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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  7+ wonderful years - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - February 10 - 4:51 am

  VW Service is outstanding. Only issue is the wheels have corrosion from the winter salt.

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  Excellent buy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Heather P - February 10 - 2:00 am

  I cant stess enough how anyone looking for a nice sedan in the 30-32000 price range should definitely take this car for a test drive. I was pretty heart set on the Lexus IS but after driving the two in the same day, on a scale of 1-10 I gave the IS a 5 and the Passat a 9.5. Very impressive value. The extras go on and on where other vehicles in this same range offer 1/2. Im very happy with the whole experience from buying to owning.

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  Review of 2003 Passat 4 cyl SW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ole - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Only problem: dealer refuses to provide any information on basic maintenance [oil changes, bulb changes, etc.] I guess they want to force customers to take the Passat to overpriced service at the dealership.

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  Low profile, low cost ownership - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michelin Pilot - February 9 - 12:13 am

  Ive owned this midsized sedan for almost two and half years now. I bought it used with 40K miles on the ODO. At 52 K miles Ive replaced a CV joint from an aftermarket parts supplier. The cost was far cheaper than dealership prices. Parts the were replaced under VW warranty were: the VW engine cover emblem, rear trunk struts, side blinker lights & rear ashtray. This car corners well with the right type of tires installed. I replaced the cheap tires that came with this car from the dealership and the difference was noticeable. Parts are best bought from online suppliers to save on cost if you plan to keep this vehicle for at least 10 years.

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  Hub Cap Nightmare - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hubcap Nightmare - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Beware of snap-on hubcaps and cheap roof rack material. I have had 4 hubcaps come off after 2 different VW dealerships did maintenance and rotated my tires. I also had a plastic piece of my roof rack fall off. It is normal now to look around my car to see if everything is in place before I drive it. Is this Quality?

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  Driver Found - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ray66 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  I reserched long and hard at vehicles in this class. The Passat clearly out does the compitition. The safety features are unmatched as well. Ive put 10,500 miles on this vehicle since purchase and it seems to get better everyday. This is my first taste of German engineering and I like it!!

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  Fun and Safe to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan Miranda - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Safety features are reassuring, the gas milage is great and the 4cyl turbo has all the kick you need.

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  Possible Headache with Nightmare - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Possible Nightmare - February 5 - 1:06 am

  The sideview mirros are smaller and you can misjudge your clearance to pass. The engine valve are louder ....have had 3 recalls. I took it back and the claim it was repaired.. it is louder. The drivers side door is warped! The front speakers in the door are crackling...no one told you could put change in the top tray.. which fell down behind the dash.. no telling what damage that will cause.. get this you cant slide them out.. after I pay this off ... I am going back to Nissan...

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  Four Year Follow-Up - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By HtownHeff - February 3 - 2:10 pm

  We are 4 years and 50K miles into our Passat. Overall, it has been reliable and a supremely comfortable highway car. Have has some service niggles: front under spoiler has fallen off a few times, roof gutter came loose, and most recently, drivers side seat heater burned a hole in the seat. Besides this, the feature set of the 2004 now seems a little limited. Despite all this, though, the Passat still proves to be reasonable fun to drive transport for my family.

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  Awesome car with VW problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ChrisB - January 31 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Passat. I love the styling and the ride. With all VWs get used to continuous electrical problems and weak air conditioners. Headlights will start cutting out, blinkers not work, etc... (not covered under warranty). I love the car but this will be my last passat due to constant nagging problems. My first Passat had an engine that would cut out at 65 MPH on the highway (VW did not think this was an issue).