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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  vw - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cheeseychuck2002 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  the best car for the money in the world

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  Buy it if you have own gas-station - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Umi - July 26 - 3:30 am

  We got VW Passat 02 wagon on 06.2007 in CarMax with 51K miles on it. For the 7 month after we bought it, we spent $1500 for repairs. I got 16.5 mpg per city and 22 mpg on highway. It is the worst car: No Fuel Economy, High cost of maintenance. Bad Electric, brakes, and engine part. I did not expect the bad quality from German car producer, but I experienced it with my Passat. Service cost is too high. After 3 month the problems started with window power and electric cables&wires. Nobody could explain why station wagon "eats" gasoline as a Chevy Suburban. It is unbelievable, but I got 16 miles per gallon in city. I will never buy any VW product and would not recommend to someone else. Just bad

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  02 Passat GLS Auto - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ericm - July 26 - 2:00 am

  So far, after having it for 26K miles I have not had any major problems. A few ninor things fixed (Back rear window would not roll down, Chrome trim was coming off). I think the car is still fun to drive. I like the detail of the interior and look of exterior. The black on black combo still looks as good as day one. My only concern is the average MPG (25mpg according to the trip computer). Not 31 as on the sticker...

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  Better than anything in its class. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By DSM - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car simply blows away anything in its class in terms of quality and drivability. It is an absoulte dream to own. Sure, it is a bit of a premium compared to other cars, but it is worth every penny. And as for "higher end cars" near its class, still no comparison. The Passat is a classy car that is fun to drive. I have had no real problems with my Passat, and I have no intentions of parting with it anytime soon. And when I do, chances are it will be another Passat.

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  Better than anything in its class. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dsm - July 19 - 10:00 am

  This car simply blows away anything in its class in terms of quality and drivability. It is an absoulte dream to own. Sure, it is a bit of a premium compared to other cars, but it is worth every penny. And as for "higher end cars" near its class, still no comparison. The Passat is a classy car that is fun to drive. I have had no real problems with my Passat, and I have no intentions of parting with it anytime soon. And when I do, chances are it will be another Passat.

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  Fantastic - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Duck - July 18 - 3:26 pm

  Its time to hear from one of the many, many happy VW owners. This is my 4th new VW since 1983. All of my VWs have been very reliable and my Passat has been the MOST reliable so far. Thats why I keep buying VWs! My nearest Volkswagen service department is 120 miles from where I live. Ive only take the car in for its scheduled maintenance. The VR6 is very powerful and helps to make this car a blast to drive. The Dynaudio sound system is the very best Ive heard in any vehicle. This car is proof once again that the finest automobiles in the world are engineered just an on-ramp away from the Autobahn. Im selling this one to my brother who owns a 1998 Passat which has also been very reliable

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  problem after problem - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By j - July 16 - 1:56 pm

  I bought this car brand new and each yer I have had to pay out at least 2,000 or more a year for repairs, now my car needs a new engine. My car stayed in the shop for 4 mths at a time I have had to put my car in the shop at least 3 time a year

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  A driving machine! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWConvert - July 16 - 2:36 am

  I just picked up my Artic Blue Silver 2006 2.0T Passat with Luxury Package 2. It is a dynamite vehicle. I test drove the Honda Accord, and it felt "vanilla." Im so glad that I purchased the Passat. It has a solid feel on the road, the 6th gear really helps quiet the engine (rpms) on the highway. I havent heard any wind noise at 65 mph +. I think that is due to the Dynaudio system which is top-notch! Driving at night with the guages (red/blue) is nice. All of the buttons and touch points are solid!

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  They forgot to sweat these details - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By nhsto - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Poor reliability. $4000 in repairs in year 4 of ownership. Oil cooler gasket, valve cover gasket & cam seals, windshield wiper fluid reservoir pump and tank replaced, (Mass airflow sensor replaced after numerous problems catalytic convertor replaced, warranty), rear passenger window regulator replaced, driver side will need replacement soon, new battery at 60k kms, throttle body service 2x, rear brake light bulbs replaced withing first year, headlights replaced in 2nd year. new tires, uneven wear, rear brakes replaced 60k kms. Current milage: 96k, kms Cup holders are useless and are all broken. 1.6 km per mi

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  70,000 miles without problem - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Curtson - July 12 - 7:30 pm

  Most writers seem to have complaints but that is not my experience. I wrote about this car at 42,000 miles and am doing a follow-up. I still like this car as much as I did then. Ive had to replace the headlight bulbs, a couple relay switches, and the rear lights. The timing belt replacement ($600) is usually done at 90,000 miles but Im doing it at 80,000 to be on the safe side. Ive replaced it in other cars so dont see this as an unusual expense. Slightly more expensive total repairs than my wifes 2005 Camry but its a lot more fun - we always take this car.