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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  2013 TDI First Drive - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By emarsh7 - January 14 - 3:00 pm

  I just picked up a new 2013 TDI Passat with the automatic. Heres my impression after the first few hundred miles. I discovered motor sports in the late 1960s. Back in the day I was a drag racing fan and lover of Detroit muscle. Budget constraints got me into riding and racing motorcycles and that changed my priorities for a car. I get my performance rush from bikes and airplanes. Cars have a different mission, one that requires reasonable power, solid handing and enough comfort to drive for hours. My Dodge dualie turned me on to diesels. when a friend gave me a ride in his TDI Jetta, I appreciated its quiet torque and efficiency. That led me to buy a Passat SEL with the automatic.

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  I hated this car! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shushumommy - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I lasted less than a year in this car. I bought it used at 55,000 miles. Many things went wrong right off the bat, but the dealer encouraged me to hang in there with the car and made quite a few of the repairs on the house. Still, I did not trust the car or feel safe in it, and everytime a repair was needed I held my breath. I am turning this car in today and couldnt be happier.

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  Sweet Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By boiselifer - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Love this Car! Was looking at a Honda Accord or Passat and very glad we went with the Passat. Just as dependable as a Honda but with that great European style!!

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  w8 passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By service is king - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I considered Audi A6 4.2 (V8) or A6 2.7T-Sport (V6 twin turbo). But, I was having a hard time justifying the price once Id compared them both with the V.W. Passat W8. They matched up quite nicely: power, performance, interior and looks. GET THE SPORT PKG.!!! Youll get 17" alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension and with the six speed youll cut the 0-60 time from over 7 seconds with the tiptronic transmission to under 6 seconds with the six speed. 4Motion AWD with ESP traction control IS Audi Quattro. IT SIMPLY DOES NOT SLIP.

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  My Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aehensman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I adore my Passat. I had VWs when I was younger. The new Passat is amazing. The old Beetles and Ghias are fun, but my Passat has so much more power, comfort and ease of shifting the 5 speed manual. The Turbo is extra kicky! The stereo is great but could have had an amplifier. All in all, I love my car and will be a VW lifer. If I could afford the new Pheaton, I would graduate to that. But, at $64,600.00 base, the Phaeton may have to be on my wish list.

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  LUNARS PASSAT REVIEW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By LUNAR509 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I FEEL YOU GET MORE THAN EXPECTED FROM THIS MID-SIZE GERMAN SEDAN. I BELIEVE THIS VEHICLE DRIVE MUCH BETTER THAN THE BMW 3 SERIES, THE VOLVO S60, AND JUST AS GOOD AS THE AUDI A6. WHICH, FOR THOSE WHO DID NOT KNOW ITS BUILD ON THE SAME PLATFORM AS THE PASSAT. IN MY OPINION, WHY BUY THE AUDI A6 FOR ABOUT $6500.00 MORE WHEN YOU CAN GET THE SAME CAR WITH THE SAME FEATURES FOR LESS.

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  Great Car But..... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jtmma - January 13 - 8:11 am

  Purchased this car in 2010 with 67,000KM from VW as a pre-owned certified vehicle with a 40,000KM or 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. It has been exceptional for me during this time. I am now at 200,000KM and have serviced it regularly as required. I still enjoy the drive as I commute up to 2-3 hours daily doing sales. However, just had a major recent issue. My transmission quit completely out of nowhere. It is a self sealed unit and very difficult to service, nor does it say it requires any routine maintenance. This is a $4500 issue to get a factory repaired/replaced transmission from VW. Luckily I had a friend who rebuilt and swapped it for considerably less.

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  My other car is a Eurovan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Schank - January 11 - 4:30 pm

  Bought the last one in the area after the CC model introduced. The premium in price and owner cost of the VR6 4Motion "standard" should not be an issue with this car. This past summer test drove and was surprised to reach 100 mph up long grade smoothly and quietly thanks to the high compression VR 6. Now, on the ice, and over slush, the 4 Motion comes into its own. It comes with "noisy" Pirelli P Zeros that become wonderfully silent at high highway speeds, without worry that control will be lost, as with quieter touring rubber.

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  Passat 4Motion - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By s0m1sstar - January 8 - 2:13 pm

  I loved my 2001 Volkswagen Passat 4Motion when I first got it, however, there are times now when I would happily sell it if the chance presented itself. Ive tried to have the front alignment done 2 times in 3 months and it still pulls to the right. The dealership cant seem to figure out what the problems is. The gas milage could be better. This car is defniitely not what I would call efficent. Not to mention that my gas milage has drastically decreased over the last 8 months...with no explanation from the dealership on this problem either. The overall quality of the interior leather is good, however, the driver seat is showing noticable signs of wear on the left side where one enters and exits the vehicle.

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  Best VW Ever - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By GYGY - January 8 - 10:00 am

  The 2000 Passat is definitely the best VW ever built. I still love the car after 50,000 miles. Its reliability is above expectations, I only replaced the rear brake pads+rotors at 45k (500$). The car is ageing gracefully, I plan to keep it for at least another two years.