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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  Best VW Ive Owned Yet - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Empty _M - July 17 - 6:42 pm

  I bought the car new and have driven it for 16 years (150,000 miles) with no major and only a few minor repairs required. Its fun to drive, even though it is a medium sized sedan. I bought the 5-speed standard transmission because I love to actually drive a car and it was noticeably guttier than the automatic. It is powerful, even with the 1.8-liter engine, but then it is turbocharged. The turbo is smooth and has a pleasant whine of power. I can go as fast as I want driving up canyon freeways near my home, watching many "more powerful" cars falling back. The gear box is really hefty and positive; ditto the clutch (original clutch still operates perfectly). It is economical. I always get 28 to 33 miles per gallon and have gotten 36 miles per gallon on long trips. I dont use the cruise control much, but it does operate very smoothly, with no lag. The Monsoon sound system is great. I added a 6-disk changer. I drove a 2016 Passat and Id take my 2002 over it any day. They seem to have turned the car into a Chevy Malibu. My car feels much more solid and drives more like a European car.

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  Ausgehtzeichnet! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By 14freud - July 16 - 9:04 am

  Writing this review after 5 days. Got base 2014 with only 8k miles on it. Great deal! So far, runs great. Turbo kicks in nicely when accelerating. Trans takes getting used to as "D" wants lower gears to save gas, but "S" runs more like a traditional trans. Son says back seat has more room than Honda (I traded in a 2002 Accord). Decent stereo..rides nice and is quiet.

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  NICE STYLE, POOR SUBSTANCE - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By WP - July 14 - 5:10 am

  this is a nice looking car and at almost 10 years old doesnt look old or have a dated style to it. But it definitely has its share of problems. Most are problems that vw is aware of and has not corrected...oil leaks that fill the cabin with smoke, bad coil packs, oil sludge, check engine malfunctions...and it aint cheap to fix! I tried so hard to buy a Mustang or a Honda for my wife, but she insisted she wanted a Passat...she gets very quiet when we have to take it to the shop every month. You pay too much for that cool style with repair bills...

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  Headache - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By KLD - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This car has been one headache after the other since I bought it! The car has been towed three times now and am waiting for the tow truck for a fourth time as I write this (because of ignition coils. The stereo stopped working twice and was a month ago given a new stereo. The car does make a lot of noise when you first start it and let it idle! Not dependable at all. Just LOOKS good.

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  DO NOT BUY A VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Preese - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I loved this car for about the first 15K, and then the car started falling apart. I have 60K on it now, and I have already replaced all 4 air sensors and the catalytic converter. The interior lights go out sometimes and then randomly come back on. This car has been to the dealer on 11 occasions for the check engine light, and then they tell me nothing appears to be wrong. The VW customer service people are worthless, the service centers are full of idiots, and the car is completely unreliable. I do not enjoy paying $30K for a car only to be treated like a complete pee on. This is my first and last VW.

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  Unbeatable Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aslan - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Even with the base model so much is included as standard, the only extra I got was the winter package - heated seats, mirrors and washers. Reliable safe and a pleasure to drive. Pleanty of space in the passenger compartment - Im 64" and fit with ease - not something I can say about many bigger cars including SUVs. The 1.8T has never felt underpowered and is very economical. Some lag on the Turbo - but you soon get used to it and it doesnt detract from the drive. Build is solid. Trunk is huge for a car in this class. If I had to do it all over, Id buy exactly the same car.

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  Dont be fooled - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brio - July 13 - 11:10 pm

  I was seduced by the turbo and six-speed tranny. However this car is horribly unreliable. The turbo hose disengaged after 2000 miles. The wiper motor broke, and when the dealer replaced it they cracked the windshield. After a couple of additional recalls, Im ready to cut my losses. This car is absolute garbage.

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  W8 is worth the money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By alexray - July 12 - 10:00 am

  For anybody pondering the question is the W8 worth the money the simple answer is yes. There is no other car out there that even comes close to the features, size or performance of the W8 for near the price. Some people will say what about the 330xi, sure it is all wheel drive but it is a six cylinder and a smaller car. The A6 is a little larger but also a lot larger in price. Anybody that is looking for a deal on a 8 cylinder German car should definatly at least drive the W8

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  VW PASSAT IS THE OPTIMUM CAR. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ahmet Colakoglu - July 12 - 10:00 am

  After seeing all the new vehicles in the auto show in Philly and test driving the picks, VW Passat is the best choice. The interior and build quality is much better than all the Japanese. Tiptronic and trip computer are such fun. Now I understand why Wards Auto World has chosen this engine in between the best 10, Edmunds has chosen Passat as "the best premium sedan" and a "best buy" by Consumer Guide. I used to have a VW Golf which is a great car also, but this car is better. The only problem now I have is I will not be able to buy any other brand. VW AG makes the best cars...

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  I LOVE MY HELGE - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stamati - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I could not ask for a better car !!!!