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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  Its a keeper. - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By BanjoRay - December 28 - 7:01 pm

  I bought this car on Sept. 16 2015, two days before the crap hit the fan with the emission scandal. I traded in a 2013 Passat TDI SE, which I thought was a great car. My 2015 Passat TDI SEL has been trouble free, I average 37mpg around town and have had it get 52-54mpg on the highway. Its comfy, handles better than my old Mustang SVO, and has pretty decent performance out of engine. I dont find turbo lag to be a problem and the DSG gearbox is quick shifting and I like the downshift feature when braking going downhill. After the emission settlement is final, Im going to keep the car, take the bribe money, and let them upgrade the emissions.

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  Yeah, well, ok. . . - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Victory - December 26 - 10:00 am

  We bought the volkswagen passat as our first family car, and it just didnt meet our needs like we thought it would. When we purchased the passat it seemed roomy and exceptionally quiet, The roominess quickly wore off but it still remains one of the least noisy cars (behind the wheel) weve been exposed to. I didnt like the fact that this car was the first I had to take to the dealership to change out the headlight; Its very complicated under the hood. It was alright, but didnt thrill us at any point.

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  Best Audi for the money.... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By The Car Expert - December 25 - 2:16 pm

  I had test driven the new BMW 5-Series, the Audi A6 and S4 before leasing this vehicle. The new 06 Passat is completely redesigned and it is quite simply, the most affordable "Made in Germany", luxury sedan in the world! The spacious interior and powerful 200 bhp turbo engine make this Passat the best offering VW has ever made to a thirsty American consumer, unable to wait for Alfa Romeos return, or unable to afford their flagship Audi branded sedans. It was almost identical in drive, ride, handling and braking as the new 06 Audi A6 sedan...but for exactly HALF the price! Why would anyone buy an Accord or Camry, when this fine German made vehicle is available?

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  Love my VW - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By shogan070 - December 24 - 8:20 pm

  I upgraded to the 2008 Passat Komfort from a 1998 Passat GLS with a five speed manual. My old car ran great and I have to admit that it was hard to let it go, but I soon got over that. I have had the new car for about a month now and I like everything about it. The 2.0T 200 hp four cylinder is unbelievably powerful for an I4 and a drastic improvement over the 150 hp 1.8T in my old car. The suspension and steering are perfect, I barely feel bumps when I go over them. The fuel economy is excellent as well. I get between 350 and 400 miles out of every 16 gallon tank of gas. This car is the perfect balance of high performance and efficiency.

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  2006 Passat Gas Mileage - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By voicetea - December 24 - 12:13 pm

  Just bought a 2006 Passat 4 cylinder turbo. Gas mileage is about 20 miles per gallon in town; 30 to 31 miles per gallon on the highway.

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  Eurostyle wagon experience - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Landon - December 22 - 7:06 am

  I shake my head at all our neighbours driving these hideous SUVs and crossovers that handle like buses and drink fuel like crazy. There are options! This car has way more room than our neighbours Murano and is a blast to drive! We love manual trannys and this was the only wagon we could get one in. We got a highline with real leather, moonroof, dual climate, satellite radio. Had an Acura TSX before and this is quicker but gets the same mileage. It is also quieter and smoother but the leather and aesthetics were nicer in the Acura.

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  Been good to me - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By audioi - December 22 - 12:26 am

  I have owned my 2003 1.8T Tip-Tronic for 2 years and have taken it to the shop for oil changes only. Yes thats correct no coils needed and therefore it has been a stellar car. It will average 25 to 27 MPG in town and I have often gotten up around 35 MPG on the open road at 10 over 65. I have tested other cars and quite frankly find that the zip from the turbo and the comfort of the quality leather interior make this a great buy. Its lines are clean and the fit & finish are as good as I have seen. The ride is a bit mushy but the standard 15" tires are a lot of the culprit and could easily be changed out for something better. The car is very stable in the NE snow country with stock tires.

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  poormansaudi - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jdanaz - December 21 - 10:00 am

  What every sedan should be,,, fun, reliable, safe, and oh btw, did I mention fun! I love my Passat, cant wait to trade in on the 06 model. I had an opportunity to preview it at an undisclosed location; should be another great Vee Dub as expected. I want the TDI.

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  Despised VW Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By despisedvw - December 20 - 6:16 am

  My car a VW Passat, its the worst experience Ive ever made. Had 36K miles when I brought it after 42k the oil was mixing with G12 fluid causing it to over heat. Fix thanx to warranty $4000. Every year Im replacing CV Joints. any little thing to fix or change cost an arm and a leg...............I hate hate VW

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  German Engineered Passat GLX - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike Xillas - December 20 - 5:03 am

  My last car was a very nice Acura TL but I like my Certified Pre Owned VW Passat GLX much better. At high speeds it holds the road better, reacts less to cross winds, puddles and rough road surfaces. It feels hunkered down, stable and capable of much higher speed. The seating is better bolstered, firm and much more comfortable for long trips. The 8 speaker sound system came alive when I added a VW 6-disc changer. The trunk is huge and I like being able to drop the rear seats (60/40) to accomodate cargo. The 5-Speed tiptronic is a blast to use. Love the heated seats, moonroof, rain sensing wipers, memory seats and trip information computer. Engineered for the Autobahn.