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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  1-month review - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By BK - October 26 - 5:20 am

  Purchased on September 12th, 2009. Test drove BMW 328,335; Mercedec Benz 300, 350; Acura TL; Infiniti G37. Although all of these cars were great, I found the perfect mix of driveability and fun factor in my Passat. I only have about 750 miles on it right now and I am trying to break- in the car as gently as possible. But you can feel the surge of power when you just tap the accelerator. So far Ive had no problems. VW offers a 90- day or 6K miles free check up, which I intend to to take advantage of. Since I have not taken it on a long trip, I do not have true HWY mileage; however, so far, I am averaging around 25 mpg with 60/40 Hwy/city.

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  Sporty Sedan - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Scott - October 26 - 3:20 am

  The new 2006 Passat is a car with a lot of enthusiasism. The 4-cylinder turbo engine gives you the boost on demand for highway driving. The handling is as good or better than the more expensive BMW 3-Series. The interior room is great if you have a family. It has a lot of trunk space and the back seat has room for multiple baby seats. So if you travel with children the space is a big plus. The leather interior and in dash CD player add a nice luxury touch to this model. It is fun to drive and covers all the practical bases for family use.

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  Great family car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jian Sun - October 24 - 10:00 am

  With potent V6 and 5 speed tiptronic transmission, its a great compromise between my wife (hates 5 speed manual) and me. Switching from Subaru Forester, Im very impressed by this wagons smooth, quietness and comfort. It has plenty of space in the back seats and good cago space.

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  Nice car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By maggy - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The car drives well, plenty of performance and handling. Well designed and built solid, all of the whistles and bells come standard.

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  Great car, so so gas Milage - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Louanne - October 23 - 5:30 pm

  I traded in my 2001 Passat for this new Passat. Like my other, Im pleased with the handling, low road noise, roominess in the interior and trunk and overall comfort. The only downfall so far is the gas Milage. It touts 24/36. So far Im getting about 21 mph with my gas engine! Quite a disappoint. Overall great car.

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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anonamouse - October 23 - 5:03 pm

  This is a great car! I was torn between the BMW 325 and the Passat. After doing some research I felt that the Passat was a better value. I decided on the Relfex Silver with grey leather and its beautiful. I never thought I would use the heated seats, but now I LOVE them. They stay on 5 everday! What will I do in the summer?

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  Safety only - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jenm - October 22 - 4:13 am

  I previously had a 2001 Jetta and was in a bad accident and walked away with a scratch on my arm. This made me a big advocate of the VWs. Then I bought my 02 Passat. It has been in the shop several times for the coils, the radio (which still gets limited am reception), brake light, etc. At 25,000 I had to replace the manual transmission. The dealer quoted $2000!!! I shopped it and got a new one for $1100. According to the dealer this was the only clutch that went out that early other than a guy who raced his car. I am a 32 year old cpa - I do not race! Regardless, I had a major out of pocket repair on a 2 yr old vehicle - never again!

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  "Terrible Car" - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By "please run away" - October 21 - 12:23 am

  i bought this car used with 125000 miles on it.The troubles started 2 days after i bought it. First the right cv axle and rigt after i replaced it, the left one went out. There is also a bad oil leak that i cant figure out where it is coming from. I also hear a whining noise when i turn my steering wheel to the left.. This car has just been a nightmare after just three weeks of owning it.

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  2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By skip - October 19 - 11:43 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat has a great ride. We have the 4Motion GLS model and we are pleased with the whole car, but wish the gas milage was better than 27 to 28 miles to gallon highway, but for an all wheel drive its fair on gas.

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  A Commuters Dream - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Leah Bryant - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the car during the test drive. I was very impressed by the quick response of the Turbo compared to the others cars that I had test driven. It has stable solid feeling while drving so I feel safe. But the best thing of all is that my car insurance rate dropped because of the ALL the safety features it has!