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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  ? - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By goodril - October 26 - 10:00 am

  Within 1st year had to have all breaks & rotors etc replaced. Faulty from factory instal. 2nd year water leaking into back psgr floor - faulty pollen filter housing. 3rd year water leaking again from roof - clogged sunroof drains + mechanic noticed pollen filter housing not correctly fixed from year before. Had to have rug & padding replaced 3 times.

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  What a deal. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By runteach - October 25 - 10:33 am

  Wonderfully performing car for the size. Took car for a day trip on winding state highways and the car was excellent, power and handling are superb. After driving many higher priced, less optioned cars, the VW was a no-brainer, just hope past reliability issues are non-existent. It is too bad VW is discontinuing the manual tranny after the 08 model, this might be the best manual tranny VW has produced. Gas mileage has been great so far, between 28-30 mpg for combined driving.

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  Been in shop 3x in 2 mos. no accident - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cat - October 24 - 4:40 pm

  I purchased this car used at 35K and its been in the shop 3x in the last 2.5 months with engine issues, key fob issues, fuse went, and suspension issues. The car has never been in a prior accident and never one with me since I purchased it. Ill never get another VW. Plan to trade this car in by end of year if these problems keep occurring, as I suspect they will.

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  Fun when it runs - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWregret - October 24 - 5:43 am

  I loved this car when I bought it. But, when the repairs started, they never stopped. It spends most of the time these days in the shop. The repairs over the past year include $900 turbo, $500 timing belt, $650 coolant feed line (dealer), $600 struts and many other $200+ repairs. I cant even sell it because of other repairs that need to be made to it. Its a piece of junk. I wish it wasnt because I really liked this car. I will never buy another VW. Never.

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  Love it - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chance - October 23 - 7:03 pm

  I bought this car not too long ago with only 70,000 miles on it, I got it from a dealership and I am not to certain about the owner/owners before me but since Ive had it Ive put about 7000 miles on it. I have been putting 93 octane in it and synthetic oil and it runs excellent. Just as you would expect a German engineered car to run. I always hear mixed reviews about VWs and it has led me to believe that when it comes to a VW the car gods either smile upon you or curse your every step. I am lucky enough to have found one that has such low mileage for its age and still runs superbly.

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  My FAVORITE CAR :) - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Natalie - October 22 - 12:32 pm

  Just purchased this 2012 car with 38K miles. It only had 1 previous owner and that had taken meticulous care of this vehicle. I have never enjoyed commuting in traffic for 60-90 minuets one way every day, however, this car makes me look for reasons to drive it, very smooth ride, amazingly quiet and comfortable and the bluetooth makes all your cares disappear. Absolutely my best purchase in a car EVER! So pleased.

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  Passat, Excellent Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By TADYCH - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The Passat is the most luxurious comfortable car ive ever driven. It handles like a luxury auto, my only complaint is the gas mileage is not impressive

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  Love it - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By mel primmer - October 22 - 2:00 am

  1st German car I have had, will never go back!

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  No Problems After 2 1/2 Years - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By DG - October 20 - 11:43 pm

  This has been the best care that Ive owned. Looks great, excellent performance, quality interior, excellent stereo, plenty of room both inside and in the trunk. Havent had a single problem with this vehicle and its a pleasure to drive. Some times the problems reported are the result of the driver/lack of maintenance, or someone who has purchased a flooded car.

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  Very good for the age and mileage - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark - October 19 - 8:53 am

  I had never owned a VW, but I have been very impressed. The heated seats have been recalled, but it is summer right now. So not worried about it. Wish fuel was better. But tranny, body style, tires, interior are all great. The owner did a very good job in maintaining it. Very solid when doors are shut and the safety features are great. I love that it has side curtain air bags.