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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  Avoid the TDI - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark S. - May 19 - 12:11 pm

  The turbo will fail. The radiator fan and subsequently the air conditioning will fail. The Ad-blue heater will fail. The high pressure fuel pump will likely fail. These are all very expensive repairs. Ill not buy a Volkswagen again.

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  To early to tell - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimbopa - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first non American car, overall I like the car, the v6 is has adequate power. The car is firm and noise is very low. Build quality seems good as well. The sound system is fine and most of the controls are placed well. Tranny issue-factory fix is to reflash the software-why not do it before you give me the car, now a rep needs to come in special and it take an hour and half-told this will fix. It occurs when the car is driving under 10mph then given gas, a loud bang into gear is what is heard

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  Unmatched TDI mileage, huge and comfortable, early build quality worries - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By hercules00 - May 18 - 4:21 am

  1) Mileage: You will get blown away - the EPA numbers are junk (as usual) but in the opposite direction of gas cars. Here you get more, a lot MORE than claimed. Note: Hybrids will always outperform in stop and go city traffic. However, on the highway, diesels will blow hybrids away. The choice is thus dependent on driving environment. 2) The engine is silk smooth, once above 1.3k rpm. 3) The car is big, especially the back seat and the trunk. 4) Suspension is on the softer side and absorbs bumps very nicely. 5) Very low road noise 6) Have had a couple of squeeks and rattles from the dashboard in the first month. A little worried about build quality.

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  I hope you are a mechanic - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DJW - May 14 - 10:16 am

  V-6, 5 speed. Gets great gas mileage - 26 in town, and 33 hwy. Leather interior still looks new. However, when things go south, they go quickly. Keep an eye on CV boots over 60k. At 70k, the whole top of the engine started leaking, and after 2 re-dos of the valve cover seals, they still leak. Shocks shot at 30k. Headlights go every 10K until I disabled the DRLs. Electronics in drivers door shot. Coating on interior peels. Sunroof is possessed. But - I wont sell it because the new Passat looks Japanese, nothing this good looking gets mileage like this, I still get comments on how unique and cool it is, so overall - if you are a mechanic - you cant go wrong!

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  Never Again - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disgruntled Sucker - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought new and had vehicle for over 2 years. Will never buy a VW - new or used - again. Poor, condescending dealer service; ignition coils failed one at a time - dealer replaced them one at a time (prior to VWs recalling all 02s); transmission failed & had to be replaced; impossible to smootly accelerate from stop due to poorly engineered transmission. Extremely unreliable car; the worst Ive owned since 1966.

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  Get the 6Cyl. Engine - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BigMikeR - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far for the money. If I could do it over I would opt for the 6 cyl. or W8 or TDI. 4 cyl gas strains a little until the turbo kicks in. typical 4 cyl. engine noise.

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  would not buy another one - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By hulk - May 13 - 10:00 am

  would not buy another one,problem with computer keys,leather covered material,leather comes off,had to pay 75.00 for two windshild wippers,mind you just the wippers,seems like everything cost you more on this car.

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  Passat Wagen 1.8T - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ken Krigbaum - May 11 - 2:50 pm

  To be fair, I have not had the Passat that long (2 months). It currently has 7,600 miles, mostly highway miles. So far, I have been impressed. I generally trade cars every year, and I usually buy Toyotas. I still dont think anyone matches Toyota for quality, value, reliability, etc., which begs the question, "Why a VW?" Well, to put it simply, its "the ride." It is a drivers car at a great price. To be sure, this is a touring car, and that is where it shines. At 80+mph, its "at home" getting 40 mpg or better. In the city, its performance is a bit lurchy. In traffic, the turbo isnt a great match.

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  Great family sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ericba13 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a very solid car. I have the AWD version, which is slow, even with the V6, but a great handler a very luxurious. That said, the AWD is an incredible safety feature in rain, snow, and around corners and it makes for a very safe car. (In fact, all of my cars will be AWD from now on). If you can sacrifice some power, this is the best midsize car on the market.

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  Best German sedan - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ps - May 9 - 7:50 am

  The Passat 2.0T with all the options is a superbly equiped German sedan at a bargain price. If you are considering an Audi A4 or a BMW 3-Series, get the Passat instead, you will get a car that is fully equiped with the size of the 5-Series or an Audi A6. The Passat has also a lot more perosnality than an Accord or a Camry. I traded a 2003 Audi A4 for mine and I do not regret it. A BMW 3-Series with the same equipment would have cost me $10,000 more, which is not worth it....