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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  Great Car With A Few Problems - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lily - January 29 - 7:46 pm

  Overall, Ive had a great experience (short, so far) with my Passat. Its extremely fun to drive and gets pretty good gas mileage. At 9,000 miles, it hasnt visted the shop yet, although the engine seems to be slightly noisy and has a light rattle.

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  Nice Upgrade for VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - January 26 - 6:06 pm

  I looked at other cars in this class and nothing compared to the price and value of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6. It is fast and fun to drive. Its a nice change from the 2005 Passat, and had a lot less road noise. People ask me if its really a VW.

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  Classy Ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jservin4him - January 25 - 4:10 am

  My wife and were looking for something that would be a good fit for our growing family of 3. It seems everywhere we go we needed a stroller and had to get groceries and haul a baby bag. A wagon was the best choice for us. We looked between a Subaru Outback, Mazda Protege5, Kia Spectra5, and the Passat. All of which are increasingly hard to find in good condition without having to sell the farm. We picked the Passat wagon and are very please with the good mileage and smooth power of our 1.8T and Tiptronic. Our is a GLS so it doesnt have everthing but is very comfortable with black leather. The Monsoon audio system sounds great! Great car for us so far.

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  Great car, expensive to own - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By heffelz8 - January 22 - 9:02 am

  I think the title says it all. I absolutely love driving my wagon around town and killing it on the highway. It will do about 140 mph pretty quickly, although youll still get 23-25 mpg at 65-70 mph. It is a rather expensive car to maintain...an oil change runs 120 bucks but its good for 10,000 miles. Everything and anything that is on or near the engine is a nightmare to work on and costs lots of moola. If you dont have the money to spend on repairs, do not buy. However if youre looking for something fun in the sun, and cool in the snow, than this is the ride for you. Also, Im 66" and there is plenty of room for me.

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  Just Test Drove a 3.6L - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tony - January 19 - 8:00 pm

  I just tested the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T and luckily the 3.6! The 2.0T is very nice and I was impressed with the overall ride. It didnt handle road bumps like my A6, but I could understand the reason. The A6 is a heavier car. This is still a nice car to drive. Luckily the dealership rep told me that a 3.6 had arrived that day and it was available for me to test drive. I was quite happy that he offered me the chance to road test before even he did. Now this 3.6 Passat is a very pleasing driving thrill! Hit the pedal and off you go. It has very strong power and I love the sound of the motor and exhaust, a really nice growl. I was sold!! I will probably buy within the next month.

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  Great car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By halavais - January 18 - 7:36 pm

  This one is a sleeper. Its beautiful inside and out, and a great performer. Think of it as on a par with a 3-series BMW in performance and pricing, but with 5-series interior space. If you are looking to impress people with how much money you can spend, a VW isnt going to do it. If you are more interested in a high performance, comfortable, stylish car, this is it.

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  My last Volkswagen - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dcl - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Though I still enjoy driving my Passat, I have had more problems in the 1.7 yrs I have had this vehicle than the total I had driving Accords for about 10 yrs. Fuel injectors, transmission problems, dashboard rattles, 1 headlight bulb has already been replaced. I fear when this car goes out of warranty.

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  Nicest car Ive ever owned - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jeyman - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have ever owned. The features, interior and exterior style all come together in such a way that make it feel like a much more expensive car. The dealership was also very nice. I have heard a lot of negitive feedback from people about VW dealers. If you live in Columbus Ohio, go to MAG.

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  Dont Buy a VW w/ 1.8T engine - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By paugusta - January 16 - 8:16 pm

  The Passat with a 1.8T engine is horrible! it has been in and out of the shop with many problems including the engine had to be replaced at 31,000 miles. VW North America would not stand by the product until a law suit was threatened. Bottom line... avoid the car. There is a reason why VW is rated next to last by JD Powers for customer satisfaction.

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  Love this car!! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By sparky1962 - January 16 - 5:21 am

  Love my 2015 TDI SEL Passat. The gas mileage is so good I wonder why people even consider hybrids. I average 40MPH and consistently get 49 highway. Comfort, performance,build quality. This car has all the bases covered.The Fender Sound system is really nice. The back seat is extremely roomy for a car this size. If there is a gripe it is the lag of the rearview camera when the car is started. But being a diesel the car should idle a bit before leaving anyways. Perhaps that is why it does that. But that is being really picky. Some say the styling isnt in your face enough, I say class doesnt need to be in your face.This cars looks are timeless & will look as good in 10 years as it does now.