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:

• 

  Passat TDI Where have you been??? - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By laskot87 - April 20 - 8:32 pm

  I just bought my first VW. The Passat TDI SE w/ Sunroof. WOW!!!! this car glides... suspension is a little stiff but it rides on rails. Looks wicked sharp!!! originally wanted black on black but as hard as these have been to find i went with Midnight Blue and was not disappointed! I live in the northeast and there was only one of these in Maine!!! i got mine from Prime auto in Saco Maine.... Head in there and ask for Kyle he was awesome...(tell him i sent you) service was great, price was great. No its not an american engineered car, but american people are hard at work building them!!!

• 

  Very happy with my Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mladen - April 20 - 5:03 pm

  I wrote a review back in 2006 - now I see I was unfair to this vehicle... 3 1/2 years later and 35000 miles later I like it even more... It has been a stellar performer and a fun car to have. I am planning on a major service in about 6 months (timing belt) and expect to drive it another 6-7 years. What a jewel...

• 

  great car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmac - April 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new in 99. I had a 93 Passat Wagon with a VR6 before this Passat. The 99 is a completely different car, and way better. Mine has the 1.8T with a 5-speed. Fun to drive, great gas mileage. I have not had any problems. Replaced the brakes at about 50K, stay current on servicing.

• 

  Excellent Choice - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Darblake - April 18 - 2:33 am

  Traded an 02 BMW X5 and at this point, mind you its been 3 days, couldnt be happier. The feel of this vehicle will rival any other German made car on the road. The ride is a little rougher than the X5, which is ironic for a car vs SUV comparison, but you "feel" the road which makes the drive that much more enjoyable. Having driven it to work, for the past 3 days, I have put a total of 205 miles on it and am still above 1/2 tank of gas. Nice bonus considering the price per gallon. The features/amenities are definitely high end. Originally a little hesitant about making the switch but the quality/ performance eliminated that.

• 

  dont buy one new or used - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sadly VWed - April 17 - 2:00 am

  My first lemon. Trim peeled off the back and front door. In 8 months never fixed by dealer. 2 power window openers failed. Must pound on dash to get lights for heat to work. Wont start in the rain. Needs new computer at $500 which should be a recall. Cylinders constantly misfiring. Replaced most of electric system, the wires, coils, etc. Keys to doors break. Bushings in front end degrade. Dealers arrogant expensive and incompetent. Heat sheild is rattling. All of this in the first 50,000 miles. I am selling mine for $9000. Im going to buy a five year old Camry and take the loss.

• 

  How Depressing. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By c451 - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought it in late 2001 and have put 26k miles on it in 3 year. COMPLETELY dissapointed. Bad coils, front end always out of alignment and unable to set to factory called-for settings, broken front and rear lighter outlets, rear window doesnt go up half the time, broken AC vent, handle broke off of glove box, doors creak, rear ashtray fell out and is broken. Just bad, so bad. Too bad, too. Im 41 BTW and regularly buy or lease new cars, and am not hard on them, so it isnt me. Id avoid it were I you, and Im staying away from VW from here on out.

• 

  new owner(4months) - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By johnwouters - April 15 - 10:00 am

  selected this model for price,style and fuel economy 4cylinder. after 2weeks you get a letter notifying you of the 4cyl engines problems with oil clogging. whats good is you are covered by and 8yr unlimited mileage transferrable warranty for this problem. whats bad is the need to use synthetic oil at scheduled oil changes (double the price) and the need to maintain documentation of all services should this problem arise. this was a disappointment for me becuase i think a 4cylinder engine should provide the lowest maintenance costs. i am averaging 24 mpg over 5000 miles. the car so far has been enjoyable, but i am coming off an acura tl

• 

  Another Volkswagen Bust - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DDevi - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is possibly the worst car I have ever driven. At eight months old the vehicle needed a new transmission. Shortly thereafter I have had purge valve problems, a blown speaker, and at twenty two thousand miles the fuel pump went along with the rear brakes (rotors and pads). A completely unreliable vehicle. I will never look at another VW.

• 

  2008 Passat Wagon - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mulfomi2 - April 13 - 6:36 am

  Great car so far but its only been a week. My wife is the primary driver and loves it over her minivan. It is sportier than my 2001.5 Passat. Interior is nicely done. Kids love the sun shades.

• 

  Follow Up - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mbehn - April 13 - 2:03 am

  Follow up to review last year. Car is not 2+ years old with 39K Miles. Runs beautifully, with one recall for a switch, one service for a loose A/C condensation hose - both free of charge. Still as tight and sweet as when purchased, and the Perellis are still in great shape. So far, so good!