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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  no longer a vw lifer - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By nyc owner - September 8 - 9:40 am

  Had VWs since I was 16 and loved them all. Grew up, made some money, and went upscale. I loved this car a lot when I bought it. Its no tin can, its a solid car (reminded me of a Mercedes) with a smooth ride. So why did they cheap out on the interior with all the plastic? Then there was the overall durability. Seems that the car cant handle its own weight, and the NYC streets killed the tires and axles. Also, the engine strained to get the behemoth moving, and I learned fast that it did not stop on a dime like a Jetta. Then, the problems. Annoying rattle in dash that VW refused to fix after 3rd attempt, Then the cars 4 faulty ignition coils, ea caused separate trips to dealer

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  Caution Buyers - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tim - September 6 - 6:23 pm

  2006 3.6L Passat loaded. Passenger side Xenon headlights gone out for the second time. Can you believe a $ 460.00 repair. Incredible! Bumper needs removal to replace bulb. This car has only 17K miles on it. Thank god it was under warranty but Im worried when the warranty ends. Other than this problem, love this car. Dealership has been great with any repairs since its under warranty.

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  A Portuguese view of VW Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By helder alves - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My experience with Passat starts in 1999 with wagon 1,9L TDI with 110Hp, M 5 gear, after that i had the sedan too, with same motor. A few mounths ago, i change them for a new wagon passat 1,9L TDI but 6 M gear and 130HP and the sedan is now the Audi A4 with same motor. I like very much Passat, the price in Portugal is fair, about 35000 USD with taxes, for a confortable, reliable, economic and prestige brand car. Ive never drive an automatic passat, i supposed its not so emotional. Comparing with A4, in Portugal we pay more 5000 USD, wich i think it dont worth, despite A4 being one of the most beatifull car in the world.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By wivw22 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Very well built and thought-after vehichle. Everything is were you would expect it and works with the quality you expect. Performance is excellent and fuel economy is incredible. The Passat could easily become a performance sedan with some serious tires and rims.

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  Fun to drive ... expensive to maintain. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By big guy - September 4 - 8:23 pm

  I leased this Passat based on its size and safety. I love the way it drives but dont love the maintenance costs. I had to replace the stock tires at 18k mi. and replaced the front and rear brake rotors at around 21k miles. Now have 40k miles and rear rotors are warped again (I dont drive aggressively and use the car to commute 15 miles back and forth to work). Replaced 2 headlamps, 3 tail lamps, and the latch broke on glove box at 23k miles that dealer wouldnt cover under warranty. Initially loved the car but the shine is off the apple after spending more on maintenance than previous 3 cars combined.

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  Luxury at a nice price - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By okcomputer - September 4 - 3:46 pm

  VWs have come under fire for poor reliability in the past few years. It is unfortunate because they make some luxurious cars and offer features that other makers cant match at VWs prices. I love our Passat, and have not had major issues with it. It is a dream to drive, always gets compliments, and its decent on gas as well.

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  Love My TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Nora - September 3 - 12:33 pm

  Handling is typically European tight. Acceleration is more than adequate for everyday situations. The GL environmental system is basic, but it works well. The GL level trim is basic and affordable at $ 23,000.00. No sunroof. No electric seats. This really a basic driving machine. The feel is solid, with good quakity finish. I recently drove a rental Nissan Altima & prefer the VW GL TDI hands down!

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  Excellent car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By desertracer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Had a 98 Golf GL and got the 2003 1.8T GLS with leather option on Sat. Its a nice car to drive. The manual transmission is reponsive. Gas milage is excellent. Features are great. Fresno Green exterior color is subtle.

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  So far, wonderful! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Vixter - August 24 - 3:13 pm

  Ive only had my first VW for 2 months, but so far, its wonderful! I was a Toyota Solara owner for a long time; but with aging parents, they were not able to get into the back seat. I wanted a 4 door, sporty car and I finally found one. I told the dealers I was looking for 3 things: good-looking (inside and out), a comfortable car, and the right price. The Passat has it all.

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  This Car Will Save Your Life! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By richm - August 23 - 6:00 pm

  I purchased my immaculate and gently used 2006 Passat in February 07 (it had only 8K miles), and was able to enjoy it for about 4 months before it was tragically killed last week in an accident. I was t-boned on the drivers side by a car traveling about 35 mph. The 5 star crash test rating is well deserved! The side curtain and lumbar airbags all deployed as designed, and there was minimal intrusion into the cabin. My passenger and I were able to walk away unharmed. The outstanding engineering that made this possible cannot be underestimated! Sadly, "Pascal" could not be repaired, but I WILL buy another one just like it. If youre thinking safety, trust me, this car will save your life!