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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  2008 VW Passat Komfort Sedan - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By mm - November 5 - 12:10 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed driving my Passat this year. Handling and performance are excellent. The 2.0 Turbo has great pickup. Interior fit and finish are very good. I consistently get about 28 mpg with a mix of city and highway driving. I considered an Accord (owned 3 previously) but was looking for something different. I had always liked the Passat and Im glad I chose it. Definitely more fun to drive.

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  Nice Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By gmh - November 5 - 2:56 am

  I have only had this car for over a week but so far I have nothing bad to say about it - I look forward to driving it! This is my third VW after owning two Jettas. My wife and I considered other cars but could not find another manufacturer that offers everything you get with VW. I couldnt be more pleased with our decision and cant believe we even considered another brand. We also own a 2003 Audi Avant. The Passat is very similar to our Audi wagon but includes some nice upgrades and features. The 2.0T engine is phenomenal and I can feel the responsiveness over our 1.8T. Keep in mind our Audi has Quattro which has a completely different driving experience.

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  Fast Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By WayneTSchultz - November 5 - 2:00 am

  The W8 is one smooth engine. The 6spd has a revised final drive ratio, and this wagon accelerates crisply. VW says it goes 0-60 in 5.9 and I have no reason to doubt it. This is a smooth and confortable cruiser. Be careful, and check the speedo often because Ive often looked down to find Im nearing the century mark. The best part is the law sees just another Passat wagon.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By dickiet - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Almost four years old and I still love my Passat! I wish I could say the same about the dealer. I have had no mechanical difficulties with the car what so ever. The original tires left something to be desired, other than that totally happy. I am in the processes of purchasing a Passat wagon for the growing family. Will hang onto the sedan and trade in the Intrigue.

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  Expensive Junk - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jack Long - November 3 - 6:23 am

  My wife bought a new Passat in late December 2006. The night we drove it home the right headlight failed and it took the dealership nearly two weeks to find and install another unit. The car ran fine until mid-May 2007 when it started to make a loud buzzing noise on start-up. We immediately took it into the dealer who advised that a bolt had sheared on the oil pump and it needed an entire new engine! As of June 14, 2007 the dealership has had the car for almost 4 weeks and is now installing the third engine because the replacement engine had the same problem. This car has been out of service for more than 5 weeks during the first 6 months of ownership. This is absolutely ridiculous quality.

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  Super - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jesse Izenberg - November 2 - 2:06 am

  Just returned from a 5000 mile trip and honestly find this car to be more than expected.

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  Family Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mattihas Frontzek - November 1 - 12:30 am

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  One great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By B Bortz - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This car is terrific. From its subtly attractive styling to its luxurious interior and its lively performance, this is an all-around winner. It is also a great value, as it gives you truly upscale amenities at a just- above-average price. VW had a problem this model year with the standard Bosch ignition coils, which the company replaced under recall. Other than that, my experience has been trouble-free, and I still get comments on how nice this car is inside and out. Oh, one more thing - the back seat is roomier than larger, more expensive cars from Japan, Europe and the U.S., and the trunk is very large and usable. All in all, I would but this car again

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  Passat Wagon GLS - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Streeter - October 31 - 10:00 am

  All around best new vehicle purchased. Very satisfied. Makes driving in traffic less stressfull. A good solid ride and feel. No question best options for the price.

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  Will never buy VW again - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwfamily - October 27 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this beautiful car because of its great exterior design, mixture of audi parts, and the reliability that we have had with vw cars for the past 3 decades. That being said..what a terrible mistake it was to buy this car. The check engine light came on between EVERY oil change. It was so bad that I sold the car only months after completely paying it off. The past 3 months included a $2,000 repair because of a bad sensor...yes, a sensor. The sensor was built into the steering column and the entire column had to be replaced. A month later, bad gas hose valve..$300. A month later, another bad valve..$300. Not to mention the other repairs covered by vw. Terrible car..just terrible