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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  Could use more oomph!, but still GREAT! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Flanders_Ned - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I am overall very satisfied with the vehicle and given the choice again I would buy the same car. I especially love the heated leather seats. The car looks great in black leather with every feature covered in materials that make you feel like you are in a much more expensive car. My only gripe is the lack of power for a V6. The car feels like it could use about 40-50 more horses, especially in the low end. Also, it is a little too soft in the suspension, i.e. body roll, squat and dive. It is the closest feeling you can get to driving a BMW or Mercedes for about half the price.

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  Good Looking Junk Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jane - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I regret purchasing this car. It has been in for ignition coild replacements with less that 5,000 miles on the car. BAsed on information from 6 VW owners with the same problem I learned that if it happened once it will happen again. Volkswagon customer service denies any problems even though they have a backorder on the parts. A BIG DISAPOINTMENT - UNRELIABLE

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  03 Passat GLX (5A) - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Bush - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I believe that the Passat is the best 4 door family sedan for the money (compared to Honda (didnt care for the 03 Accord redesign), Toyota, and Acura (TL Type-S didnt do it for me)- it DOESNT compare to domestic products). A quality German-engineered and built car, many features for the money (interior design and fit and finish alone make this a wonderful car), safety (side curtain air bags, etc.), and good looks to boot. May be a few $K more than Japanese cars, but once you drive one, youll understand why. I came out of a BMW and wanted to stay with German quality, reliability, etc. and feel that this is a good compromise.

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  I love my new car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By acazero - August 23 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my new passat...I had considered buying an Altima but I am very glad that I chose the passat instead. I absolutely love my car...and the price cannot be matched!!

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  Its a great car when it runs - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jd-nmi - August 23 - 2:00 am

  This wagon drives like a sports car when it runs. VW has had ignition coil troubles with all of the 1.8L V6 and W8 engines. Car has failed 2 times and is still at shop. No parts available- 1000s of VWs all in shop with the same problem. VW will only fix the broken componets so it will be back to the shop when the next two coils fail or cashed in under the Lemon Law. VW customer service is the worst in the industry.

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  VW WINS! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By car expert - August 18 - 8:46 pm

  If you want a European car, the VW Passat VR6 is outstanding! Great value compared to other German cars. The clean style, design, fit & finish in my Passat is beautiful. A lot of people cant believe its a VW! And I saved $$$! The car has been reliable on top of a 4 yr 50K warranty. The list of standard features is huge! Ive owned lots of cars, German, Japanese and American made, this Passat is clearly a great car for the money! If youre looking for a mid-size car, check out and drive the Passat, it will win you over! If you can afford the VR6, youll enjoy the extra power, handling and soft leather seats that will cradle you! Combined gas mileage has been 21+ mpg for my fast driving.

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  Sweet rRide - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brianb - August 18 - 6:10 pm

  This is a smoooth car. There is power any time in any gear, and the gas mileage isnt bad. Its design will not go out of style. Ill happily drive this car for years to come.

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  A Great Driving Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dickie - August 18 - 12:40 pm

  This is my second VW in forty years of car ownership. The first was a new 1968 Beetle bought from the same dealership. What a difference in 38 years! Despite all the nostalgia about VW Beetles, they were noisy, underpowered and freezing cold in Canadian winters (even with the gas heater). The Passat is the exact opposite, it is quiet, has great handling and feels very luxurious to someone who owned fifteen American, Russian and Japanese cars in the years between 1974 (when the Beetle died) and 2005. We have really enjoyed the Passat on long trips of 800 km. per day, commuting back and forth for two hours per day and just puttering around town. It has lots of space and is very reliable.

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  This Driver Not Wanted - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Driver Not Wanted - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car 1 year used. For the first year I owned it, the car was a dream. Good acceleration, great handling, comfortable ride. In the second year (after the warranty expired), the wagon averaged 1 shop visit a month! Some things were minor recalls/repairs. Others were major malfunctions in my opinion. Decarboning valves, seatbelt issues, oil leaks around the cam seals, etc... This was the top of the line model, only 3 years old with 50k miles! So unreliable, I had to trade it in. Give serious thought to purchasing....try leasing if anything!

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  Not so thrilled anymore. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By gotoknow - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has occassional acceleration hesitation and may lurch forward uncomfortably when moving from a stop. Passing can be dangerous, too...I can not always get effective acceleration when I need it to safely pass. I feel like Im about to be run over. I smell a mild burning rubber smell from the engine compartment after driving a couple of hours.