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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  Passat Major Problems - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stan Starzyk - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Passat has a major engine defect where the oil turns to sludge and cause major engine damage. If you dont have receipts for service. Theyll leave you high and dry. Beware! Stay away.

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  Not worth it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By j4ora - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I had this car for 4 months and every month something breaks. Door wont open, window wont go down. AC fails intermittently. Lastly, oil was leaking from unknown location. But dealer said it was my mechanic. When my mechanic removed bottom cover, it was already full of oil marks. Dealer will sell you lemon vehicles without notifying you. Over-all experience BAD.

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  2005 Passat GLX Wagon Experience - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By ZoomZoom718 - May 14 - 3:36 am

  After looking at a variety of upscale wagons (Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Jaguar X-Type, Volvo, Audi, and VW Passat), we chose the VW. The Passat handles well, accelerates smoothly and the interior appointments are on par with the finest luxury wagons. The heated leather seats are incredibly comfortable. Its cargo space is more than adequate for shopping trips or travel. The rear passenger seating and leg room are great and you can actually fit three adults in the backseat. The GLX trim comes with a Monsoon stereo system that puts the Bose system we had in our former car to shame.

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  To Heck With the Hybrids! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dolphin - May 13 - 2:06 am

  This car will grow on you and you will be very happy you no longer own a gas-guzzling SUV; it is an excellent car with great cargo capacity, perfect for my family of 4, absolutely awesome highway car. I got the GSL with Leather + wood, ESP and winter package, and added the rear 6 CD-changer. Solid handling, and this thing is built as solid as a tank.

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  A great ride! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Heffernan - May 11 - 6:21 am

  Dont expect a lot of pick up but beyond that, an amazing car!

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  New Owner - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2muchpwr - May 6 - 6:10 pm

  Just took delivery two days ago, and I LOVE this car! Ive never seen so many people staring, and I know it isnt me theyre looking at. This car just feels good.

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By roger f - May 6 - 3:40 am

  The appearance looks great, but buyer beware. I have had more problems with this vehicle than all the cars I have combined in 45 years. Electrical problems began from the very beginning.The check engine light came on all the time.The car was in the shop frequently. I have had to replace both rear wheel bearings with just over 50,000 miles on the vehicle. I contacted Volkswagen USA and they were very rude and abrupt and stated the wheel bearings had to be replaced because of the bad road conditions. I would caution any buyer to stay clear of any Volkswagen vehicles. They do not build them like they use to. Repairs are extremely costly! I just picked up my car from the dealership and was

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Grandpa - May 5 - 6:23 pm

  This is my 5th VW but the first diesel and I must say it is one of the best , the ride is good the car is very well made and the mpg is around 33 in town. never been on a long road trip yet so cant say what the mpg would be. If I could change on thing on the car it would be to extend the length of the front seat a few inches where the front edge of the seat would hit loweron my legs.

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  Everyone is "WOWed" by my car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By thejester1 - May 4 - 2:36 pm

  LOVE this car so much! Amazing gas mileage that gets better as the engine gets broken in, and its super roomy! People sit behind my 63 boyfriend and they still have tons of space in the back. Everyone has commented that it rides really smooth as well. People ask, "This is a Volkswagon? WOW! This is super nice!" This car has exceeded my expectations, and I find myself volunteering to drive everywhere because its so much fun.

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  3.6 w/Sports Package - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Randy V - May 4 - 5:06 am

  With sports pkg comparable with Audi A4/6 only faster, less money and isn’t seen at every stop light. Sports pkg has suspension w/ lowered ride ht, nice ten-spoke 18" wheels, paddle shifters, adj. sport seats (not made for wide bottoms). The 280hp VR-6 has a nice growl when you accelerate: 1/4 mi in 14.5 sec. at 100.2 mph, compare to others in R&T Mag test summary. It has a quirk: accelerator is non-linear and is tricky to master. Too light on the gas and you get a momentary blip of hesitation or if you step into it (no kidding) you light up the tires shocking your passengers. If you love car audio you must get the Dynaudio opt, exp at $1K but it rocks! Added bonus – insurance is reasonable!