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 Performance - Some Glitches - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr Bill - July 11 - 3:33 pm

  I have an early release 06 Passat w/Sport package. The performance on the car is great except for the throttle lag problem which I havent yet fixed. I also had probs w/adaptive headlights that took 25 days in the shop to fix. Doesnt make for a happy owner. Also took 2 trips to stop water leaking in trunk. Driver seat had to be repaired after 2 weeks. VW still needs to work on quality. Most problems were in 1st 2 months. Since the car has been great. Its really fast, but wish I could get a real 6 spd stick like the TL, Tiptronic isnt the same.

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  Near Luxury product - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By quietguy - July 10 - 12:06 pm

  Purchased the vehicle two days ago so havent driven many miles yet. My gf and her two daughters have Jettas and Passats, which prompted me to buy one. Was able to haggle a decent deal and got a very good interest rate. So far, the car is much more than I hoped for - great performance, comfortable ride, wonderful interior and good looking. Got the new "White Gold Metallic" paint... unique.

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  Watch out for sludge - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don - July 7 - 5:03 am

  I love my 03 Passat for its handling and performance. With that said, I have recently encountered the sludge issue. It is a issue that they leave out during the sales pitch. You only encounter it when it is time to change your oil. That is when they inform you that you must use synthetic oil because of sludge build up. My car is less that 4 years old and I have had to rebuild my engine. I followed the instructions from VW to use the more expensive oil and it still occurred before 140K miles. VW offered to give me a new engine, only if I supplied 100% of the scheduled oil change receipts. They asked for 26 and I could only produce 20. Therefore no new engine.

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  My first Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jrichard - July 6 - 1:20 pm

  Only 2 months old, but love the car. Fun to drive. Looks great. No problems yet. the 1.8T with auto has plenty of power. Engine does make alittle noise when under load, but is quiet otherwise. No wind noise to speak of but there is some road noise. Overall love the car.

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  Good, but not great - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By M & K - July 3 - 9:10 am

  This is a great looking car and its a blast to drive. But at 27,000 miles, it blew a head gasket. Then at 40,000 miles the rack and pinion steering was shot. I have had lots of interior bits break. The AWD tears up tires. All said, I cant wait to dump this car, Ill never buy a VW again. The reliability is on par with Ford. But the parts cost more. Ha.

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  Look at other alternative before u buy! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By wniece - July 2 - 9:30 am

  When I first saw the car I fell in love with it. Since then I wish I could divorce it! Horrible rattles, squeaks and poor workmanship. The car has already been in the shop for over 15 days here and there. I know VWs are known for their excellent craftsmanship but this car has loose dash parts, the black paint bubbling and peeling off of the unlock/lock buttons. Maybe mines a lemon, but I would never recommend VW to anyone! I just hope my bonus is big enough to trade this piece of junk in! Too bad something that looks so good is so bad!

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  Why I will never by another VW again - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - June 27 - 8:56 pm

  I didnt review this site before purchasing my 2002 1.8t Passat Wagon (really sorry I didnt because this review will sound like many of the others).The car does look sweet,turbo was pretty awesome,& the car is stacked w/ features (sunroof, pw, pl, tiptronic, cruise, lots of space). We purchased the car with under 80000 miles. Less than 1 month into owning it the a/c compressor/clutch quit, the glove box handle fell off, a bracket under car came off, the heat quit working, the tiptronic would not switch from manual to automatic, instrument panel was 50% dim, transmission started to make a grinding noise when decelerating, 2 vent slats for the a/c fell out & paint started to peel frm inside

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  So far, so good. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By cosmo2 - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This VW feels and drives differently than the nine other VW/Audi models I have owned. This rig almost feels American-made during routine driving. I really havent decided if this is a good or a bad thing. But I have decided that this is a very good automobile. I was initially put off by the diesel engine and automatic transmission. (Ive driven manuals for 43 years.) The dealer didnt have an manual GL in stock, so I test drove a 1.8T with Tip. No thanks. Felt like just another good car handicapped by a slush box. Then I tried the TDI. This engine/transmission combination is a good match.

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  I thought I was in a BMW 3-Series - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Emmasdaddy - June 25 - 8:13 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat Value Edition is far and above the rest of the competition. The interior is very tight and quiet compared to my other car, which is a Honda Accord. The interior is so nice that you feel you are in a car with a price tag of $35,000 or so. However for as much as the car gives you for the price you want more. I would really have liked the car to have an iPod plug and a drivers side power seat. But honestly for the lease deal I got I cant complain! You will have to at least drive the car to get a taste of the personality of the vehice, it truly is incredible!

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  Beware Oil Pump Problems! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dissatisfied - June 25 - 12:43 am

  Having bought this car second hand we were initially impressed with its solid BMW/Mercedes like interior feel and handling. 5000 miles later on a trip from Oregon to Arizona, the car flashed a red STOP! sign and advised us to stop immediately or the manual stated a new engine may be needed!! There is no oil gauge on the dashboard to warn of impending disaster. Despite having checked the oil prior to the roadtrip the car broke down with absolutely no warning. The VW dealership replaced the oil pump, turbo and cams free of charge as the car was still under warranty. We have lost all confidence in the VW Passat. Buyer beware of the 2004 model.