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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  Passat Piece of Junk - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Former Passat Driver - June 27 - 1:06 pm

  My 1997 Volkswagen Passat is a completely unexpected bad product from Germany! This is the biggest hunk of junk we have ever owned. We bought it with resonable miles on it. Shortly after owning it all the electronic issues began. VW mechanics removed entire dash to fix some of the problems which reset digital mileage. There goes the equity! I have had so many problems with this thing (I agree with all other comments made here..too many to list...). We thought many times about finding one of the hurricanes and leaving it in the heart of the storm. It has finally died and we will not be sad to say goodbye! Buyer beware...looking at the other years after this car, it doesnt look like Passat has fixed any issues with this car!

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  Fun and Reliable - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By vandal - June 26 - 10:33 pm

  What a great car! It is smooth, roomy, and has plenty of torque. It is well appointed. The interior craftsmanship is top notch. It is easy to get comfortable in any seat, which makes it great for long trips. It is 5 years old and its still as tight and rattle free as when it was brand new. The exterior is a cinch to care for. It handles well in all weather conditions, Ive blown by other chain equipped cars on broken snow floor. This is absolutely the most reliable car Ive ever owned.

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  Looks great - rarely runs! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By el - June 25 - 10:00 am

  My VW Passat wagon has about 17,ooo miles and is 15 months old. It has spent 15 days in the shop and will go in again Monday, as the turbo is now making airplane noises. I have had all 4 ignition coils replaced. My car is on its 3rd defective stereo. The key was stuck in the ignition for 9 days. The faulty electrical system caused the locks and windows to go up and down while driving (in MN)! After several complaints to my "advocate" at VW, I was offered a free 20000 mile tune up for my troubles. I am constantly worried that I will need to be towed again. I have the roadside assistance number programmed into my cell phone speed dial.

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  Worth every penny - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By douglasu1 - June 25 - 10:00 am

  When the W8 first appeared last year, many of the reviews were extremely unhelpful, focusing on "who is going to pay almost $40K for a VW" rather than the substantive qualities of this unique vehicle. I have driven this car for 18 months now and have absolutely no complaints. Fact is, there is no other vehicle that remotely comes close to matching this cars standard features for anything like the price. It looks and drives better than the A6. I have no idea why VW doesnt market the car more heavily in the U.S., but I for one am happy to keep the secret. People who know about cars like this car.

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  Dont Buy It!!! VWs Expensive To Fix!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By manny41 - June 23 - 9:22 pm

  This car sucks getting it repaired is expensive too much money!!! get a Toyota or Honda Best Cars Around!!!

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  Shocked at the problems you all have - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tommy D. - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car new in late 99. 4cyl tubo with 5 speed. Didnt take the greatest care of it and still driving it into the ground. Only issue was the timing belt which cost me $1200 when it blew on the freeway at 100k miles which was just over the suggested change amount. Tip for everyone-DO NOT TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALER! Someone mentioned you have to have the battery changed at a dealer. What crap.I changed all mine and I am no mechanic. Also, premium gas, you are kidding! U dont need it, never used it once. I have $185k and have spent about $2500 on maintenance over 10 years. Simple oil changes-$35 and a brake job for $200 ea 5 years or so. On my 3rd set of costco tires. be smarter!

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  Good Car Poor Realiability - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dele - June 22 - 3:00 am

  I think VW ought to spend as much time on quality and reliability as they do on style! I bought the 2001 new passat, I pretty much know all the service guys in southeastern wisconsin by name by the second year, even though I do all the required service and do less that 12,000 miles a year! I have had problem from system failure to engine light on to tie rod problems in the first three years. This year alone I have spend over $2000 on the car! Even my friends 2000 Ford Taurus is more reliable! I have called VW to complain, the lady politely told me I am out of warranty and there nothing they can do! I happen to have the 24 months full service warranty they had back in 2001

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  Unreliable and cheaply made make for an expensive piece of junk - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By nmanspach - June 21 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 2007, have never missed a scheduled service, and take pride in keeping a neat and clean car. My car should be in tip top shape, but it is a broken piece of junk. The transmission, turbo, and starter have all been replaced. The engine light is always coming on. The electrical system has had work done several times. I often either cant open or cant close the windows or sunroof and the back lift-gate gets stuck partially open. Sometimes the computer language switches to German, but restarting the car fixes that. The interior finishes started deteriorating and coming apart at 30,000 miles. Today, two days after its 75,000 mile scheduled service, it wont start.

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  Best VW yet - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By MichiganVW - June 21 - 5:16 pm

  We have owned a bug (1972), Jetta (1987) and Golf (1995), and this Passat (2005). This car was picked by my wife with automatic, but the TDI was my idea. I was slow to warm to this car. Too fancy for my taste. But as time goes on, this car is becoming my favorite sedan. Solid build, no mechanical problems at all, and an ultimate highway ride (with 38-40 mpg!). The planets lined up right for the 2005 Passat TDI. Cant wait for my next VW TDI. Im hooked.

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  Almost as Fun to Drive as my Viper - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve S. - June 20 - 4:43 am

  I bought a 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 for my wife but I seem to be doing all the driving in it. Coming from a Mercedes-Benz S500 owner and former Viper owner, this car is a joy to drive. With the Sport package it actually has more options than my 2000 model S500 Benz. It is not quite as smooth, classy looking, or roomy but it definitely is more fun to drive. The navigation system is a bit complicated but it does the trick. When driving in "Sport" mode it has great umff out of the corners. The steering / handling is great. You feel one with the road. The 280 HP makes it easy to pass "Gramps" moseying down the highway.