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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  Looks Good/Bad Mechanical Experience - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jumpman - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Did lots of homework.Mechanical nightmare. Poor warranty. Problems include replacement of $1,300 electrical part in 3 months, replacement of brakes in 1st year, engine knock and piston replacement in year, engine vacuum hose in need of replacement @ 36,000 miles, both headlights replaced and engine related recall. Everything done to manufacturer specifications, including use of more expensive premium gas.

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  I love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By yuhuei - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I was searching all the informations about the Jetta and Passat last year when I was almost going to buy the Jetta. I saw many complains on the Jetta, part of the reasons because are made in Mexico. However, I bought the Passat, so far I am really happy and didnt regreat at all. Thats good sight!!

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  A Very Good Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark-Boston - April 11 - 11:56 pm

  Overall, Ive been quite happy with this car (now > 2 years into ownership). I havent had any major problems and my dealer. This definitely is a very comfortable and versatile car, that is safe and can haul a lot of stuff - but is also quite luxurious. I drive approx 50 miles a day to work. The straight line traction is excellent (make sure you put on 4 snow tires on it and its very surefooted in the winter). VWs are more expensive to maintain than several of its competitors, but they really have a soul. I purchased an aftermarket warranty through a reputable source for added protection. The 2003 model appears to have been a good year according to CU.

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  excellent - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By adriannep - April 10 - 2:03 pm

  I bought this car in 2012 with 150k on it. When bought I did some front suspension work on it and replaced all oil gaskets on it as a piece of mind. With the miles on it I went through the entire car and perfected i. Clutch done cus I wanted Today this car reached 300k miles and it still runs like new. No lights on dash and still great gas mileage. Will never get rid of it until the tires fall of it. German cars are great cars for those who know how to take care of em. Theyre not for everyone and u cant go to auto zone and buy parts for it and expect it to last. U get what u pay for. I have never been stuck with it and I dont think I ever will. Safe and reliable and good looking car.

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  Exceptionally Engineered Vehicle - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By My 2nd Passat Wagon - April 9 - 12:30 pm

  I spent over 8 months researching all available vehicles meeting my criteria and this car won hands-down for engineering, mileage, styling,and value. I have the fully-loaded every option sports pkg2 (granite green-blk interior) and it was still $10k less than comparable Volvo, Audi, BMW, SAAB or Mercedes.The electronics, safety and gadgets are mind blowing! I cant stress enough to splurge on the Dynaudio it delivers THE BEST in the industry sound at an exceptional value. Be patient with the city mileage: it will spike once the engine gets broken in (4,000). I LOVE this car and look forward to many fun, rewarding miles over the next 12 plus years (avg. time I keep a car).

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  initial review and findings - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - April 9 - 10:53 am

  I also own a 2008 Passat 2.0T which I leased for three years and decided to purchase last year since it is such a great car. Just leased our new 2012 SE with roof last week and so far so good. This a totally different car from the B6 model (2006-2010), a good size family type sedan.....more conservative but still high quality and distinctive. Although now made in the U.S>, still has that German solid feel and look. We only have a 150 miles recorded so far and all is fine. No rattles, no wind noise. Will update at 1000 miles.

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  great so far - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By drnox - April 8 - 5:36 pm

  Had the 4motion for about six months. Great car, excellent rider, with great handling.

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  Passats Got it all--except a cup holder - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By msummers10 - April 7 - 3:10 pm

  While I am only 15, I know what how to test a car and have fun doing it. My 1999 Passat GLX definitely is fun to drive. I have noticed that going through sharp turns and quick acceleration with the Tiptronic Semi- auto transmission happens without any problems. The 6-disc CD Changer is great and the audio is magnificent. One drawback is that the changer is in the trunk, but 6 CDs should be more than enough for one sitting. Gas mileage is great, sometimes. When we push the car, gas mileage drops slightly to about 15 mpg, but standard driving is about 26 mpg. One thing that seems to be a problem with a lot of Passat owners is the suspension.

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  Great Car For The Money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pcola - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Love It! Much better build quality than the Lexus ES300 or Acura TL for alot less money.

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  My first German car... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mongo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I picked up the Passat because of how comfortable it is, and Ive been suitably impressed by every dimension of this car. I love the way it drives, the way its built, and all of the amenities included in the base price.