Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,322 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 1621 through 1630 of 3,322.00
  • VW PASSAT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Great car...fun to drive

  • A Passat Lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I went back to VW after years of trying other vehicles. The reason I went back was because in the 1980s I had a Jetta GL that I put 125,000 miles on and had no issues whatsoever, except for the usual maintenance, etc.. The Passat I bought was not the same quality at all. This past year I had it in the garage for a total of 2 months for an electrical defect that costs me $500 dollars to fix even with the extended warranty. The frustrating factor is that its STILL not fixed. So I am limiting my driving to around town until the lease is up in the next 6 months. I wont be buying another VW in my lifetime!!

  • Cool Sport Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My partner and I just got a 99 GLS 1.8T wagon in Feb. of this year. Before then Id always wanted a Passat but had never driven one. Had owned VWs in the past, however. This is not a car to be overlooked. The overall build quality is that of a car costing thousands more. And that legendary VW handling and performance cant be matched in this price class. This is the "GAP" version to Audis A4 1.8T Avant "Banana Republic" car!

  • Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The best car for the money! I do really a lot of driving...i dont know what dealerships shop looks like

  • Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I own a 2000 Model and for a 6ft+ size guy, its a great car. Comfortable, great leg room,handles extremely well in bad weather, fun to drive and safe as well. Plus looks great, its a luxurgy car in my book.

  • Which way to the Autobahn?! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    After 3 weeks of driving our blue graphite Passat 2.0T we know we absolutely made the right decision. After looking at the Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry and Dodge Magnum we stopped by the VW dealer on a whim and after the test drive it was a no brainer. We are constantly being stopped by people asking about the car and have nothing but praise to tell everyone. The drivetrain performance of the 2.0T with Tiptronic is more than pleasing on the road. This car is so tight with virtually no body roll and exceptional handling. I have regular flashbacks to drving BMW & Mercedes rentals in Europe. I cant wait for the sports package with the 280hp 6-cyl. engine when our lease is up!

  • 80K and still fun to drive - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Have driven VW for decades and this one is no different when it comes to small things needing repair, mostly under warranty. Engine strong, gas mileage consistently exceeds EPA. With Good Year Assurance Comfort tires ride is quiet and smooth though not as sharp as stock. Fully loaded and air-condition running can easily achieve 32-34 mpg at 75mph+. Also fully loaded car doesnt seem to bog down due to turbo torque even going up hills. My son now drives the car but every time I get back in and drive it I smile. Wish they still made a wagon.

  • Its a Keeper! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive enjoyed this car from the first time I drove it. I picked it up used. The previous owner put 18s and dropped it about an inch. Low but not too low. Drives nice. Good power getting on the highway, passing, easily cruise at 80+. Controls are easy and intuitive. You can do everything but brake from the steering wheel! You can change from radio to cd to aux from the wheel! You can speed up and slow down, from the wheel! You can turn on wipers, check fuel, driving range, real time mpg, direction, from the freakin wheel! The seats are super comfortable. Im 6 and I have tons of room. The paddle shifters can be fun to use. Used properly, really fun to use. This is a keeper!

  • Passat GLX 4Motion - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is an excellent car. It is fun to drive. The 4Motion makes the car a little thirstier for gas, but overall it has been a good car thus far.

  • Unreliable & Expensive to Repair - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Driving this car overall has been a pleasure however the maintenance and repair costs have been outrageous. In 4 years my out of pocket expenses for repairs has been about $7,000. Extensive warranty repairs have been made in addition to out of pocket expenses, including replacement of emission controls, engine electronics, and the oil pump. It would be difficult for me to considering buying another VW after this experience.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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