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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  Stylish, Practical, Loads of Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By miran - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the first wagon Ive owned after over 20 years of driving Japanese sedans. Many years ago, a station wagon purchase was unthinkable because of the image; now, the requirements of job and family make it necessary. But whod have thought that this would be one of the most enjoyable vehicles Ive ever driven? Its fast, extremely stylish, the interior has loads of helpful automation, and drives so beautifully that even my practical wife ditches her Toyota Sienna and sneaks out with the VW when Im not driving it. And though Ive never associated wagons with a stylish exterior look, Im surprised at how many strangers have made favorable comments.

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  TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, WASTE OF METAL - NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCE - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tboyd402 - September 1 - 1:41 am

  Bought a CPO 06 20k mile VW passat that is a piece of crap & literally had everything replaced within 6 months - a few of them within 3 DAYS of purchasing the car. From entire AC system to radio to ignition module to steering column, instrument cluster to heater, gas tank dropped & replaced, fuel injectors I believe, coil packs, fuel lines, radiator leaking, water pump, driver door handle because it stopped working & had to crawl in passenger side!! Driver door striker as well on a different occasion, almost all suspension parts, rear struts, the list goes on and on.... Those are just off the top of my head but almost every moving engine part, suspension, & electrical item was replaced, yet

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  Best Car I have Ever Owned - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By nadia - August 31 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned a lot of cars, but the 2002 Volkswagen Passat is the best I have ever had. Its comfort, handling, and safty are great. I never knew how well these cars handled the road until I took it to the Redwood coast to get a feel of it. It drives like a dream. The turbo engine is awesome. It just gets up and takes off. I know now it will be the car I will ever buy again.

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  Great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By czilar - August 29 - 3:16 pm

  We bought this car used, trading in our beloved honda civic. My wife is very pleased, heated front seats, AWD (especially now that we have over a foot of snow!).

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  A solid and reliable car that should endure - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By creese5 - August 28 - 12:40 am

  The conservative but stylish european-esque design should keep this car looking fresh while many competitors designs become dates looking over the years. The ride quality is solid without being too stiff. The thing I love about this car the most is the fuel economy of the TDI, VW certainly undersells the MPG. Most long term reviews state that they easily exceeded the MPG rating, and thats been true for us. Our typical combined MPG during a normal driving day is right at 40mpg. The interior is massive compared to others in the midsize class. Im 62" and this is the first car in which I didnt have to put the drivers seat all the way back and I can stretch my legs out in the rear

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  Very nice - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By oz10tx - August 27 - 12:29 pm

  I looked at several used cars before buying this. I was looking at the CC mainly as I felt the two VW models had more value than the other entry level luxury cars (BMW 3 series, MB C Class, Lexus, A4, CTS). I paid about 5-8k less for my passat. I know I gave up some performace but couldnt justify the extra for a little more pep as the speed limit is still 70. This car does cruise at 80 plus very smoothly though and dtill has some power left. I did go with the Passat with the ground effects and this really makes a huge difference on the look of the car. Put the same model side by side and it looks completely different from the more stock Passat. It wasnt really on my list until I found one.

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  Glad to have it - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By aadavis - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car new and now have 66K mi on it. Overall, Im rather satisfied with it. Did not have problems others reported (or maybe not yet). Major out- of pocket expense was $400+ brake job (rotors needed to be replaced), which I think was a bit excessive. Minor out-of pocket expenses included: replacing power mirror knob ($120), which somehow got broken (cant figure out how), and a new engine temp sensor (similar amount). Changed O-ring during maint service. Before I bought the car, dealer had to fix a water leak. Rear window motor was replaced under warranty. Windshield was a stone magnet; replaced it twice. Must change original tires soon.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Polymath - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the first car we got that wasnt a 6-cylinder (previous Accura, Mazda, Saturn were all 6 cylinder). We were plesantly surprised to see how smooth and powerful 4 cylinder Turbo can be. Decide not to pay extra $3000 for V6 and dont regret it. Excellent leather interior and thoughtul layout. AC even circulates through the globe compartment to keep things cool inside. Automatic transmission with Tiptronics offer the best of both worlds. Excellent safety and with ESP, the car felt solid in the snow storm we recently had here. Its fun driving the car again.

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  A Good Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ajit Deva - August 25 - 4:23 pm

  This is a really nice car to have. The only thing that stinks about owning this car is the after sales service something, which VW is not great at doing. If you are buying the turbo please please buy it with a manual transmission cause the automatic has turbo lag.

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  Never mind the BMW, get a Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By KW - August 25 - 12:50 pm

  I stepped into this car from a BMW 325i, after considering a 525 or Infiniti G35. The Passat looks, feels and drives better, with more power and same confident German road handling. Not to mention a great deal more interior space and a more comfortable layout. In no time you are doing 60 without any strain on the V6. Its an absolute joy to drive - and for much less than comparably performing cars.