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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  Fun but not worth the money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Goku - March 30 - 2:00 am

  The car is less than 2500 miles when the engine broke down. It was a manufacture defect, it needs to change all four "coils"!?. The parts was so back up that the dealer only change one. Handling of the car is great, but the initial acceleration is very very slow (even a Hundai Elantra accelerate better) though after 25mph the car pick up speed and has a strong kick. Very nice panal and indicators. But not enough cup holder, even less storage space in front. Imposible to set up cell phone charger since the cigaret lighter is directly infront of the auto shift knob, need more space or move it somewhere else!

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  Passat passes - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By mat72 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride coupled with unsurpassed fuel economy makes it the easiest choice Ive made in a long time. Fit and finish is tight and interior is well thought out. Doesnt give you that cheap feel/look of its japanese counterparts.

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  Pure Pleasure to Drive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg from NYC - March 26 - 11:26 am

  When I was searching for a new car all I knew was it had to be a Japanese product. So I did test drove the Nissan Altima SE V6 (250Hp), Toyota Solara V6, and few others. I was set for the Altima, until I stepped into VW dealership (have previously owned the Passat) and test drove the new 2006 2.0T with the 6-speed auto transmission. This car only has a 4-cylinder engine, but it delivers an amazing 200 HP with the turbo. Everything is great about this car, everything its in the place, great fuel economy, this car is simply a blast. The seats are comfortable (make sure you get a cold weather package - $200), there is almost no turbo lag at all, this car shares the same engine with Audi A3,2.0 FSI. Take it for test drive and see for yourself...

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  Unreliable - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By KJM - March 25 - 9:53 pm

  I purchased my first new car ever four years ago hoping to get away from car problems for at least five years and went with the Consumer Reports car of the year. I bought the most expensive Passat wagon with the all wheel drive, and paid for it almost entirely out of my pocket. Since then I have have had several problems with it. Most recently the computer died costing about $2,000. The garage made me wait a week to bring it in. They are the rudest garage ever. They make almost no effort to appese the customer. The last problem I had with really squeaky brakes and they told me it was normal and that bus sdqueked too. I will never buy another Passat.

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  BAD EMISSION SYSTEM - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By albertobp67 - March 25 - 7:22 pm

  My 2006 Passat was my dream car in 2006, 40k miles later the engine light came on. $5,000.00 USD later it is still on. I take it to the dealer as required they change a part here and a part there, bill me lots of $$ and 1 to 2 days later the light is on again. Ive had it, I will write to VW the dealer owners and anyone else that might be able to assist in fixing the problem.

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  Many problems, too many to be satisfied. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By robin36 - March 25 - 3:08 am

  I bought this car straight from the dealer. This is a one owner car. Because of all the problems, I was tempted to sell. So if you are looking to buy, I have a feeling you may be in for an ugly surprise. It is very expensive to repair, and I have had a lot of problems with defects: 1) Exhaust pipe detaching from motor 2) Radio interference when lights are on (never fixed) 3) Small fan motor went out 4)Time on the clock jumps ahead an hour inexplicably some days 5) Defective trunk latch 6) AC Compressor went out. (All these WAY before they were due) Here is a list of regular maintenance expenses: 1) Use of Premium Unleaded 2) Oil filter is a cartridge 3) Timing belt change = $1,200

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  Ignition coil Problems!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By trbochrg - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Love the looks, love to drive it, but the ignition coils are no good, and my dealership is giving me the runaround. They dont care that my coils are failing, and their only option until March is to bring it in, and replace them with coils they have that will contiue to fail!!! What service!!! Cant even get a straight answer about when the new ignition coils will be available!

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  Ten W8 complaints - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By datt - March 25 - 2:00 am

  Steering wheel misaligned. 1st wk in shop to find antenna wire partially severed in mfg. 1. Rear seats dont fold. Trunk 50% reduced from front drive Passat. 2. Steering hard. 3. Seats uncomfortable on long drives. 4. Xeon headlamps used as running lights. Dealer unaware replacement bulbs are $200 a pop. Running lights cannot be disabled. 5. First oil change $105. W8 requires 9 quarts synthetic, with two changes in 1st yr owners expense. 6. Mileage disappointing. 7. Glove box small. 8. Trunk access operation and lock inconvenient. 9. Radio so-so. 10. Sprays itself badly on wet roads.

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  Excellent and Fun Family Sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By ST - March 24 - 11:10 am

  The car handles very well for a large sedan. The 2.0 Turbo is suprisingly spirited, especially if you like to play with a manual transmission. Fuel economy is not sacrificed, Ive been able to average 31-32 MPG over the daily 164 mile commute. Stopping power and cornering are very good, some road noise makes it into the cabin, but not nearly enough to be bothersome. Feedback through the suspension is good enough that road conditions are evident, but the ride is quite comfortable.

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  Conflicted - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jaimy - March 21 - 10:20 pm

  I bought the car new, and planned on keeping it for a long time. I love the way the car drives. However, the gas mileage is not great. (18 AVG. around town, 24 avg on hwy) Especially when you have to use premium. So far, weve replaced several ignition coils, two water pumps, two temp.sensors, and a timing belt. The front bumper keeps coming loose. And now the car makes a suspicious clunking noise. Its most likely the axle. And the radio has issues. We will be replacing it very soon.