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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  1999 Passat 1.8T - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brad Landis - May 5 - 1:13 am

  We love the ride of the car. The 1.8T has a funny hesitation when you step on the gas. The car has been totally unreliable. Its in the shop every 3 months for something. Definitely would not recommend.

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  Never Again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Katriyna - May 4 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle brand new. From 3 months on we have had repeated problems with the electrical and mechanical systems. It has been in the shop so many times for the same problems, and the dealerships are very uncooperative. Although I love the way this car drives and looks, and the comfort is undeniable, I am very disappointed. Had I really researched it and spoke with people I knew who have owned VWs I would never have gotten myself into this costly mess.

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  Love this car! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By scott314 - May 2 - 10:27 pm

  After 13,000 miles in six months I truly enjoy my Passat. The V-6 is remarkably powerful and makes driving a lot of fun. It has a pleasant growl when accelerating briskly but is very quiet otherwise. I have had two minor problems - the iPod cord quit working but was replaced under warranty, and the dealer even replaced the wiper blades under warranty which I found impressive. My biggest regret is that the V-6 is not available with a manual transmission. The automatic works fine, but ... Other than that, it rides and handles well, its roomy, its quick, it gets good mileage and I get lots of compliments on the appearance. (And the Fender stereo is amazing!)

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  Bye Bye Japanese - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By NO MO TOYO - May 2 - 3:20 pm

  Bought this New Passat three weeks ago and we are loving every mile, the power that comes from this 2.0T engine is just awesome, the ride is awesome the handeling is superb It stops on a dime and its acceleration is incredible. The interior is very well thought out, the back seat has more than enough room for even tall adults. Ive driven them all, Mercedes-Benz & BMW, and this new Passat has that German build quality without the price, Im sure the Japanese will copy it just like they copied the Jetta.

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  great car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gregg - May 2 - 8:56 am

  Just bought a Passat and loving it! Great handling, very responsive, totally impressed.

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  A cut above the rest - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Wolfsburg Fan - April 30 - 1:13 pm

  Put simply, I am in heaven with this car. I have always wanted a fine German automobile but didnt want to pay the $30,000 plus price tag for a BMW so I settled for fine Japanese automobiles instead. First, this car is not in the same class as the Altima, Camry or Accord...it really is more in line with the Maxima and Avalon and should only be compared with those. If someone had taped over the VW emblem on the wheel and asked me to drive it without knowing what is was, I would have said Mercedes or Audi without a thought. This car is a class act, looks every inch a German sport sedan and handles like a truly fine European sedan. A loaded out 3.6 could go toe to toe with a BMW 5-Series. this car is awesome!

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  LEMON - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lemon1 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Wagon less than a month ago. During that time it has been at the dealer twice for repairs. The O2 sensor and a hose went out less than 72hrs after I bought the car and McKenna VW in Costa Mesa, Ca. wanted to charge 500 dollars to repair the car. Even though it was under warranty McKenna said "I should take it to the dealer I bought the car." After getting the general manager involved I got the car fixed, but was told McKenna was "doing me a favor.” VW has the worst customer service ever and I will NEVER buy a VW again. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY.

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  Solid and fun - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff Ogden - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Looks great. Drives great. Handles like on rails. Dislikes: back seat is small and V6 is a bit light on the power, but not bad.

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  Nice car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Badoodie - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really like this car. A bit smaller than my previous Mazda but much more fun to drive. Nice leather interior. Most importantly, my mechanic and my car insurance guy both gave it very enthusiastic thumbs up!

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  2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2006 Passat - April 29 - 5:40 am

  Im a first-time VW owner and very disappointed with my Passat. In the 13 months that Ive owned it, its been in the shop for over 1 month for major problems. Ive had to have it towed 3 times, which makes it totally unreliable. The parking brake has malfunctioned twice, which was determined to be an electrical problem and made it undriveable. In another incident, the power completely went out as I was doing 50+mph on the highway. The air conditioner compressor and condenser have been replaced. This is all in a vehicle thats only 1 year old. That shouldnt happen. VW will not do anything with the vehicle other than continue to repair - Im worried for when the warranty runs out.