am

  Out of all the cars I drove, and i drove a lot, none had that feeling I was purchasing a $30,000 vehicle. However, the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 feels like a $40,000 vehicle and still does even after the purchase.

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  Impressive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RAM - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Following test drives of the new Accord, Camry, A4, Maxima, and Volvo S60, the Passat was ahead of the pack in several categories. The main ones being the combination of features (V6, tiptronic, ESP, Monsoon, etc.) for the reasonable $30k price tag. Love the ride quality and responsiveness. Dont by a car without test driving the Passat.

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  V6 is the Only Way to Go - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By David - January 29 - 1:46 am

  I just purchased a new 2006 Passat 3.6 and was amazed at the power and performance this vehicle offers. I have allready put 1,000 miles on in the first week and will keep this car for years to come. This will be my third V6 Passat and no vehicle that I have test driven had the saftey and performance that is has.

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  Nice Riding car Bad parts and Bad company - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Timothy Fay - January 28 - 1:01 pm

  The company swindled lots of people into buying these So called clean diesels, They were actually a minimum of 5x the legal limit on NOX emissions. The Maintenance costs on the VW is obsurd, and the car has had nothing but recalls, the entire time Ive owned the car. I Cant get any of my recalls fixed, because One recall is over a year old with no resolution, and 2 are several months old with no parts for the air bag or the defective connector seals, which could go on fire. VW does not care about your safety or your business. They will lie, cheat and steal to get your money in their pockets. I would not recommend a VW to anyone. Im still fighting to get my recalls completed. VWs air bag announcement stated I may not have an air bag for 3 years. Shows how much they care about making your car safe. They will not give you loaners or rental cars while recalls are being completed where cheaper manufacturers such as Honda does so voluntarily. Stay away. There are much better quality cars for much less money. Oil changes are a minimum of $90. They claim that because you dont have to change oil for 10k miles that it justifies the price. Take my advise. DO NOT BUY VW. They are a rip off, and you dont get what you pay for. The char is very basic for the money. No real tech features come standard.

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  passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By marlene2 - January 27 - 11:28 am

  the worst car nothing but trouble after 3 years

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  DONT BUY OIL PUMP PROBLEMS - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By ciarlone24 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  Four oil pumps, One turbocharger, one intercooler, 4 ignition coils, This car sucks!