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 VW and 1st Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By royalobtuse - January 8 - 7:50 am

  I picked this baby up on trade in of my 2002 Jetta GLS TDI. I would have gotten the TDI but they were out of the 04s. After getting over the mileage difference (about 10mpg or so) I am very happy with the change. There is a lot more room and with the leather interior and all the included options for only about $50 more a month it cant be beat. My insurance went down about $20 too! You owe it to yourself to test drive one of these!

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  Just Purchased a 2013 VW Passat SEL Premium - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By psujim85 - January 7 - 2:50 am

  It is all that is advertized. Everything works intuitively and is well laid out. The diesel is GREAT. Kicks butt in a start and I am getting 48 mpg on my second tank full. The seats are comfortable and adjust well. My only issue is that the break pedal is too close to the accelerator and my wide shoe picks up one or the other when I do not want to. I have to be careful to pick up my foot each time.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chuck - January 5 - 8:43 am

  VW hit a homerun with their new Passat. Im surprised to see so many so-so reviews on the internets and in the newspapers. This car is amazing. Ive driven cars of all different engineering, but this is my first with what Germany has to offer. I was a huge fan of Japanese engineering but after driving this car I now understand the rave about German engineering. Everything in the car has a sturdy feel and a innovative look. There are so many small touches that make this car stand out from his competitors. The engine has the widest torque band of I have ever seen and I get 37mpg on the hwy.

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  Driver you want? Driver you got! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By nealk99 - January 5 - 4:43 am

  This is really an amazing car. The design, especially interior, is a step above any other car out there. It feels much more expensive than it actually is. The size is what really sold me. In order to get a car of the same size and features (volvo, saab, mercedes, audi, etc) you will pay at least 10k more. I have driven this car across country twice and it is a fabulous road car. Great driving position, everything within reach and intuitive. It has a smooth but responsive road feel. This thing just cruises! Negatives? electrical system, expensive wipers

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  2.0T Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brett - January 4 - 1:13 pm

  The Passat is likely the best value of 2006 sedans; the car is incredibly fun-to-drive, has excellent performance for a 4-cyl, and the highway mileage (at 80 mph) is approximately 30 mpg. The ride is very smooth, even at speeds above 100 mph and the handling is comparable to an Audi A6 (same platform) or a BMW 5-Series, all at a fraction of the price. The 8-speaker sound system is very high-quality and the XM satellite radio option is also superb.

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  Not far from the Audi A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BLew - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the car 2 months ago and is a blast to drive when you punch the accelerator. Very comfortable and has an upscale feel. I am concerned a little with reliability as the car has hesitated to start several times, but seems to have stopped as the miles go up.

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  Glued To The Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Willard - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I originally wanted an Audi A6 but one drive in the Passat and a look at the lower price there was no way that I could consider anything else. This car out shines anything from the asian manufacturers, not even close. No wonder consumer reports rated it the number one car in America. You must drive this car and experience the glued to the road feeling.

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  Best Ive Owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - January 1 - 2:10 am

  Best car ever owned. Bought for the safety features, 30+ MPG, four adults capacity and could not be more pleased. Using mid-grade gas, average 33 MPG in easy driving and 25 when pushed hard. No reliability issues whatsoever. Great driving experience feeling like a much more expensive car. Very stable and cruises at 85 without feeling sensation of speed. Surprised by the power of the Turbo 4; more surprised at the combo of power and excellent gas mileage. Major complaint is the original equip Goodyears slipped badly when wet / cold. Bought a set of dedicated snow tires for my snowy CT winters and replaced the summer tires with Continentals -- problem solved. Id buy again!

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  an absolutely solid car, without a new car replacement - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By topagentgroup - December 30 - 3:09 am

  I bought this car with about 20000 miles at less than a year old for $15500. Im at 138000 with a private party value of $4500, its been going up in value the past 3 years! An absolute joy to drive with the 4 cyl turbo and 34mpg. It seems to be a timeless styling blck/blck shines nicely. Synthetic only!! cant stress that enough and use the VW coolant. everyday garages will mess this car up like a bad hangover. I found an old VW specialized mechanic, wont let any other cars in the garage and has kept it running well for reasonable $. Replaced, timing belt/water pump at 80k, both frnt window regulators, 3 sets of tires/brakes, 2CV joints, 1 set of rotors,fuel pump at 136k due to ethanol

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  very nice car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By lyons - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Whenever I read a review of a Passat, it usually states that it was just like a Saab but didnt break down. After being left stranded more times than I can count with Saab, I drove the Passat and fell in love. This has been a flawless car - and its never left me stranded.