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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  VW Passat GLS V6 wagon (140K miles) - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Patrick - December 22 - 10:13 am

  It is a great car for everyday use. I have mine for 6 years and I drove around 70K miles and it runs like a champ. These V6 engines are strong and hard to kill. The only thing I changed besides suspension, is timing ( which is normal every car, so is the oil), gaskets, thermostat, and water pump. Yes these are expensive parts, if you buy original like you should. I am a mechanic so every part I buy, I change it myself. This car is great for hauling cargo inside. So if youre looking for a first car and know something about how change little things and have budget limit to 5K, I suggest you get this car. Now it depends on a person, if youre planning on modifying like boosting, get a 1.8T, if not and want to have the car as a daily drive, get a V6. Why a V6 for a daily drive, because turbos are very expensive to replace, and you never what the car went through with previous owner.

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  2007 Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By MN - December 22 - 1:16 am

  I recently purchased a 2007 Passat Wagon 2.0T. This car replaced a 1999 Passat Wagon and is a significant upgrade over the previous models. The 2.0T engine has alleviated the lag that existed in the 1.8T that was standard in the 1999 version. In addition, the car has more leg room and storage which were lacking in the 99 model. This car is fun to drive and comfortable too when equipped with the luxury package. I also looked at the Volvo V70 but after test driving both, I decided the Passat was a better all around purchase. I hope the 2007 version will be as reliable as the 1999 we drove over 100,000 miles with only minor problems.

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  Too bad the refresh does not look as sharp! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill Jackameit - December 21 - 12:06 pm

  This is an excellent car classy looking has gone 80,000 miles in four years with no issues or repairs whatsoever. Gets just over 30 mpg on trips and runs great on regular gas. I have owned two VWs with turbo engines that were not nearly as reliable. Too bad VW dropped the 5 cylinder and also the great Tungsten Silver color. It is time for a new car and while I have looked at the 2016 refreshed Passat it wont be the replacement the refresh while not bad looking is not as sharp and clean as the original and the 4 cylinder turbo knocks it out of consideration I just dont trust it based on experience with these small VW turbo engines. A nice low mileage 2012 to 2014 Passat 5 cylinder would be a great car for someone on a limited budget. VW should have kept the 5 cylinder its great reliability is worth the lower but still good mpg compared to the new turbo. Also finding out that the trade-in value on the Passat is lower than expected.

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  Love it - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dy - December 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought as used after 3rd child. Went from pick-up to a very fun to drive car. Power is adequate and handles well. Hopefully, this car will hold up. So far so good after 10 months and 10k miles.

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  Expensive Upkeep - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat - December 17 - 6:33 pm

  First off, emissions workshop showed up during our warranty, but Volkswagen jerked us around, and we have paid at least $2,500 in three separate attempts to unsuccessfully repair the emissions issues. Now it also has ABS brake problems and both of the front windows dont work. The cup holders are jammed/broken, the rubber handles are peeling, both front turn signal lights broke off, the side-mirror control broke off. I swear integral parts to this car are made of brittle plastic. You are forced to pay a premium for synthetic oil and premium gasoline. I thought VWs were great cars but I was thinking of the VWs in the 80s. It does drive pretty well, but I am worried about making inspection AGAIN.

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  The best family sedan - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By maciosaig - December 16 - 6:13 pm

  After looking at and driving the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry I chose the Passat for the interior comfort and the Turbo 4. Well now Ive owned it for 2 years and this was the best decision Ive made for a family car. The turbo 4 is great and Im seeing actual MPGs of 19 to 21 in the city and 33 to 34 on the highway, so a full tank of gas takes me about 400 to 425 miles. This surprised me as it wasnt rated this high. The car handles great and this base car has everything we need. The only problem I have is the difficulty in performing basic maintenance. Otherwise the car is perfect. Oh Ive had a hell of a time keeping proper psi in the tires and had 1 tires replaced by conti for 1/2 price

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  Great Deal. - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By pete - December 16 - 1:16 am

  We bought the car because we need a bigger car due to my mother-in-law being so ill and traded our VW Beetle convertible, yes we cried. This car weve owned for almost 2 years and have gotten great gas mileage and excellent reliability from our Passat. I dont like the car but for the price and features, size, comfort, suspension we cant beat the German price we got. Other owners have complained but how do they really treat their cars? Do they really service them when needed, Volkswagen has really come up from where they were a couple years ago. Back in 2000 I bought a brand new Beetle and the thing within a year broke down 6 times less than 10k miles, Im impressed with the improvement of quality.

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  You need to know what you are getting into - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By roznstyle - December 14 - 10:31 pm

  I think a lot of people buy a VW are unaware that maintenance and adherence to manufacturer recommendations are KEY to keeping a VW on the road. Ive owned my 2004 passast for 8 years and it still looks brand new after over 111K miles. A VW is not a honda where you put gas in it and change the oil every so often. you need to pay attention to using mid grade or higher fuel EVERY time. Synthetic oil, EVERY time. New Plugs every 40K per the manual, and on and on and on. YES there is a lot more in owning a VW than your run of the mill car but if you treat it right it will last for a long time. If you can handle a meticulous maintenance schedule then buy a VW but if you cant DO NOT BUY!!!!

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  Awesome Style and Drving, But - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dandy Andy - December 11 - 6:56 pm

  First-time owner here...and Id have to say VWs are pretty shabby. I love the design and the color pattern that I have. Urban Grey exterior, black interior, with the indigo and red accent lights inside...it is just beautiful! However, the car has given me minor troubles and the customer service is shady, at most. Volkswagen parts are hella expensive, wiper blades cost like $100, are you kidding me? and $200 for a darn headlight? I guess thats the nice thing about a German car, expensive maintenance. But I definitely love the tight turning abilities and how it goes 0-60 in like 7 seconds. Ill be going 60-70 and it feels like Im going 40-50, its a smooth ride all the way.

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  Luv my Passat! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Commuting girl - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the most comfortable car Ive owned yet! I commute between Huntsville, AL and Atlanta, GA twice weekly. My Passat has the tiptronic (its both an automatic and a stick shift) and it provides a TRULY ENJOYABLE DRIVING EXPERIENCE! I would strongly encourage anyone whos looking for a great car to look at the Passat. It has more room in the back seat than its luxury equivalent, the Audi A4. Its a great soccer car too!