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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  Basic trans to and from work. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nick Mancini - July 12 - 12:37 pm

  Only had the car a week, diesel , 5 speed manual trans. About 40 mpg, too soon to give honest review.

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  Instead of an SUV - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gary in CA - July 7 - 2:20 pm

  I was shopping for small to medium SUV to replace my BMW convertible. This 2007 Passat Wagon supplies the fun-to-drive factor that I craved, with the cargo area that I needed, in a well-fitted, comfortable, full-featured package...and it kept me under my $30,000 ceiling. Im also delighted with the 23/31 gas mileage. As a bonus, my fashion-conscious fiancee will allow herself to be seen in and to drive my new Passat Wagon. This vehicle gets lots of style points.

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  150,000+ miles and still going! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By natea - July 6 - 9:42 pm

  Overall, this has been an excellent vehicle. To me the most impressive aspect of the car is how it drives so well in snow & rain. I did have a few issues with the front end suspension around the 135,000 mile mark, but they have not come back since. Fuel economy has been as advertised averaging around 23 highway & 17 city. The exterior fit & finish is relatively decent, and the interior is so well built, it still looks almost like new. Ive never driven anything but VWs. (I also have an 04 Passat Sedan). Keep in mind, VW is not like Honda/Toyota, VWs require a little more work, but will easily surpass the 500,000 mile mark. As long as you take care of a VW, it will take care of you.

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  The Versatile Vehicle - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By TS - July 6 - 2:56 am

  This is the first time I have bought a VW. I like the driving and handling of the new Passat 2.0T. The interior of the new Passat is laid out well and with the red/blue backlights the interior looks so nice at night. I am very happy with the gas mileage. With 200 hp, I average 24-27 mpg in mix driving (mostly city). The trip computer is awesome. If youre out for shopping for a compact to midsize SUV, you should look at the new Passat Wagon. It has a smooth drive, looks nice, has ample luggage space, and will save you money on gas.

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  Repairs equal purchase price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hassef - July 5 - 10:57 am

  My brother bought this car for a little old lady 9 months ago for 5k. Haha, ya right. He has already spent 4k fixing it and his mechanic says the ball joints are going, onther 1k. What a lemon. I drove the car, it may or may not have been owned by a little old lady but it definitely drives like one. What a piece of junk.

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  Vdub - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dub the VDub - July 4 - 10:46 am

  I previously owned a 98 passat and loved it, even though it gave me nothing but problems. I Recently got the 2006 passat and all i can say is WOW. I am uber pleased with what i got. The original owner paid $32,000.00 and with only 39560 miles on it i managed to get the price from 21k to a simple 16k. By far the best car i have invested in. I love the power and performance. I suggest you use Amsoil Full synthetic oil 5w 40 European blend. It makes the power of the 225hp and turbo show through with amazing up and down shifts also helps car start immediately in cold. This will not be my last Volks. I think that this car will out last my last on. the Germans know how to engineer. Buy one!!

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  First time VW owner...so far, so good - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By KCjayhawk - July 4 - 9:50 am

  Purchased the 07 Passat wagon used in March with less than 10K miles and so far it is a real joy to drive. I too like many am experiencing some unpleasant squeaking in the dash area, but my local dealer assures me it can be fixed. Traded in a 4Runner and I have about the same amount of cargo space, its actually longer than my wifes Grand Cherokee. If you are tired of getting beat up driving an SUV, this is a great alternative. Engine, while a little clunky sounding on the outside, is very smooth and responsive. The interior is gracefully simplistic with all of the controls intuitively placed. Although there will probably be a learning curve if you are a first time VW owner like myself

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  Best midsized sedan out there by far! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vdublover - July 3 - 3:36 pm

  We researched and drove Accord, Camry, and various other makes including Audi and Volvo. The Passat is the "Just Right" car in this segment. With plenty of power and fuel economy topped off with nice styling and comfort, this car suits my aggressive driving style, my wifes stylish taste, and my two kids space necessity. VW has won again!!

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  Big surprise from VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By japcarsowner - July 2 - 6:33 am

  This car looks and feels like a luxury car. It never hints itself as a sub-30k vehicle. With its refreshing style and interior design, as well as rich features, it makes you love it more as every day goes by. But if the aformentioned points are of no importance, and you only care about a pratical family sedan, you might as well save a few (thousand) bucks getting an Accord or Camry.

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  A Good Midsize Buy - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bobert - June 27 - 11:40 pm

  I bought my Passat as a VW Certified Pre-Owned Car. Its been a good purchase so far. If I had driven 12,000 rather than 15,000 miles each year the car would have held its value better, but I can still sell it for more than I owe. The fuel economy of this carsV6 engine has been fairly good. I got 29 to 30 mpg on my last road trip from Seattle to Los Angeles. The best part is you can use 87 grade (regular gas) and it wont ping. I dont even notice the performance difference. The CD changer has been replaced once and is going through errors again. I would recommend an aftermarket CD player, except VW does diagnostics through the factory tape player so if you ever need maintance, youd have to put the stock radio back in.