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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  Indigo Blue - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael99 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car for less than 1000 miles, drives and feels very solid. Lucky enough to be in Germany while driving it, get to really drive it to its full potential. 1.8T is a very responsive engine, quiet on the Autobahn even at 100 mph. Fun car to drive, still in love with the blue instrument cluster. It is American Specs.

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  Suspension problem caus. prem. tyre wear - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tedd - October 24 - 1:23 pm

  Very pleased with the overall performance but rumbling noise on certain road surfaces is most disconcerting and appears to cause premature tyre wear. The dealer and his staff knew of the problem when I first approached them but VW will not acknowledge the problem as one which demands some beneficial attention for the customer. They say it is a .characteristic of the vehicle and are not prepared to fix it or offer compensation for the excessive tyre wear. I would love to hear from any other owners who have experienced the problem.

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  Always something to repair, nothing BIG....yet! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By billych - October 22 - 12:53 am

  This car has always had some minor problems, nothing major, but most annoying. However, now that I have 50k miles, more seems to be malfunctioning. A few weeks ago the engine light came on which turned out to be a malfunctioning turbo charger recirculating valve, total cost $303.59. Now the entire headliner is falling down. The dealer said the glue failed. They estimated the replacement to be $800! Ill look elsewhere, thank you. Bottom Line: This was my first and last Volkswagen. Needless to say, I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  1st VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris Wisp - October 20 - 10:00 am

  For my 1st VW I am totally impressed. I have owned several Audi Vehicles with Quattro and been very impressed. I owned the original 4000 Quattro and liken this car to it in the sense that it is an exellent value. The performance of a 20 year newer car is of course better by leaps and bounds but at the price that it sells for this car is a value. I am impressed with a wagon that can run with the best of the performance cars of today and is still versitile enough to hall almost anything. This car is new to me and of course only time will tell, but my Audi 4000 went for over 400,000 miles.

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  A different experience - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Valentino Marshall - October 17 - 3:36 pm

  After owning a 2006 Honda Accord V6 EXL with NAV for the past 5 years I was a little nervous about going with a VW with a 4 cylinder Engine; especially after having my mind set on getting a 14 Accord EXL V6. After about 4 months of research and 1 step in the Passat I knew this was the car for me. The VW Passat, in my opinion, is a totally different experience than what you expect with other brands. The VW Passat is classy, solid and a true drivers car. The 1.8 tsi is peppy and an absolute blast to drive engine; I find myself having a lot more fun than I did driving with my V6. I even got 40 MPG on the freeway going 65 mph with the AC on. The controls are simple to use and everything feels like its in the right place. The steering wheel is comfortable and doesnt take a long time getting used to. I opted for the lighting package, which takes this car to an Audi level. I get lots of looks during the day thanks to the DRL LED strip. The 3 stage seat warmers are awesome and the seats are pretty comfortable. I am a tall guy and I absolutely love the room in this car, I just turned 26 and wanted to get an "adults" car since I will be owning this car in my 30s. I feel very happy and confident in my decision to buy a new VW Passat. This car is surely to give me many years of reliability and fun. I know VW may have had some issues and people have a bad taste in thier mouth about VW, but I have owned 3 Hondas and it wasnt always as reliable as the perception would lead you to believe. I take great care of my cars and only use dealers. I put shell v power in my cars and do scheduled maintenance on time and still had issues with my accords. I believe with maintaing my VW as I should it will prove to be just as dependable. If your considering Honda, Toyota, Nissan, etc.. put the Passat SE with lighting on your list. One step in the VW will show you how a car should be built. Plus I got a $28,010 dollar car for $22,500!!! It was a no branienr.

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  Great family car, love the excellent mpg - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed from San Jose - October 17 - 1:04 pm

  Purchased this car after the recall of my Jetta TDI . I upgraded to the Passat because I wanted more space and the Passat delivered. I miss my manual drive and wish the Passat came with Manual and a sunroof. Because the manual drive did not have sunroof I went with Automatic. I live on a steep hill and I use the Automatic with downshift option when climbing this hill in particular. The fuel economy is terrific and I get 40mpg with normal driving. I highly recommend. The passat has a backup camera which I use daily to assist in parallel parking outside my home. It is a great car and I highly recommend. I take to the mountains here in CA to go skiing and the car performs well climbing into the mountains and handling on the winding roads.

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  Well... Just dont drive it into water - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By durasara - October 17 - 6:00 am

  First of all. I got the GLX v6 4motion I bought this car when it had 110,000 miles on it. Sounds crazy, but I bought it for 5k. The carfax showed that the previous owner had already taken care of the major maintenance stuff that starts popping up at around 80k. I can imagine, if I had owned the car during that time period I would have thought it was the worst car in the world. But I didnt. All I had to do was normal maintenance stuff. I brought it up to 210k miles and was still driving like new. So fun around corners and handled snow really well. Until... I was going to school and the street was flooded. Yaris and cruze made it through, Passat died. I really will miss this car.

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  New fan of Volkswagen - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By new old owner - October 16 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased my Passat from a lady a few months ago. It is a very nice car. It looks good on the outside and has a killer sound system. All my friends love it, and I cant get enough of my heated seats and sunroof. Before I knew this car, I didnt like VWs, since the Beetle had always annoyed me. Now I am a new VW fan and love my car! The only thing I need to get used to is the low gas mileage (my old car got about 38 mpg). This car is fun to drive and the 4WD makes me feel safe. I tested it on a curve with and without it on, and boy does it make a difference! This car is pretty fast too, especially compared to the Toyota Corolla that I used to own.

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  passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ConnieW - October 13 - 10:00 am

  its a great car, reliable, fun to drive

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  Safe and Secure - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kate in Ky - October 12 - 3:56 am

  My Passat was purchased used with 60,000 miles, in beautiful condition both body and running quality. After dropping my youngest at school, I was rear ended, but to my disbelief and that of the attending police, my Passat had only the slightest dent. The car that ran into me was totaled, the front end smashed, air bags off, and window broken. I feel totally safe in the Passat, and feel secure knowing that my children are riding in a quality built wagon.