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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  Teutonic Solidity - Fun To Drive! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By m-photo - November 17 - 3:23 am

  Ive had the car for seven months now. Its had zero problems so far, no defects. The 2.0T engine is very quick! The car is nimble and crispy. The platform is really rigid. Im an auto enthusist so I drive the car hard. The brakes are excellent. I love the "brake assist". The steering is pretty good, but its a little light. Under hard acceleration theres quite a bit of torque steer - meaning the car veers to the right somewhat. Most people wont notice it, but I really dig into the accelerator. This is normal w/ Front Wheel Drive cars. The transmission is pretty good. It downshifts quickly for passing. I would prefer the Tiptronic function to be adjacent to the Sport setting though.

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  Top of the line VW? - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lori Cox - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Love driving the car, hate the design. You would think buying the top of the line VW would insure top of the line quality. Not so. All four door handles have broken (some more than once), power windows failing, and weve had several mechanical failures before 50000 miles. Dealers are inept and rude. Dealer parts and labor are astronomical. I will never buy a VW again.

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  Hate this VW Passat - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hate my VW - November 17 - 2:00 am

  How can I describe the worst car experience of my life. We bought this car used in 99 with 60K miles on it. Admittedly, we have driven many many highway miles and the car now has 196K on it but everything, everything has broken. Weve replaced the brakes four times, two "super reliable Audi" transmissions (dont buy that sales feature), constant problems with door handles, constant front end problems, etc etc. We thought the car was cool and powerful- the best compromise for a growing family buying a station wagon. What we ended up with was a huge money pit that has not had the check engine light off for more than a week since we bought it.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Adriver - November 14 - 1:46 pm

  Bought 3.6 Luxury model with less than 7K miles. Absolute pleasure to drive, when its not in the shop. I love this car but it has been at the dealer at least once every month for a repair - usually electrical stuff in the past. Now with 31K miles they are installing a new engine! Oil pump bolt came loose. My wife wants to sell it and get another Subaru. I cant argue too much - weve had 4 Subs, all went over 200K without a problem. Last VW, 01 Jetta TDI, replaced Turbo at 118K miles, glow plug problems often, check engine light on often - it too was fun to drive but I want to give the Passat one more chance to stay out of the shop, but I think Ill have to face reality & sell it.

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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By djbaumga - November 10 - 7:20 pm

  When I was looking to purchase this car, all my research told me this car has engine problems. I got this with a brand new engine and have run nothing but Mobil 1 full synthetic oil. As a result, this thing has been incredible! Only routine maintenance has come up. Great fun to drive and very stylish as well.

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  A Great Cruiser - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By wonderful - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I have put 37000 mostly highway miles on this car in 22 months. A quiet, powerful, fast, smooth cruiser on the open road; an A-4 in disguise on crooked roads. Best sedan I have ever driven. Reliability has been excellent. One stop fixed all four coils on a bad running engine. No other problems. Looked at high-end Accords, Camray, etc., but they are way behind in class and pesonality to the Passat.

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  No Flash Necessary - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By v - November 7 - 6:00 am

  The Volkswagen Passat is an understated beauty that drives very smoothly. Strangers stop me on the street to talk about it.

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  There is a reason for the short warranty - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I purchased 2 used VW prior. No issues with them. Finally got my brand new wagon. Love the performance and style. Hate all the issues. I am selling it and not sure what the replacement will be. I have spent more money out of pocket in 4 years on this car than my 10 year old Ford Taurus... by a lot. If VW extended its warranty greater than 36 months, the company would go under with the extra cost. I have contacted VW of America several times and my complaints fell on deaf ears. If you are reviewing for potentially buying a VW, dont buy one.

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  People need to understand their cars better - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw2003b5 - November 5 - 2:11 am

  This is my second VW i got this one very used it had 160K and one thing i can say for sure is you have to make sure all your maintenance is done up to date. These cars are very sensitive to that. I do my repairs my self Synthetic oil MANN filter Premium Gas and good K&N air filter Im getting close to 30mpg on High way and 25.5 mpg in the city. Dealer is the last place i would go they are rip off specially Valley Motors in Hunt valley MD Changing oil and never touche filter or charging for service they dont do. Help your self and find a good small shop tech that knows VW and go to him he will keep you rolling for my repairs other than oil change I go to Izzy auto service in Reisterstown

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  Great Car, Blows Away Everything Else in the Class - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By First New VW - November 5 - 12:24 am

  We looked at a number of cars in the class and none of them compared to the Passat. For about $19K, you get a great card that is fun to drive and very roomy. We have only had it a few weeks, but so far we think it is great and it still puts a smile on our face when we drive it. For all of you tall people, out 64" son and our 65" son in law fit great in the back seat with room to spare. Compared to anything else in the class it has better pickup and is really fun to drive. Great Job VW, cant figure out why these are not selling like "hot cakes."