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:

• 

  Pleasing Passat Performance... - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By djefferson - November 20 - 8:16 pm

  I needed and affordable sedan with good room for kids and extended family and looked at Accord,Mazda 6,Fusion and Passat. I also was shopping for a real discount beyond True-Car prices the decision was then left to 2 choices..Accord/Passat. I drove both Accord Sport/EX and Passat Wolfsburg/SE w/roof and noticed that the Passat was a bit quieter on the road and offered a nicer stereo Hwy ride than the Accord. I also has read about the CVT shudder and didnt want to have to deal that as a potential issue. When making a final decision I found VW was more aggressive with incentives of about $4000, rates of 0-1% and more for my trade..

• 

  Fun to drive, unreliable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By k - November 20 - 4:00 pm

  This was my first new car and I instantly fell in love ... until numerous electrical problems left me stranded several times with dead batteries. At 20,000 miles I had to replace the computer, radiator, and transmission! At 25,000 miles I had a wheel bearing go out. At 40,000 my spark plugs were completely shot, to the point that my car wouldnt start. All of this despite completing all suggested maintenance and generally taking good care of the car. Im car shopping now because I cant afford to keep up with this kind of maintenance once my warranty is up, but I know Ill miss a lot of the features.

• 

  Third Passat and this is the best one yet! - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mortis Van Berg - November 19 - 5:03 am

  My first Passat was a 2007 model which I loved and regret selling it. The 2017 R-Line model has made me forget about the previous models. Great looking car and fun to drive so far. I work for Toyota but I choose the Passat over the Camry. I put over 40k on my previous models and had ZERO issues.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWRattletrap - November 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Volkswagen and yes, Id get another one. I havent had the ignition/electrical problems others have had, but my car has had its share. The list: 2 radios, engine computer, cruise control, rear passenger electric window motor, falling trim. Think of it this way: the same size car with the same features from BMW or Mercedes will cost $15-20K more . . . youve got to expect something to give. VW has put its money into the drivetrain and suspension, certainly not the interior build quality. The secret to silencing the squeaks, rattles, and buzzes of any VW is to cram a penny or two between the plastic bits that are causing the noise.

• 

  Acceleration woes - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kshanagahn - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Impressive looks, excellent handling, and smooth, powerful engine. The all wheel drive was excellent even in deep snow - better than prior suvs Ive owned. Only complaint: Ive have had a problem with acceleration when I really needed it. Slammed the gas and nothing!! It hesitates for maybe 2 seconds and then takes off. Very scary when an 18 wheeler is about to T- bone you. The dealer doesnt have a clue as to why.

• 

  New Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By 760 Rod - November 18 - 10:00 am

  Have owned VW`s for over 30 years. The new Passat GLX wagon is really a fun car to drive, we get lots of people asking us what kind of wagon is it.Every one we talk to wants one now. Very fine fit and finish on the whole car.

• 

  stay far away from VW -Worst Car ever - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By atan - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought a vw passat 2.0T from The Autobarn VW of Mount Prospect by seller vic 2 years ago . I change almost everything in this car.also sellers in vw deale so mean,they only nice the day selling the car and after they dont give dam what s gonna happen.I will never buy another VW.Do not spend any dime for this junk car.From day one this car caused problemsHow can you make this vehicle more reliable without having to bring it into the shop all the time.this car is a junk,electrical component failures,multiple check engine lights

• 

  Lot of Miles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gary McGinn - November 16 - 5:30 am

  I do a lot of trips.... me and my dog... Never have had any major issues with my Passat. After reading all this stuff I probably would have been paranoid... yah small stuff...lights, door lock, etc. Only Lexus is bullet proof... but the Passats ride quality, and fuel economy overrides that. I get an honest 30 mpg when I cruise at 65 / 70 mph. And I am in the market now for 07 model. I really looked around, Edmunds.com and all that and considered a BMW, Audi, even a Lexus SUV, but will probably go with the Passat Wagon.

• 

  Good transportation if it runs OK! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mandys - November 15 - 9:56 pm

  I have owned this car for a while. It is an above average car to drive when it runs. All four doors have been repaired (windows, locks). All four brakes have been repaired/replaced, twice on rear. Brake light/cruise not working, etc. Too many problems to list.

• 

  Sweeeeet! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Puzman - November 15 - 4:30 am

  I must say, I am BLOWN AWAY by the new Passat. The gas mileage on our brand new vehicle is impressive; over 28 mpg on my first commute (rural roads, interstate, city streets), and it should only get better. The power from the 2.0T motor is phenomenal, and shifts from the automatic are imperceptible. I thought Id be using the Tiptronic a lot, but I can see myself just leaving it in "D"- its that good. I cant see why anyone would need the 3.6 unless theyre hauling a trailer. The cabin is quiet and VERY comfortable - the leatherette is practically indistinguishable from the real thing. The Passat 2.0T is just the ticket for families that want performance, safety, and room without the thirst of an SUV.