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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  Run! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DBH - June 15 - 12:16 pm

  This has been the most unreliable car Ive ever owned. To put in context, Ive also owned a 71 Beetle and an 82 Fiat. I have babied this car, looks new, only 22k miles in just under 4 years. Been in to dealer approx 10x. Parking break 2x, steering column replaced, power windows, struts, leaks, recalls, air cond. smells bad, dealer wont fix. It squeaks & rattles like and old pickup. Had to replace tires at 19k miles and as I said, "I baby this". You look at the paint and it scratches. Now for the positives, if you only care about looks and German style, go for it. 3 mths left on lease, Toyota here I come!!

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  Get it fixed right - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert in Alhambra - June 14 - 11:10 am

  First, I can not understand why there are so many parts within the wheel bearing. That aside, my car has been a very reliable car. After 120k miles, I have replaced all of the ignition coils, spark plugs, struts, and a few other items. The importance of a reliable mechanic can not be made enough. The dealerships work - all of it ever made - had to be redone. No kidding. After I started going to an honest mechanic, someone who told me about certain gas stations, rather than replacing something that didnt need fixing, life was better.

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  Same issues EVERYONE has... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - June 12 - 5:16 pm

  Bought "certified used" ran great for the extended warranty period. Heater stopped working 1yr after purchase, brought it to the dealer only to be told it was working fine, charged $200 for the "labor". Heater still blew cool air but I couldnt pay more money so I just made do. 3 yrs later, check oil pressure warnings consistently 1k-2k miles before the suggested oil service. I put so much oil into this piece I have to keep 5qt jugs in the trunk, NO LEAKS! Where is it going?! All 4 ignition coils burnt out! Never got recall notices but after calling THEM was told I qualify. Thermostat stuck open, clogged heater core. Headlamps constantly burn out, replaced all of them nearly twice a year!

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  This car is a monster - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sbass - June 11 - 10:00 am

  While I love to drive this car, it is a repair nightmare. The car has only 33,000 miles on it and I have already purchased a new clutch and timing belt. Not to mention the myriad spooky electrical problems and the fact that the "emissions workshop" light is almost always on no matter what I do. Run, dont walk, away from volkswagen. The car is truly unreliable, and the service is awful. (My car was completely dead and they wouldnt even look at it for 3 weeks!)

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  my vw - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jean maria - June 11 - 10:00 am

  the car preformance is more then i thought it could be. this is my first new car and i am glad it is a vw. we bought ours after my sister got hers, after us my in-laws purchaced theirs and love it also.

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  Fun Car w/Flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moniquer - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just finished first months lease on my new 2003 Passat and I must say I have mixed feelings regarding the car. Its a great driving car whos engine might be a might small for the transmission its mated to. The car has a rich European style interior with infinitely adjustable front seats providing superior comfort.

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  Extremely happy with my purchase - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By cocomicas - June 10 - 11:51 am

  After reading many reviews and talking to mechanics, I decided to go with the Passat TDI. I started looking at the Jetta, but certain aspects with the Jetta I wasnt impressed with such as the single torson bar for the rear suspension. The Passat is just better built, plus its built in TN. After looking at the different models and price, I decided to go with the SEL. This thing is loaded. I have taken it on a 1200 mile trip, averaged 43mpg @70mph avg. Only problem was a rip in the door panel. Dealer fixed it promptly. I only miss two options: HIDs and heated steering wheel.

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  Very happy with my Passat - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By johnwild - June 8 - 1:37 pm

  The last VW I owned was a Rabbit Diesel, I loved that noisy, smelly car and it got great mileage. Since then I have had a couple of Mercedes Diesels, I also loved them but the mileage was nothing to brag about I bought my Passat 4 months ago and now have almost 8,000 miles on it. I recently took a 2400 mile round trip and got an easy 45 mph at highway speeds. Now at almost 8,000 miles I get amazing mileage. If I keep my speed around 50mph I get almost 60 mpg!! Im loving this car, even though the oil companies are ripping us off on Diesel. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another one or send a friend to VW to buy one either. Great Car........5 stars!

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  oil sludge buildup - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By satisfied tm - June 6 - 1:00 pm

  I have only a few problems with this car. Currently have 24k miles. Ive heard from other Passat owners after 44k mi. "the sludge" can occur. VW sent out a letter about this problem. Use synthetic oil. The turbo produces excessive heat. Brake light switch replacement and MIL light which required a sensor replacement, are the only problems Ive encountered.

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  CV Boots and Axles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Miami, Florida - June 4 - 10:26 am

  Three years old with 22,000 total miles. Vehicle driven less than 3 miles to work and back 5x a week. Personal use only. Overall, happy with styling and performance, features. Highway mpg is 30 plus with air on. Original Continental tires had to be replaced at 19,000 miles. CV boots outer and inner and both front axles replaced at 21,900 miles by dealer with free parts but we paid labor of $195.00. After 4 new tires, balance and wheel alignment at 19,000 miles, vehicle continues to pull right. Dealer says its normal. Rear brakes needed and done when boots/axles replaced. Rotors cant be turned because VW does not manufacture with enough tolerance to permit it.