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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  Best Car I Have Purchased - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By colbygilbert - June 1 - 2:23 am

  It is really a great car with quick acceleration for a 4 cyl engine. Comfortable and roomy. I wish I had bought it for me and not my wife.

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  perfect car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By stefanie - May 30 - 5:10 pm

  This is my first Volkswagen car that Ive bought and I know I made a great choice with the all new 2006 Passat. It is awsome to drive and I turn so many heads driving it! Anywhere I go people ask me what kind of car it is! I got a great deal on it too.

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  Great Highway Sipper - First VW & First TDI - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By ricknlaser - May 30 - 8:54 am

  I researched and negotiated a great deal over the internet with a local dealer. Got the color and interior that I wanted in the SEL (Opera Red with Black interior). Took over a month to get from the factory but has been well worth the wait. So far I have 2700 miles and have only filled (16 gal) the tank 3 times (first one on the dealer!). Great driving and handling. I have a 90 mile per day commute in busy highway with a reasonable amount of slow down and speed up type driving. So far - averaging 46 mpg in my 3 fill ups. It is really FUN to drive! Better than any Hybrid I test drove.

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  2003 VW Passat: Beyond the call - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By leica - May 30 - 2:00 am

  A super nice auto! Well made, fun to drive,comfortable,safe and affordable. Volkswagon is killing the competition! A 15 year BMWer who is equally happy with a bunch of cash to spare. Very Well done.

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  Continuing the VW Tradition - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By bbhall - May 29 - 4:16 am

  Our fourth VW, the 2010 Passat retains a strong German character in ride, handling, interior design, and overall build quality. Great family car, with plenty of room for 4 or 5, comfortable front seats for all-day cruising, good power and fuel economy, and some very thoughtful design features. Just about the only reasonably-priced mid-size European car sold in the U.S. Weaknesses are slight hesitation when accelerating (plenty of torque and power, just a lagging transmission response) and the absence of certain features, such as auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing wipers that were found in previous versions of the Passat and most major competitors.

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  Not all its racked up to be. - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ALE - May 27 - 9:33 am

  I love my car, if it would just keep working!! I have owned 3 VWs. But my 3rd is making me look like a fool. I love the way it drives, it corners like it is on rails. Very comfortable interior, awesome sound system. Other people dont understand why I still have it. I have now been stranded 2 times and have only owned it for 15 months, with 76,ooo miles. This car is well cared for. The coils have failed, CV boots replaced, and now oil cooler failed. I hate to get rid of it, but at this point I could owe a Lexus for what it has cost me to fix this one.

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  More than my moneys worth! - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom D. - May 27 - 3:56 am

  The car is even more luxurious inside than out. When I drive in to work heads turn wondering who is in it .I personally love VW cars and this time I wanted all the goodies, well I got them in this car! I spent more than I originally wanted to but Im not complaining now!

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  why poor value? - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By batcycle - May 25 - 1:43 pm

  This is the most reliable car I have ever had. It has all the bells and whistles and then some (besides the lack of a cup holder), great comfort, great gas mileage (30+mpg), and now 63000 miles and counting. Why is it not retaining its value when it is so well rated?

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  Might Want One - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By G G G - May 21 - 1:50 am

  Still looking. I was set on the Acura 3.2TL or Nissan Maxima. Went on a test Passat 1.8T test drive. Cant get this car out of my mind. I absolutly loved it. The 2 cars I mentioned have 250+ HP but the VW just seemed like more fun to drive, and I love to drive.

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  Im a VW lover...but! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimbousman@yahoo.com - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive had 8 or 9 VWs over the last zillion years. Ive had everything from beetles to busses, GTI/GlIs to Passats. They were bullet proof and cheap to fix. And then theres my 99 wagon. Love the car. Love the ride. Love the look. Love the toys...but do not love the cost of maintenance. When they tell you it is a bargain Audi they forget to tell you that Audi’s ain’t cheap to fix. Pay $500 to fix the ball joint, and $65 for a windshield a wiper relay and it’s trying to tell me something. I now have 106K on the clock and plan to sell it. Hate to sell it but this car is definitely not a high mile risk. It’s a shame!