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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  Awesome Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lou_KC - February 15 - 7:23 pm

  My 1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS Sedan has been one of the nicest cars that Ive owned. The amount of attention it will get you is unreal (other VW owners know what Im talking about). And you wont feel inferior pulling up next to other luxury sedans, except for the Volkswagen Toureg, of course. While the power of the 4-cylinder engine may seem like strapping an 80 lb. backpack on a 1st grader, especially stomping the accelaration on the open highway, theres not much this car cant do, really. Need to pass that 18-Wheeler? Punch it without thinking twice.

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  I just love VW Passat Wagons! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathleen - February 14 - 10:36 am

  Very pleased with long distance driving and riding in our Volkswagen Passat Wagon! The seats are very comfortable on the lower back. It has plenty of room for back seat passengers and lots of trunk space. It has a very quiet cabin and at 75 mph you feel as though youre going 45 mph. It also has a great stereo system. I love the heated front seats! City driving is equally pleasing. We had a 2002 Passat Wagon before getting a 2005. We love the product and will be getting a 2008 in the future! Go and get it....you wont be disappointed. It has a nice solid design and well made construction! I love those German cars, they have great craftmanship!

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  Love this car!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By squirrelgirl - February 13 - 1:06 am

  This car is the best Ive had. It is luxurious, affordable, and dependable. I could not ask for more! I recommend it to all my friends.

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  Too many problems, bye bye vw! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jtmke - February 11 - 9:15 am

  A fun car to drive when its not in the shop. As most people have noted electrical issues are constant and irritating. For me, it has been trunk latch issues - trunk wont latch or pops open when driving. Dealer took 3 visits to fix. Mirrors move unpredictably, sometimes while driving. A/c failed and whole compressor needed replacement. Every time the temp drops below zero the steering controls short meaning the whole unit must be replaced. All of this is under warranty but what a waste of time. I cant wait to get rid of this lemon - very sad considering this is my 4th vw. But never again!

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By SpencerBell - February 10 - 10:10 pm

  First comment, we will never buy another Volkswagen. At 36,000 miles the engine had to be flushed due to sludge, even with regular oil changes. Dealership flushed engine, said all okay. From 42,000 miles to 73,000 miles, had 3 more engine oil sludge problems. Finally, at 73,000 miles, VW replaced the engine. With less than 2,000 miles on new engine, bolt that holds tensioner "broke", resulting in piston damage to new engine. Pending bill is $3,2000, since item is not covered by warranty. Engine replacement work took 2 months with no rental car provided (not covered by warranty). Between VW and dealership service, or lack thereof, will never buy another VW (this is 3rd VW vehicle).

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  VW Passat - continuous repairs - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Owner - February 8 - 5:16 am

  While the VW Passat 2.0T is great to drive it requires continuous repairs for all major systems. The interior is nice but when you need 2 visors, one drive gear shift, 2 new lumbar supports, a new trunk latch, new window buttons, etc - do I need to say more - the list just gets longer - and the car is only 4 years old, why would you bother? The hassle with the repairs outweighs the fun of the driving. It is unreliable and there is no guarantee that you can get from point A to B. The latest recall is the engine coils, but what about all the other repair and defective parts that arent being recalled. This car and parts are unreliable -why do you think they decreased the mileage warranty

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  Passat GLX 2000 Review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fanfare - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives sweet and is powerful. Nice styling in and out. Kids love it. Seat warmers are butt- savers in the winter. Not ostentatious like a Beemer or Benz, but feels like one and offers same amenities. Fold down back seats can be used as bed when going camping!! LOL

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  00 GLS review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatdude - February 5 - 2:00 am

  We like our Passat, the only exceptions are maintenance costs inc. engine timing belt replacement is recomended at 65k at a cost of around $600.00 Yikes! Why should the owner have to pay such a big price for this shortlived engine item? If you dont get this done as maintenance it could cost you a fatal engine breakdown.

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  Avoid VW if you want a reliable car. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Avoid VW - February 4 - 1:36 am

  This was the worst car my family has owned. The car had numerous problems. The first was one of the xenon headlamps went bad about a week after we bought the car. The second was the windshield wipers wouldnt come on in the rain and the local VW dealership couldnt fix the problem. One of the turn signal lights popped off the car for no reason and had to be rigged to stay in place. The CV boots went bad after about 2 years. There was loud road noise if you didnt have the radio on. The speakers broke also. Problems with the parking brake. The interior lights started coming and the seat had to be removed and it cost 500 bucks.

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  Great all-around car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By cdd - February 3 - 10:00 am

  The Passat GLX is a great all-around car. It has excellent handling with the 16" wheels, and very good acceleration with the 2.8L V6. The GLX trim has luxury car amenities such as automatic temperature control, power seats, power moonroof, and heated seats. The car is extremely fun to drive, especially with the 5-speed manual. The build quality is also much better than the VWs of the past with virtually no defects in the almost two-years Ive had the car.