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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  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tanya - March 9 - 7:26 am

  Love this car, sturdy, dependable, yet fun on the highway due to its turbo engine. I feel very safe in it.

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  Not what I thought - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By V Girl - March 6 - 7:33 pm

  I have had many problems with my passat. First off, the Continental tires went bad fast, and I had a flat within the first week of ownership. Then the rotors warped within the first 4 months. I returned it to dealership to get the rotors fixed 4 times before they actually replaced them. At 50,000 miles I blew a head gasket. And about a month ago I had to get the transmission replaced. Not worth all the money I spent. Nice to look at but not a smart move if you want a car that will last you more than 5 years.

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  Passat! Leave it at the dealership! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By ajohns - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car used from the Dealership. I bought an Volkswagen extended warranty with the car. I took the car in for maintenance every month for almost a year for various things. The second year I had the car I continued to take the car in maybe every two to three months. The oil light came on, the engine light came on and than when the brake light and ABS light came on, I decided that it was time to sell the car. I have not mention everything that has gone wrong with the car, but it appears to be a lemon.

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  I Love My Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tweetgurl - March 3 - 11:33 am

  I went from a Mitsubishi Lancer to a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. Every time I looked at a Passat on the road, I was envious. Finally, I bought a 2005 Passat that had been a dealer demo so it had less than 5,000 miles on it even though I bought it December 2005. I love my car! It takes some time getting used to, but I enjoy the experience. The ride is fairly smooth and I feel important driving this car. I checked out the 2006 Passat and was appalled at the price. I was able to buy my 05 Passat for thousands of dollars less than the current rate for a new 06 Passat. I dont like the new body style of the 06 Passat, though I do like the chrome in the front. Overall, Im satisfied with my purchase.

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  puny issues - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By elwood dinwoody - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Passat Wagon with 4 MOTION- Quiet, powerful, and very comfy.Power seat acting up after 2 weeks, a couple of bubbles in the dash vinyl, and the thud of the downshift into 1st at stops the only complaints – wish I didnt have to deal with it; the dealer tells me as I sat in the car to drive it off the lot that they would need to reprogram the computer on first servicing. Now, I can sleep at night.

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  2006 Passat is a great car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jazzspot - March 3 - 2:20 am

  I love this car! I was looking at the usual CamCords, Altimas, etc. But I knew this new styled Passat was for me. It is a fun to drive car! It is, in my opinion, a great looking car. The Dynaudio is fantastic. Never have I heard such a sweet sounding stereo in a car. I have 17" wheels and it looks great and handles the various road surfaces without any problems, wet or dry. The "Sport" mode is great. I enjoy driving in the "Tip-mode" too. I dont usually drive fast, but this car wants to purr along at 80 MPH! And it doesnt feel like its going that fast. The engine just purrs. At 80 MPH, the RPM gauge is at about 2,800. The 2.0T is a sweet engine with plenty enough power for me.

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  2003 GLX great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passatman - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Impressive car to drive, smooth, quiet and fast. Lots of very nice touches. Better than the Jaguars, lincolns, and other expensive cars I test drove. Love the layout inside the car, love the firm but smooth ride, the silky smooth v6 and auto trans are tops. Loads of nice options on the GLX.

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  VW Quality - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By joeM - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I had 6 japanese cars prior to the Passat, the Passat does not come remotely close in regards to reliability. First 5 months had to go for repair of Homelink twice, Tire had a slow leak due to counterweight installed to close to valve stem. last weekend got stuck 250 miles from home with a problem known to VW for a while, had to be towed and repair took 6 hours to replace a defective coil. There is a VW advisory out on these coils, but they still refused to replace the other 3 in my car. the comment from the Corporate office is that I have to break down again for the second time before they replace the remaining defective parts.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JS/SJ - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought car in 2/03; a month ago drove from Chicago to Glacier Natl Pk & back. Drove like a dream at ALL speeds. 8,500 now on odometer. Only prob so far: warped brk rotor, which dlr replaced for free. Just received a letter from VW stating that they are "replacing all ignition coils in cars potentially affected whether a malfunction has occurred or not" YAAY

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  Just test drove the 3.6 and WOW! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tony - February 17 - 4:10 am

  I just test drove the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 today and I have to say that it was, well...WOW! The responce of the gas peddle was very impressive. The interior was beautiful and very well thought out. I have been looking at an Audi A6, Mercerdes-Benz E500, and BMW 525i and I would have to say that for the money of the 3.6 it is a definate buy.