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 car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By GregBlatty - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Great car very reliable and fun to drive

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  Great Engineering, But Reliability? - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By RIMikey - May 30 - 2:00 am

  With 34,000 behind me, Im suffering through a love/hate relationship with my first VW. The car has had numerous repairs - emmisions gear; airbag sensor; overhead lighting console. The ceiling was dismantled to fix a rattling sunroof assembly. Numerous rattles. The latest killer was replacing the coolant pipe and pump - a 2 DAY SERVICE JOB! Unaccepatble on a $27k car. But when its running smooth its a gem. Notice I said WHEN.

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  Used Passat Purchase - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike meltzer - May 28 - 11:30 am

  This car is a certified used vehicle and so far has been excellent in handling and ride. The seats could be more plush though.

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  Buy Something Else - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By NoMoreVWs - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but PROBLEMS and expensive maintenance. Serious problems: engine coils failed (recall), replaced a power window motor in 1st yr, computer problems at 20k, $800 brake caliper at 45k (dealer couldnt believe it - "very rare"), check engine light at 60k - dealer said we might have to replace the engine!. Fit and finish problems included loss of interior molding over curtain airbag and broken trunck latch, armrest and cup holders due to flimsy contruction. Simple light bulb replacement for A/C panel - dealer suggests not to fix due to cost of removing dashboard!

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  passat wagon gls automatic - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By doug finch - May 26 - 2:00 am

  this is my 6th VW, my 2nd Passat. They truly know how to build cars.

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  Solid performer - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roger Bamfree - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Getting behild the wheel of the dealers Passat was a revelation. Precise handling, surging acceleration, responsive controls, firm yet comfortable seating, good visibility. A sensational car for the price.

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  A - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ttocsffej1 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Lost my 2003 Passat GL "commuter" in a rear-ender. Bought my 3rd Passat in 5 months! I was hooked from the moment I turned the key. This car is SO MUCH MORE than just an engine upgrade. It drives entirely unlike any other Passat. Tiptronic tranny is annoying in its refusal to upshift at low speeds while crawling in traffic. But the W-8 engine is stunning and has grown stronger in the last 2,000 miles. The price--AMAZING. My dealer was BEYOND anxious to get rid of it. My black/black with sport package was a new "demo" with just 1400 miles on it. I paid just $31,000!! (They even threw in tinted windows to close the deal.)

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  Dont Ever Buy One!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By M. - May 25 - 9:53 am

  I had very poor customer service. I had been doing service with them for sometime on a 99 Beetle that ran like a charm, 135K. Traded in for the Passat. Fell in love with it for one day. Light came on, and stated it had a vapor leak, the axle and cv joints were shot, front passenger seat replaced, oil and transmission pan replaced, two hoses replaced, very squeaky brakes, back right window didnt work, and two different sets of tires. Dealership had never shown or mentioned any of this until after purchase, and after I had been in 5 times in less than a month. I finally had enough and as I was about to trade it in, all of a sudden it started leaking transmission fluid everywhere!!!!

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  Gotta love the VR6 - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick in Texas - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in June of 2001. It only had 15,000 miles on it and it still smelt new! I love it, power is very impressive with the help of a K&M Supercharged Airfilter (which was tough putting in). I have had ZERO problems with it except for the ABS light that has come on about 5 times for a few minutes then goes off. Very quick for what it is and on my last trip (365 miles) I got 26.6 miles to the gallon. In town I normally just get around 18 because I do drive it a bit hard. Wish I had the electric seats because there are way to many adjustments when someone else drives it. Love it!

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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Simon - May 23 - 7:40 pm

  This is an outstanding machine. The European style diesel engine is fun to drive and economical. And, it is a good looking car to boot.