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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  my year and a half with my passat B5 glx - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By e.s. edwards - June 3 - 6:56 pm

  Quiet, comfortable, luxurious, understated elegance. Drives like an audi a6, only livelier because its not contending with power draining four wheel drive. Fit and finish are excellent. Have had only to replace a tail light in 20 thousand miles. Only complaint: seat heaters are only effective at the top setting (5).

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  Das auto - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mikmuk - June 3 - 2:49 pm

  Bought my 2008 CPO Passat with 30k miles about 6 months ago. Other then the headlight being replaced by dealer (under warranty) car is great. Luxury at an affordable price. People often look and say what kind of car is that. Very nice! The difference in the Passat is it is built in Deutchland (Germany) not Mexico like several other VWs. Now the 2012 Passat is manufactured in VWs new Tennessee plant. I am sure the folks from Tenn. will do just fine. Love the car and the 33 MPG we get.

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  It all depends - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By madbiker09 - June 3 - 1:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2001 and was very frustrated by the dealer until the warranty went out at 50k. I decided to do all the maintenance myself and have loved it ever since. At 173K the car still drives smooth and fast and gets outstanding gas mileage considering its size and performance. Like many other people I have had to replace CV, coils (recalled), brakes, timing belt, and a thermostat. Other than those items the car is as I bought it. Im sure I will see 200k as long as the clutch holds up. At 173k it still spins the tires when I take off fast. :) I think two things helped my car last. For one, I have always used synthetic oil and secondly I always use premium gas.

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  Passat is not overly reliable. - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Former Honda Owner - June 2 - 4:33 am

  I decided to purchase the Passat after owning Toyotas and Hondas because it was a sexier car then the 2000 Camry. However, the reliability has been worse then I expected. The cup holders quickly broke, the driver side door latch mechanism totally fell apart, requiring $300 plus in repairs. The VW dealer mechanics continually screw up working on the car. The seat fabric is the most amazing lint brush you ever saw, tightly holding on to every bit of lint and dirt, and some of the interior door handle and dash pieces are covered with thin rubber that has been peeling off and looks terrible. I wont buy another VW.

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  2002 VW Passat GLX Wagon!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By trissa - June 1 - 6:36 pm

  Loved the new simple but classy style of the wagon. Moved up from a 99 Jetta GLS after becoming a loyal VW driver.

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  I like it. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It is better than a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry.

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  just drive this car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vrandal - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love my Passat. It is absolutely luxurious, quiet, and extremely powerful. I find myself speeding sometimes because the ride is as quiet and smooth at 90mph as it is at 45. The base stereo sounds great and the seat comfort is excellent even on long trips. Driving 5 large adults,I didnt notice any loss of power.The black velour interior is really comfortable, but does attract lint that is hard to remove. My only major complaint is the fuel economy. I have yet to exceed 28 mpg on a freeway roadtrip, and only average 19-20mpg in the city/local hwy. This is less than advertised, and doesnt compare to my Corolla. And the Passat only takes Premium gas.

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  one awsome german car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By robert98765 - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is one of the best car Ive ever bought. It is roomy, handles great feels luxurious and turns heads everywhere. The only thing I would change is that I would buy the V6 instead of the 1.8T 4 cyl(its a little noisy under 2k rpms, but believe me, very little noise compared to other cars).I would definitely buy again!!!

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  Schweet W8! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By multi-valve - May 30 - 10:00 am

  The Passat W8 is an excelent buy compared to the 540i and the E430 4matic (which simlarly equipped cost $15,000 to $20,000 more). Although the car is very similar to the GLS, keep in mind that even the GLS is a very good buy as far as fit and finish, general quality, and features go. The W8s fuel economy isnt that bad either, in fact, its very similar to the original VR6s fuel economy...not too shabby, an 8 with the fuel economy of a 6.

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  I love this car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By tazztazz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever had. It is fun to drive, rides like a dream, handles like a vette. Acceleration in tiptronic w/ v-6 is great, & the 4- motion makes cornering great. A/c & heat work perfect & the heated seats in winter are comfy. Every time I get into this car all I can say is I LOVE this car. I have had 10 cars in the past 20 years all new & nice but this car is great!!!!!!