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:

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aw9 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  The TDI (diesel) was hard to find, but worth the effort. Great gas mileage...up to 44mpg w/o air conditioning running. The acceleration and handling are simply great!! Watch the horn...have to punch it in just the right spot (a small spot) - not a plus when you need it in an emergency. Interior finish is perfect. The diesel runs very roughly in the 20-30 mph speed after startup. It smooths out after it warms up...hope this can be adjusted on first trip back for service. Generous trunk space, full-size spare tire, and plenty of leg room in the back seat. So far, love the car!!

• 

  But Can You Get One? - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Drew874 - November 25 - 10:00 am

  Test drove the 2004 Passat TDI Wagon and thought Wow, nice car! GLS Full- boat. Thought that the wagon drove better than the sedan!? Interior was Plain-Jane...Fake-wood trim looked just that, FAKE. Putrid interior, tan leather was already scuffed and dirty! But a nice driving car...If they can ever get more options...why no GLX version?!!!! I hate the blue-lit dash, cannot see the contrast of the numerals vs the background blue...wiper speed stink, give me a variable speed dial!

• 

  Perfect from Day 1 - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By memphis17 - November 24 - 5:57 am

  I bought this as a never-titled demo with 5,000 miles on it. I am knocking wood as I say this, but I have not had the first problem with this car, after 75,000 miles. Its my second Passat V6, and is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I had an 04 Passat V6, which was really fun to drive, but after warranty it began to have issues. The 07 is a better model, I think, though the steering is not as tight as the 04 due to the widened body. I took the 07 Passat to the dealer for regular service, but when the warranty expired, I just started having the oil changes done at Jiffy Lube. I think its not good for a car to be tinkered with too much (i.e., if it aint broke...). Excellent car.

• 

  I love this car... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Richard - November 23 - 4:23 pm

  This is my favorite all-around car of all time. It does everything well. It rides and handles well, gets great gas mileage, has plenty of power when needed, with the turbo. It puts a smile on my face every time I drive it!

• 

  Love-hate relationship - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By glxauto - November 23 - 11:26 am

  I chose the Passat wagon over the A6 wagon, because the Passats ride is superior and it has more interior space. In an attempt to protect myself against the VWs poor reliability reputation, I bought a certified pre-owned Passat *and* an extended warranty. Looking back, that was a smart move. However, now that all the warranties have expired, the Passat is breaking down with a vengeance. Every visit to the mechanic costs an arm and a leg, with the most recent visit (alternator + battery) costing me $1500! And it is only March! I am sad the Passat and I have to part ways now, because it is truly a safe and comfortable car. But I love my wallet more.

• 

  Bluefrog reviewes the Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By bluefrog - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The most striking feature is how effortless the car is to drive. I am always confident that the car will go precisely where I want it to go. After 45,000 miles, I have had no problems, and even at 80 mph, I get 30+ mph.

• 

  Great to drive, expensive to repair - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Renee - November 21 - 7:13 pm

  Still love to drive the car, but frequent problems now at 7 years. Motor mounts, catalytic converter, CV, top of engine leaking oil despite 2 repairs - list goes on. Also weird electric issues throughout life of car - display showing avg mpg started malfunctioning after a year, 2 yrs ago sunroof started opening/closing on its own, etc. Even the hood open hydraulic died (no prop stick on a VW) - an $80 repair. No way will this car make it to 10 years and my next car wont be a VW based on this ones reliability. Bought new w/ regular maintenance - all done at a VW dealership.

• 

  Blew Me Away! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By danfan521 - November 20 - 5:46 pm

  I first drove the 06 Passat in October 05 before the review on Edmunds.com. The Value Edition had enough standard features and styling to convince me at first glance. After that initial drive I was still not convinced, so we spent a week test driving the Nissan Maxima, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry LE, Ford Fusion and the Ford 500 - thoroughly comparing features. The Passat won hands down. It has better interior styling, and its solid German road feel left us speechless everytime we saw it. We purchased a 2.0T in Mocha Brown with the Latte interior. Its upgrades were package #2 and the 17" wheels. I highly recommend the wheel upgrade. The Dynaudio stereo is a great options, but we opted out on these. Im blown away!

• 

  Thank god its gone - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Naomi - November 19 - 12:20 am

  When I bought the car it had all the features and performance I was looking for along with great all weather traction. That was the good news. Over 6 years it would spend 1-2 months in the shop every year. Electrical problems, replaced fuel senders x2, fuel tank, engine coils, torque converter, cv joints, numerous other recalls and finally the dreaded cam adjusters failed at 43k. Quoted repair cost $8500, and happens to just about every w8. A quick fix is to try an oil flush like k&w, but it is a ticking time bomb of whats going to fail next. Worst reliability I have ever seen, and this holds for other w8 owners I spoke too. We all traded ours in for a more reliable car (just not a VW).

• 

  First Volkswagen - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By First Volkswagen - November 17 - 9:21 am

  Great car for the money. I am 6 foot 3 inches tall and still have plenty of leg room.Love the way it drives and handles the road.Very quiet inside the car to me.I have only had it for year and half .Use back and forth to work. Been on short trips 160 miles but nothing longer.I have no mechanical problems.Still would recommend buying.