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:

• 

  Reaction vs. Reason - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bostonian - January 31 - 5:50 pm

  I am an avid Honda/Acura fan and owner. Working on my 5th new car, I wanted something a little different. I checked out BMW, MB, Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, and to be fair Honda, Nissan, and Acura. When reviewing cars $30-$45K, no car had better MPG, better responsiveness, or more room. More importantly- none made me smile more while driving. Additional smiles were had while having all this fun for $10-15K less than the evaluated cars "in the ballpark". True- VWs and Audi are not known for the stellar reliability of Japanese cars, but they are still acceptable by todays standards. Sometimes you can listen to your heart while not giving up on your logic. I did. Thanks VW.

• 

  Disappointing End - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ryann.05 - January 30 - 12:33 am

  This is such a beautiful car, it makes me sad to sell it. I love the luxury, the comfort, the smooth drive. I bought it in 4/06 at 94k mileage. Its now at 124k and ive made many many expensive repairs. I just cant afford to take it to the mechanic every other month anymore. And my mechanic, quite frankly, is fed up with working on it. Its a manual and so fun to drive, especially when the Turbo kicks in. i get roughly 28- 32 mpg.

• 

  German Value - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By BMW-Black - January 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes car.The new style Passat looks great. Its been trouble free. Quality is excellent for a car in this price range. I love the interior blue lighting at night and every button in the car lights up. Smooth and roomy with good power, I did expect better gas mileage than 21 1/2 mixed driving.

• 

  My favorite car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Goffs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Was actually looking at the Accord Coupe and Toyota Solara in a V6. Somehow ended up at a VW dealer. Needless to say, I ended up with a Passat GLS 1.8T with the 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Never thought I would buy a VW, but I am sure glad I did.

• 

  Nice Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By GLK - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This tastefully designed car is built on a stretched Audi A4 platform and utilizes A4 & A6 underpinnings. The interior is seriously lacking in storage space & the Monsoon stereo doesnt have strong bass, but interior quality is first class. Likewise, the exterior build quality is as good as it gets. The turbo 4 is both strong and weak depending on when the boost kicks in. Utilizing this engine to its best advantage takes practice. The driving dynamics are where this car excels as it feels taught, solid, and connected to the road. However, the brake pedal feels a tad mushy. Overall the car offers more panache than its competitors and represents a good value.

• 

  Good buy for the price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By richoos - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Very well priced German car when compared against other like models. I have had both an auto and manual, highly recommend the manual for more pick up. Considered buying a 3-series BMW though I did not see the added value in the lower end 3-series for the extra money. The Passat has lighter handling than the BMW, due to not having sports suspension, and you pay for this with slight roll in the coners. For a 100% german car it is great value, especially now Ford have their hands on BMW.

• 

  Passat Air Conditioner - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2006 Passat - January 23 - 12:53 am

  I own the 2.0T 4 cyl. Passat and the air conditioning system is just terrible. Its like having a fan on high. The worst system Ive ever had in a car and its just how its engineered. Nothing can be done about it. The heating system is poor also. Car is fun to drive, handles super. Very peppy for a 4 cyl. But not having even an adequate cooling or heating system is very disturbing.

• 

  Avoid like the plague - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Trevor - January 22 - 2:56 pm

  Bought this car brand new. Hands down the absolute worst car I have ever had. Had constant electrical problems (call would just cut out whenever) and of course brake problems. VW doesnt recommend the timing belt change until 105,000 miles. The engine went at 84,000 miles because the timing belt snapped. Needless to say, I was glad to sell this to a scrap yard and walk away with $1000 cash. I practically kissed the ground the day I parted ways with this junker. Never will I consider any VW product again.

• 

  Honeymoon over - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By oversold - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Former lease car, immaculate and spotless, purchased at 30k miles from very reputable dealer. Really placed my faith on Consumer Reports rave reviews. Loved it at first, fun to drive, solid. At 50k things start to come undone, brakes, front end rattles, transmission issues, I blow headlamps every 3 months (service guy said "yeah that is an issue with these cars") radio reception is horrible, I agree with other review, seems to be a screw- up....maybe it was built on a monday

• 

  Love My Passat Wagon! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mardimike - January 20 - 10:00 am

  Everything about it is great, bought it new in January 2004. My husband pulled a u-turn in it two weeks later (didnt see the oncomining car) which required front right body work. Boy, did he feel stupid! It drives just great, love the "bun warmers", blue lights in dashboard, visability, and comfortable seats. I am a realtor so comfort and ease of ingress and egress are important. Highly recommend it. Our other car is a Saab which is expensive for repairs and has had numerous problems.