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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  If you dont mind trips to the dealer... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By mar7 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Design complaints: - 1.8T engine valve tick/shudder for 1 minute after cold start - sunvisors block no sun! - after 1000 miles, fabric was worn off of door armrest Problems experienced: - check engine light at 1500 miles, now again at 2500 miles - drivers seat loose and could not fix - dashboard rattles and creaks ALL THE TIME (this is whats most irritating) - trip computer now resets itself when car turned off - lots of new driveline vibration when in Drive

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  A Dud - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By DaveGr - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I wish I could write great things about this car because it really is fun to drive. The seats provide great comfort for long drives and I love the styling. However, the car has spent 50 days in the shop in the last 6 months. It started with an oil leak that took tearing the engine down 3 times. I also have had a coolant leak and the transmission has leaked twice. The last transmission leak also featured a broken windshield when I went to pick it up. Then it was scratched installing the new windshield. Those arent VWs fault. But Ive been told that there are problems with both the 4 and 6 cylinder head design that causes leaks.

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  Just the engine and tranny - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By rick - October 4 - 4:30 pm

  We purchased 2 value edition demos each with 5k on ODO, wifes coil gave up after 1000 miles of usage otherwise perfect, mine is perfect, 34.5 per gallon on hwy at 60 MPH, 26.7 average. Here are a few dislikes: idiotic ignition key which is difficult to remove, cannot set wipers upright for winter storms, poorly designed cup holders, blinker stays on when the ignition is not engaged, fuel cap error light, mirror noise, small inefficient AC vents, roof grooves drip water after rain during exiting, all doors do not unlock when exiting, winter windshield defrost way too weak.

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  Never Again - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DavisFam - October 3 - 10:50 pm

  Best to stay away from this one. I was a devout VW fan until this car. Had a 2004 VW Jetta that was great. This thing has electronic ghosts such as the emergency brake coming on and off, the gas light comes on with ample gas in the tank, the check engine light....its been in the shop numerous times, all they do is reset the codes if any and the problems continue. It also has a problem starting occasionally after filling it up with gas. For the price, VW should do better. I was going to set my sights on a Eos next but, I refuse to buy another VW. I find regular maintenance is way overpriced as well. I follow the manual to a tee and also use synthetic oil and premium gas all the time.

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  No compromises!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By LJWalters - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic all-around vehicle! The car looks great, its fast enough to be fun to drive (though it might be underpowered compared to competitors) and its very luxurious, which helps enjoying the car on a day-to-day basis. Ive had the car for over 3 years now, lease is almost up and Im even thinking of buying the car b/c its so great for my family & fun for me.

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  Absolutely great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By velvet - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive Economical on gas excellent german craftsmanship many features of mare expensive models

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  Fun/Fancy/Family Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Family Man too - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I actually have a 2001.5, but little has changed and its a great car! The car looks great, its fast enough to be fun to drive (though it might be underpowered compared to competitors) and its very luxurious, which helps with enjoying the car on a day-to-day basis. Ive had the car for over 3 years now, lease is almost up and Im even thinking of buying the car b/c its so great for my family & fun for me.

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  Best Car that has ever been built - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By .Larry Golin - October 1 - 1:10 am

  This car drives like a Mercedes. I holds the road like glue and it is very smooth. The four cylinder turbo acts like its a 6 with remarkable pick up on the highway and plenty of room for packing things. It has very comfortable heated seats with several adjustments for lumbar support. Both front windows roll up and down with a touch of a button once and all the windows go up or down using the outside key. The workmanship is solid.

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  Mad Cool - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By VeeDubya - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Is what our 13-year-old son says about this car. It is absurdly fun to drive. It needs brighter regular headlights and its gas mileage is a bit disappointing, but these are cavils in an otherwise splendid car.

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  Just Doesnt Get Any Better Than This - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJVWPASSAT - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Wow...I just bought my 00 Passat GLS turbo sedan (moonroof, alloys) 2 weeks ago and I couldnt be any happier with it. The car got me 34mpg going from Ocean City, MD to central NJ! German engineering at its best!