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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  2nd Passat after 16 Years - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Walter D. Medley III - March 19 - 4:06 am

  Traded a 2015 Mazda 6 for my 2015 Passat Sport Manual Transmission. Love the Passat. Just had the 10000 mile service after 90 Days of ownership. Trouble free . Great gas mileage. Large Fuel allows 500 miles between fill ups. Traded the Passat for a Tiguan at 45,000 after 10 months of trouble free driving. I was tired of driving the manual transmission.

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  Fun, but a few issues! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Danielle - March 16 - 12:23 am

  Ive seen a lot of people mention the tire pressure sensor light going off all the time. There is a small washer that sits against the pressure sensor. Sometimes that washer gets bent which will let air leak from your tires. Ever since I found out about that and replaced the washers, Ive had no tire pressure issues. The car is wonderful, fun to drive, comfortable, and solid. There are so many airbags and the frame is solid, the doors are heavy, etc. I love my Passat. There have been problems with the transmission jerking, electrical malfunctions, etc. Its a pain, but I still love the car.

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  Reliability does not meet expectations - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By MarkusK - March 13 - 9:20 pm

  I purchased my Passat in 01/08 as a Certified Pre-Owned with 15k miles and have driven it 18k since then. After the test drive, I was hooked by the performance and feel of the 2.0T engine. Also, the build quality appeared very solid. For road trips with the family, we often leave the other car (SUV) at home and enjoy the ride in the Passat. Gas mileage can exceed 30 mpg highway, even when fully loaded. However, a concern and disappointment is the lack of reliability. AC failed at 22k. A temperature sensor almost left me stranded at 26k. At 32k, an ignition coil failure resulted in the need for a tow truck. The warranty and my dealership have kept me and my wallet sane (for now).

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  My third diesel, 2012 Passat TDI SEL Premium. - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By rfb70 - March 12 - 3:45 pm

  My wife and I have driven it approx. 3,400 miles and have no rattles, squeeks or any other problems. We use it almost all open road and average 43 mpg. We drove from Pa. to Fl. and back, 2400 miles, got to try almost every gadget in the car. The Bluetooth was very easy to set up to our cell phone, also the seat memory settings and the remote key memory. The radio and nav. took quite a bit of reading up on, but operate very well after using them on the trip. I didnt baby the car, drove with the traffic, about 75 mph with the air on and still averaged 43 mpg.

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  2012 Passat SE - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By jrind2 - March 8 - 11:30 pm

  So far after 3 months we love this vehicle - the extra room inside is amazing especially in the back seats.

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  Electrical nightmare - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By roger - March 7 - 8:33 am

  Love the looks and driveability of car but will never buy another VW. I have had one electrical issue after another. Repair costs are high. UNDEPENDABLE!

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  don"t buy a 2006 VW Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By zman328 - March 7 - 7:23 am

  Please do your self a favor...RUN don"t walk away from owning a VW especially a 2006 Passat 2.ol. VW doesnt back up their product. There is clearly a design problem with a this year and this model"s engine which ultimately results in your need to replace the engine!! In the 40K plus area the cars begins to burn oil, there is a problem with the cam shaft and high pressure fuel pump. VW puts a bandaid extended warranty that is designed to do nothing. It is carefully worded to protect VW and not the unsuspecting buyer.

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  Awesome Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - March 6 - 6:53 pm

  This is the best Passat yet. The quality put into this car even rivals Honda. Im a VW fan for life.

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  VW - WOWed me! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By car mania - March 5 - 5:30 am

  I am leasing Passats since 2000. The newest one is simply superb! So much faster and smoother than 2004 model. I was very pleased to find that so many things were added to even the least expensive Turbo!

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  NOT A GOOD CAR... WILL NEVER BUY ONE AGAIN - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By bashkimpopaj - March 1 - 5:37 pm

  i bought my passat 2.0L 2007 three months ago and have sent it to the garage three times already. the first of many problems is the injector witch has left me stuck on a road 200 miles away from home and i also had to pay £560 to be taken home by the AA. the other problem is with the key which dosent start the engine easily. the turbo which makes a bad noise. it does not have good power while you drive it. i am very upset and angry with the car and i would never consider buying such a car again and i most certainly will never consider buying a volkswagen again.