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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  Great Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aurelian - August 4 - 8:33 pm

  This is a great family car. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, and I love the elegant exterior. To me it looks like a car that should be twice as expensive as it actually is. The mileage is very good, close to 40mpg on the highway. The diesel engine performs very well. It is a little more noisy at idle than a gasoline engine, but once you start driving it, you wont notice any more noise than a gasoline engine. The standard features (no extra cost) on this car are numerous. The only options are leather seats, Climatronic (electronic climate controls), and bigger wheels. It is a very well appointed car. Highly recommended.

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  "Ultimate Driving Machine" - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By AudiGuy18T - August 2 - 10:36 pm

  I traded from a 2001 Audi A4 1.8T with Quattro. This Passat beats the Audi out in every way. Tornado red with tan leather! This car is great in the snow with 4 snow tires...as good as quattro..yet it is FWD. The car drives amazing. Since Ive owned it over 1 year and 21,000 miles, ive had to replace the low note horn and an oxygen sensor. The dealership is not the greatest, but there are plenty of places to go for service. I love this car, I get many compliments everywhere I go from people who are 18 to 70! Its a real head turner. I did the APR chip upgrade which boosts the HP to 257hp and the torque to 303lbs of torque.WOW! a Porsche in disguise! Go buy a Passat..you wont regret!

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  Horrible Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Infuriated - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Owned car for 1 year. In shop 5 times for total of 3 weeks. Towed 3 times. Transmission failed and was replaced. Ignition coils failed one at a time & dealer would not replace them all, even though VW knew they were defective. A/C inadequate. Seats uncomfortable. Interior cramped for a "family car." Engine hesitates at rest; then surges forward. A truly awful car. Ill never buy another VW product. Consumer Reports must be on the VW payroll to rate them so highly!!

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  Wonderful to drive wagon! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By KLJ - July 31 - 10:00 am

  My previous car was a 1995 Dodge Intrepid, and this Passat wagon beats it in all ways. It drives and handles wonderfully and is very comfortable. Cargo area is nice and roomy. This car is quiet with very little road, wind or tire noise.

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  Do Not Make the Same Mistake I Did! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By SCOTT - July 30 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my 05 Passat TDI due to an increase in my daily commute and was sold on VWs diesel reputation for reliability and economy. After several warranty items were addressed(power window switches, bulbs, door seals, ext. brightwork, antenna, MAF and turbo sensor, battery) I wasnt too confident in the car. Despite my constant engine maintenance(oil change 8000 km with correct oil)the camshaft failed at 122km.($2400 repair) At 131km the oil pump chain tensioner failed.($1200 repair) All parts replaced with VW orig parts, not upgraded or any defects corrected. VW Cda had no interest in answering my calls, letters or questions. Now my fuel economy has dropped to mid 20s for some reason.

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  Poor quality - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Viola - July 29 - 11:10 am

  Car has multiple problems, not simple wear and tear either. Window fell into door (generic problem) Trunk latch broke Side lamps fell off one day Dome light cracked Oil leak (less than 50k miles)

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  Dont buy this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dont buy this car - July 28 - 12:56 am

  I will never buy a VW again, after my troubles with this car. It seems like every oil change finds at least $200 of additional repairs that are needed. Two cv boots went bad early on. Problems with heated seats, side mirrors, stereo knob, ashtray near back floor, brakes, rotors, temperature sender, etc, etc, etc. I had always owned Hondas and wanted a change. I am tired of the expenses associated with owning a Passat and will be trading in for a Honda soon. I had Hondas that needed less repairs during 10 years of ownership than this car needed in the first 3 years of ownership!! Crazy - considering this car is supposed to last forever and be so great. I dont believe it any more!!

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  06 Passat 2.0T Sedan - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DAE - July 26 - 6:23 pm

  We thought this was a great car at first. It is a little weak off the line but it has a nice smooth ride. Then, the car locked my wife out on several occasions and spent two days in the shop while they tried to repair it. The dealer ffinally installed a new door lock assembly. Next, it developed a stutter when shifting from first to second. Before it went in for that, the summer heat hit. The gas milage dropped by 10% over five days when running the a/c. I asked them to check that too. Two days prior to the car going into the shop for these items, the A/C quit altogether - just as the temperatures hit over 90. That was twenty-two days ago and we still dont have the car back. Six more days and it qualifies as a lemon in PA.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Great ride - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Needed a new Ignition Coil, car started rattling one day called and brought the car in. Had to wait 3 weeks for the part. Couldnt drive the car without the part... it was a few days shy of the Lemon Law. Now the lights are going out on the dashboard. A/C smells after driving long distances. Car rattles when the engine starts, takes a while for the engine to sound right.

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  Good car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bub - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my Passat 3 weeks. Had a much smaller car previously. Im impressed with the gas mileage of my 1.8T and the body integrity. Very solid, good looking ride. A high quality car for the money. If you want a little more style than a Camry or Accord, this seems like a pretty good choice.