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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  Love It! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Macrae - November 24 - 8:50 am

  I got this car with 130,000 kms. last year. I took it in for service today with 206,000 with its first problem (a faulty hazard light switch). During that time it got me from Alberta to Boston, and all over Canada at 130km/hr+ with no issues/maintenance other than oil changes. It runs smoothly, ALWAYS starts (even in -30C), and goes like a bat out of H. My previous car was a 94 VR6. That one lasted 400,000 miles and Im thinking this one will too.

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  Passat TDI - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jh61 - November 23 - 11:02 pm

  Purchased the car about 2 months ago. Continue to enjoy this very efficient VW. With 80% highway driving, mpg is consistently in the range of 47-52mpg. Interior has loads of room.

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  A nice large, fuel effecient cruiser - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By chuck150 - November 22 - 12:53 pm

  I traded in my 2005 Phaeton for the Passat TDI. I did so with a little trepidation. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and my anxiety has passed. I did a round trip from PGH to NYC on one tank of fuel with the cruise set at 70mph! The TDI averaged around 48 mpg for the trip. The interior is spacious, quiet and comfortable. Much like the Phaeton. It also hunkers down on the highway and provides a competent German ride quality. It also handles long sweepers and off ramps with confidence. The DSG works smoothly with the TDI. The exterior has a chiseled, masculine shape. IMHO, it looks very good. If youre looking for a spacious, fuel efficient cruiser, you must check out the Passat TDI.

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  Good Decision - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By tom tadych - November 18 - 10:00 pm

  27 mo. lease ended on our MBC300. Loved the Benz but could not work the numbers with MB Financial. Looked at replacements. Jetta, Mazda 3, Malibu,etc. Test drove the Passat w 2.0 and was sold. Engine,transmission combination very smooth and extremely powerful, just a wonderful match. We saved ten grand buying the Passat instead of the new C300. Very wise decision thus far. Frankly, the other car in our garage is a 2010 MB E 350 Sport. Another super car, however when given the choice I find myself opting to drive the VW. Crazy, I know! The Passat is just a joy to drive, no other way to say it

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  Love My Passat Except..... - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Carol Hoffman - November 18 - 2:16 pm

  I love my Volkswagen Passat and it has been very reliable, except for the electrical system. The heated drivers side seat back stopped working just as the warranty expired, and I have had it in the shop at least six times for "engine light" being on. They do something pricy, then it comes back on a week later, without fail. So far, Ive spent $1,000 and the light is back on.

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  I love this wagen! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gray Ghost - November 17 - 10:00 am

  Performance on the 1.8T is excellent, the five speed automatic helps with any turbo lag. Once the turbo kicks in good bye pocket-rocket, the old mans moving on down the road. Lots of room, handles well, safety features, and comfort.

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  Very Impressed - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Basietrane - November 16 - 3:20 pm

  My wife and I went to the VW dealer looking for the 2006 Passat 2.0T. We ended up test driving the 3.6L and all I could say was "WOW!" We spent that week after, researching the 2006 Passat online, comparing to other cars in its class, the price, etc. We ended up selling our existing car, (1999 Nissan Altma) and got a ride from the in-laws to the dealer, with my research folder and checkbook in hand. The Passat we wanted just arrived on the lot, 3.6L, black on black with Lux #2, Dynaudio and DVD navigation. We checked out the car and my wife and I agreed to only buy the car if we could get it at invoice price. And we did!

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  Unreliable - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DonM04 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The electrical system in the Passat is terrible. The ignition coils took it out of service for a week. The radio (monsoon) died. Both headlights, one at a time died. Handling is heavy with pronouced understeer. Turbo lag is ever present below 3000 rpms. This is my 3rd, and final, VW product.

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  Exceeded expectations - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jkorner - November 13 - 12:56 am

  My first vw I bought this car in July, 4400 miles and 2 trips from Asheville NC to Orlando later. about 560 miles one way I am very pleased overall. I average 30 Mpg city and 45 on the highway one tank was 51 Mpg. This car does every thing you can ask of it. Plenty of room power and great cruising range of 832 miles with 18.5 Gal tank. just be aware Because of the Automated manual trans car will disengage and roll backwards on very steep hills. my Car will not lock from the outside unless keyless remote is used. Car was 26K OTD with Tax. More than one person thought I paid 40K. VW got this right.

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  Whatta Wagon!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By gagrice - November 10 - 8:43 pm

  Picked our new Passat up in Oregon and drove to Southern California. Went through rain, Snow and highwinds. The handling is superb. Averaged 37 MPG overall. Drove mostly back highways to enjoy the handling. It was all I could do to get my wife to let me drive. Her car is a Lexus and she likes the handling of the Passat better.