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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  Not Perfect, but Still Going Strong! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Elly - January 7 - 10:36 pm

  My Passat 4Motion is a "mystery wrapped in an enigma" when it comes to the panels and sensors. However, Ive had the (used) car for three years now, and aside from a few electrical issues, its been pretty reliable. And I love the combination of driving pleasure and practicality. The engine is still quite peppy, it handles very well and has a great turning radius. It was more comfortable than any other midsize wagon/small SUV I test-drove, and can carry everything from a 9 ft. long 2x4, to three kids in car seats, to a fully constructed hutch from Ikea. As a mother, investment property owner, and part-time teacher, Im very happy with my all-purpose wagon.

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  My first VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike - January 7 - 5:10 pm

  After suffering through poor gas mileage and equally poor reliability and service I finally decided to hang up the "it must be American" and purchase a foreign made vehicle. I was in the marked for a European sedan and after thinking my mind was made up on the BMW 3-Series I am thankful that I wandered into my local VW dealership and test drove the Passat. This vehicle is not only fun to drive but performs just as well in my opnion as the BMW. The best part about it was I got so much more for my money as far as "extras" that drove up the price of the BMW but were considered standards on the VW. Between the gas mileage, style, comfort and dependability I couldnt be happier.

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  Best Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Monstruo - January 6 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! I love the design and the interior. It is beautyful, roomy and very comfortable. I recommend it to all.

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  Switch from toyota - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By donnievalens - January 5 - 11:56 pm

  This car had the drivability to almost instantly take me out of the Japanese market over such brand as Honda and Toyota.While those cars are good the VW instantly sets itself apart with the performance and safety features you get as standard equipment, while with Toyota and Honda you have to pay extra for these features. Also the car seems to have a stronger feel to it, not just in the engine but overall the handling feels tighter, there is less road noise, even the doors feel like they actually have some meat to them.Thats probably why it does so well in the crash ratings.Overall I just feel like I got more for my money with vehicle and I look forward to my next one in another four years.

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  love mpg, hate electronic issues - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By CAgirl - January 5 - 2:33 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and I have had some issues with the dash mpg display, when the car is hot its half faded, the light doesnt come on when I open the door - I have to wack it to get it on and the lights for the temp controls dont come on anymore. I have taken it in to complain about it but each time the techs tell me it was working fine for them,fog lights and headlights burnout fast. I do love the fuel efficiency, I average 37 mpg on the freeway which is great on the wallet. Leather seats little uncomfortable during a long drive. My daughter kicked off the ashtray and elec plug cover with her legs due to center carseat position. I think this will be my last passat.

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  Not the best car for the money - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eze - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Our car was plauged with isses. Hesitation has been with us from the start. Techs just say to live with it and it is in the software. Multiple oil leaks. 3 times. Intake boot came off and shut the car down. The throttle sticks. Car was in twice for repairs. The rear brakes jammed. The spark plug module failed causing the car to run on 3 cylinders. Cost was $536 to replace and is not covered on the powertrain warrenty. The car is only 3 years old (purchased new in 2000) and has only 61K miles on it. Cruise control works when it feels like it. There are other issues that I am forgetting.

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  VW Customer Care doesnt give a care! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By loathevw - December 30 - 10:00 am

  On the surface, this roomy and well appointed wagon was a pleasant surprise. The problem with VW on the whole is not with their product (although my 1.8T was flawed) but with poor customer service, starting with the dealer and continuing up through this misnamed Customer Care office. Worst auto delivery experience ever from any dealer. Service dept. is suspect. Ill not touch another VW product with a 10 foot pole! Anyone interested in a used Passat wagon?

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  Not sure I have the same car as the rest - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jdono - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Solid - yes. attractive - yes. But can anyone really get used to the turbo lag? No zip to start or to accelerate for passing. I have taken to driving only in manual mode of the tiptronic. Mileage 19-21 mpg. Also, there is so much road noise, I cannot comment on the monsoon sound system.

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  Very Good Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - December 29 - 7:43 pm

  Ive had my Passat for three years, and for the most part, the car has held up wonderfully. Ive had a few electrical problems however. Ill focus on those. The headlights have burned out probably four different times, the relay switch for the turn signal broke once, ignition coils were replaced, the radio was replaced (for free, kept needing to be reactivated), and there was a check engine light problem, which has been fixed for some time now but caused a lot of frustration. One dealership couldnt solve the problem after 6 (yes, six) trips back and fourth for the same issue. Another dealership fixed it on their first attempt, so I dont blame the problem on VW.

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  Disappointed with 2003 VW Passat V6 AWD Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By pillar1 - December 28 - 1:43 am

  This review comes from a loyal VW owner, however, Ive been very disappointed with my 2003 VW Passat V6 AWD Wagon. It is a beautiful, comfortable car but its been in the shop way too much! My car has had the rotors replaced twice, a bad auto air conditioning fixed twice, and now a bad fuel pump. All of these problems are with a car with less than 35,000 miles. I was very pleased with my former cars a 95 VW Cabrio and 98 VW Passat, but I will look elsewhere for my next car.