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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  Stylish and Sophisticated - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By manlyman - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Just bought by GLX on 8-31-02--paid $29680.00 lock, stock, and barrel. Compared car to BMW 3-series, Acura 3.2T, Honda Accord EX V-6, and Volvo S60. Bottom line: No comparison. This cars ride comfort is incredible, the handling is good, and the styling, both exterior and interior, is very classy and somewhat understated. For the money, in this class, I dont think any other manufacturer comes close to the complete package that VW offers in the Passat GLX. Dont forget to take into consideration this cars residual value in 3 years--tops in its class also.

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  Horrible Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jetsetguy - February 23 - 7:56 am

  I bought this car new and was very excited about its overall interior and exterior design and performance. My excitement quickly faded as the car is always in the shop. This is the worst car I have ever owned. It has been in the shop at least every other month. Several of the repairs lasted over a week to correct and I had to rent a car while the repair was made. It has had so many electrical and computer problems I cannot even count them. You name it, it has been broken. Here is the short list, Braking system, fuel system, Every computer system has been broken (some more than once), steering system, tire pressure monitor. NEVER buy this car.

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  2010 Passat Review - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dano - February 21 - 8:53 pm

  Traded an 06 Jetta on the 2010 Passat. A great improvement over the Jetta. Good power and handling and better fuel economy. This car has a lot of road noise.

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  bought gls tdi one month ago - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By blue moose - February 19 - 10:00 am

  In the one month that I have been driving my new TDI. I have been getting 3o miles to the gallon driving around town. The car is fun to drive, quick and responsive. I cant wait till I can get it on the road for a trip.

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  2000 Passat Wgn, Automatic w/Turbo - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By David - February 17 - 2:43 am

  I love the vehicle however I was upset when very soon after my Certified Warranty expired that I had an oil seal leak and had to fork over $450.00 to have it repaired.

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  Dont buy one at any price - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dismayedgerman - February 16 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2000 Passat. The first year this car was great. Starting in January of 01 the wiper motor went out. Then the check engine light started coming on. In May 01, check engine light comes on. Trunk lid opens on its own. Door locks open and close on their own. Car will start and not start. The gasket that protects the passenger compartment from the outside elements was defective and allowed the water to leak in and ruin the computer etc.. It came that way from the factory in Germany. The car has been in again for a malfunctioning air injector pump, vacuum hoses and mass air flow sensor. If you are thinking about buying one dont.

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  Dedicated Passat Fan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Barry Ryan - February 15 - 9:46 pm

  This is my third one. I had a 2002 wagon in which I survived a broadside collision. The car was totalled but I escaped without a scratch. VW has an ad which depicts exactly what happened to me; at an intersection the other car ran a red light and I hit them broadside. I saw my life flash before my eyes! I replaced that one with a 2006 sedan. Just today we picked up a new 2008 wagon for my wife. For me, the Passat is the perfect car. The quality, performance and aesthetics are unsurpassed. In my opinion the Passat beats out far more expensive Euro competitors and puts Honda and Toyota to shame. I know I sound like I work for VW but I dont; I just love the product.

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  Happy with this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Linda Johnson - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car after having 4 SUVs in a row. At first hesitant about owning a car, but very glad I bought it. The handling is great, I feel very safe in it and styling is classy. I have had it for 6 months and have not had any problems at all. You get a lot for your money with the Passat and I would purchase one again.

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  A Real pleasure to Drive. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mikael - February 14 - 1:56 am

  I really like driving this car. Its styling and performance are just what I was looking for and the price was right too. Ive had the car for four months now and have had no problems at all. I only regret not ponying up for the sunroof/upgraded sound package.

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  Great Compromise - Performance and Comfort - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bob D - February 12 - 5:30 am

  Wonderful car (wagon)! Comfortable and fun to drive with real performance when you want it. As a wagon the space is there if you need it and rear passengers have always been comfortable. Why VW stopped making this car is a question Ill never be able to answer.