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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  I love My Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By TheGodfather - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three VW jetta and a Chevy Blazer and I can say the amount of times I took all three VW to the shop was less than the number of times I took the Chevy to the shop. Thank goodness I am driving one of the best cars of our time. I dont care what anybody says. I love my new passat and my wife is going to get rid of her mitsubishi and get one too!!!. It just puts a smile on my face anytime i sit behind the wheel. I recommend anyone who wants to purchase a sedan for $21000 plus to consider a passat!!!

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  questionable reliability - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jafrizz - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is sporty, looks pretty, nice pick up but has not been the most reliable, I would not reccomend this vehicle to others right now, it has broken down and left me stranded, broke down and left me stranded for a second time alone - it has recall after recall and I pay alot to lease it and cannot wait to give it back - I cannot reley on the vehicle, I wish I can give it back now but VW will not let me - I worry when I get in it everyday!

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  passat hater - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By passat hater - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I havent even had this car for a year and I hate it! bought it used and I was so happy, Low mileage (47,000) and great looking but it wasnt long before the check engine light came on. Got that fixed now its on again. The enterior is peeling and the knobs are falling off. They must have been on a strict budget building this one. Just looking forward to the day I can trade it in for a toyota!!! And the Premium gas and Oil stinks too.

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  My Passat TDI - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lisa - August 2 - 7:40 am

  I have had my 2005 Passat TDI for a little over a year now. I absolutely love it! Not only does it provide a comfortable ride and good looks, it gets awesome fuel mileage. I do a lot of driving and I fill the tank on average about every two weeks. Also, it is very roomy and has lots of trunk space.The shiftable automatic transmission is nice too. It is a great car to have.

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  Disappointed - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - July 31 - 3:13 pm

  Terrible experience. First VW in my family and never again. Under warranty: the window motor in the passenger door breaks within a day after repair (5x "repaired"), the A/C went out after only a year and while I was finishing up the work week (in the summer, of course) and driving with the windows down/ sunroof open, the sunroof decided not to close. Lock/Unlock buttons peeling. Window shade lights (next to mirror) went out within months. Right after the warranty ran out, the entire control board and steering column went out (car wouldnt start): over $1000. Cruise control broke. And now the engine has blown: $7500 plus tax/fees to repair. Too expensive to repair!!

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  GREAT car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dee - July 31 - 1:36 pm

  Never thought Id drive a VW. Have owned BMW, Infiniti, Acura, Audi, and this car is my favorite. I wanted a wagon not an SUV, and I insist on comfortable seats. Moved up to the 4Motion for the seat, and they are the best. Handling and power are impressive. The car has absolutely no roll. Plenty of power but getting 23 mpg. Paddle shifters are fun. Just an outstanding package, worth the stiff price. If you want a wagon, the options are limited, but this one stands up to any sedan in comfort, power, styling and engineering.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rainey - July 31 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car used learned my lesson. No one writes reviews of the long term problems. A lot of electrical problems down the road. The gas mileage isnt all that wonderful either when you travel back and forth about a 100 miles a day. Mechanics dont like to work on these cars because they are so difficult to work with. And it is just a money pit. It would be a great car Im sure brand new, dont buy it used.

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  A lot of BANG for the buck! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmschweizer - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I am in no way going to tell you this is the best vehicle ever but I will say it is the most bang for the buck. I swore I would A. never buy a VW and B. buy a 4 cylinder. I was proven wrong on both points. Dont forget that the Passat is built in Germany. The Jettas are too small & built in Mexico (I have heard horror stories about the Jettas "nickle-diming" people to death). This car is solid, feels solid at speed (80mph), and is comfortable. The 4 cylinder turbo is all that you will need in power. You must drive this vehicle if you are considering a sedan. YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPPOINTED!

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  Great ride and suspension - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By riverdance - July 31 - 2:00 am

  A nice car all around. Had a Maxima before. Not quite the performane of a Maxima but more refined on the road with good suspension travel and ver quite ride. Nice sound system. Great paint and interior refinement.

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  Luxo car in disguise (steal of year) - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By meesr - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 VW Passat, with 1.8T engine and manual tranny is a delight. Solid feel, responsive engine, smooth, creamy. I considered the Jetta, but backseat was too small. The new Audi A4, great car, but it felt claustrophobic. This car is a luxurious car in disguise. It has Audi A4 underpinnings, and it feels it. It is beautiful, gets looks (i had a couple in a late model 5 series point in stare in traffic the other day), and at $22600 including Luxury Package, quite the deal. My dealer has been taking care of me. Had some initial quality problems, but they are trying hard to please. Buying xperience was top rate, I ordered the car and it arrived two months later.