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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  Happy Passat Owner - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy Passat Owner - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Test drove Maxima, Accord and other used cars. Passat was best overall- most comfortable, safety features, good performance, excellent engineering. I have 45,000 miles on it and it still drives like new. Very quiet on the highway and smooth around town.

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  Excellent - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By katall - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Well worth the money (alot of it). Drives beautifully. Everything we were promised.

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  Big fun, small dollars - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By traubenberg - June 26 - 11:03 am

  I just recently purchased my 05 Passat GL and I love it. Its got big-car space with small-car moves. In the first week, I averaged almost 24 mpg - and that included quite a bit of turbo- induced fun. During a recent 50-mile morning commute, I got 27 mpg (3/4 highway, 1/4 city). Thats equivalent to the 02 Accord I had, but this car is bigger, faster and less expensive than the Honda was. Im 63" and being able to comfortably fit behind the wheel and have three full-grown adults with me is a huge bonus. My complaints are minor: hate the hubcaps, the stereo is anemic, miss my sunroof. For the money, I think this is one of the best cars out there. The fit and finish is amazing! Go VW!

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  Best Passat yet - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gary - June 25 - 10:00 pm

  I have had several Audis in the past. I would put this on a par with the quality level of the Audi. If it were all wheel drive, you wouldnt know the difference. It feels more solid than my previous A4 Avant...the ride and handling of this new Passat is second to none...extremely happy with the car.

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  forgot the passengers - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By comfort? - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the most uncomfortable drivers seat I ever sat in. 1 hour driving and my legs are sore. The seat is too narrow and the side humps are too high. Half my leg is on the flat part of the seat and the other half is on the hump. Very uncomforatble. Also, when turning the side of the seat collapses. The seat does not keep the hips motionless in a turn. The range of tilt and telescopic wheel is poor. The gas and brake pedals are too far into the passenger compartment so when I move the seat back to make room for my legs I have to stretch to reach the steering wheel.

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  Not bad,but......... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By cdks7of9 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love it. Great look, wonderful ride.

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  GLX Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nuffsaid - June 21 - 2:00 am

  We were going to purchase another Volvo wagon but liked the Passat better. Handling, turning radius, fit and finish are superior. Just hope that it is as reliable as our Volvo. So far, having some electrical gremlins but nothing major. MPG could be better, especially using premium gas. I would recommend anyone buying a car to go to FightingChance.com and use the fax attack method. I got my car for $199 over invoice and it was a breeze.

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  Be Ready to MAke Repairs - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By van w. - June 20 - 2:36 pm

  The 2006 VW Paassat costs too much to keep up. The engine-related problems thhat mine has experienced include oil pump replacement at 84,781 miles ($995.00), instrment panel warning lites, throttle body malfunction, engine coolant temp. sensor replacement, a tie rod end, dealer front end aligment ($120), and replacement of the brake hydraulic unit. All repairs were made within 40,000 miles. The emmission controls problomatic.

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  Perfect!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - June 18 - 4:36 am

  I traded in a BMW 325xi for a Passat TDI Wagon GLS. I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is exquisite. The TDI engine is a joy to drive. This caqr has loads of low end torque. its handling is excellent. It has a beautiful classic design, quiet interior, and no rattles.

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  Great Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By REB - June 16 - 9:33 am

  Best car ever owned and I have owned many!!