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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  So far, its been a blast - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brozhnik - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for safety features, comfort, and handling in the low $20s range, and this car stood out. A year later, Im really pleased with it. Handles amazingly well, even in bad weather (the ESP helps too); great seats, so my back never gets tired; interior is quiet and pleasant to be in (I have a 120-mile round-trip commute, so it matters); more than enough power for my needs; lots of nice design touches that I associate with more expensive cars. 31-34 MPG on hway. No oil consumption at all. Dealer service has been reliable, honest and fair. In short: I have no buyers remorse.

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  Incredible amount of car for the money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By The Todd - January 17 - 8:13 pm

  It was time for a new car as the lease on my Accord was up. I cross shopped the Camry, Altima and another Accord but was simply blown away at the performance and value of the Passat. Even in the VE you get an incredibly responsive turbo engine, Tiptronic 6-speed auto transmission, 6 airbags, and a host of very cool features. The car is FAST, agile, and extremely fun to drive. This was by far the best bang for the buck and easily the most rewarding driving experience of the cars I considered.

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  36 miles per gallon in the city - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam - January 16 - 9:36 am

  Ive never driven a diesel powered automobile before, but after a few months of driving my Passat TDI I have to say "I love it." Most if not all of the reviews I read before I purchased the car have been very accurate. Although Im paying a premium for diesel fuel ($2.20 per gal.) its nice to know Im averaging a little over 36 miles to the gallon (36.4 in the city). I cant think of anything bad to say about the car...the engine is a little bit louder in idle and not every gas station carries diesel fuel. Other than that...the car is wonderful!

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  NEVER AGAIN!!! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By JBoston - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I will never again owned a VW car, I had to replace all four tires before 25,000 miles and Breaks when I mostly drive on the car on the highway. Now i need to replace the Secondary air pump and the combi valves. This car is more of a headach than anything else. I am currently looking to get another car.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatLover2003 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The car drives better than I ever expected it to. The 4 cylinder gets very good milage (up to 30 mpg) and still has unbelievable pep. Passing on the freeway is almost too easy. Its basically an Audi A4 at a great price

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  Ill miss my VW - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed VW fan - January 13 - 8:46 pm

  I bought my VW used and I was okay with having to replace the clutch almost immediately as well as having a rod in the trunk snap which made the trunk impossible to use until I found a mechanic willing to weld the rod back together. But after 9 months of VW ownership, Im calling it quits. I love VWs and will look for them in the future, but definitely with more skeptical eyes. Besides the normal repairs and somewhat non-normal repairs, I had an air flow sensor malfunction, and needed to replace the throttle valve because my Passat was driving itself. 3 weeks after those repairs, I either get to replace the heater core, fix a radiator problem, and replace the oxygen sensor or call it quits.

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  7 year review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjss - January 13 - 9:26 am

  Bought new (3/02), have approx 72K miles, no major problems. Several recalls, but dealership tended to quickly/efficiently. Had the Timing Belt job completed at 65K, did not want to risk going to 95-105K as VW suggests in manual. Very fun car to drive. Based on some posts, I guess I have been lucky. But I do follow the maintenance schedule religiously and use Synthetic oil!

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  My first fun VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff Ogden - January 11 - 10:00 am

  After owning FOUR Honda Accords, I decided to go for more. Great styling, handles like a BMW, excellent features like 200 watt Monsoon sound system, power seats with memory and great moonroof. NOT as quick as the V6 Accord, but traction control and handling are superior. Nicely styled too.

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  Second Passat in 1 year - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DanaRich - January 11 - 10:00 am

  Originally owned a 2001.5 passat V6 FWD. Was totaled in accident and, due to the excellent safety features engineered into it having saved my hide I bought a new 2003 GLX V6 4motion. The 2001.5 V6 FWD had great acceleration, good gas mileage (22/25). The 2003 V6 AWD has poorer acceleration and much poorer gas mileage (19/23). I understand that the AWD is 400 lbs. heavier than the FWD, but this difference is way more than I expected or can write off to weight. Love the tiptronic. Love the interior lighting.The suspension on the 2003 seems mushier than the 2001.5.

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  VW Passat with Lifetime Warranty!! Seriously - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Art - January 8 - 3:28 am

  I am finishing up the process of owning a Passat. First time for me. Weve been a Honda family but after I drove this car, I was sold. Smooth ride, excellent acceleration and handling around turns. I was going to buy a Jetta but after the rebates and trade in I went for the Passat. I traded in my GMC pickup truck. This is mainly a commuter car since my roundtrip is 120 miles. The mileage will pay for the car. What really sold me is that the dealer, Lunde Volkswagen in Peoria, AZ, is giving, yes I said giving, lifetime warranties on the car. Since repair bills are at the top of peoples mind when they purchase a vehicle, I couldnt pass up the deal. I by no means overpaid for the car. It was a great buy. If you live out of state, it is worth the trip just for the warranty and peace of mind