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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  Do NOT Buy this Car from Anyone - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marissa Ketchum - April 28 - 2:05 pm

  This car has problems left and right. I bought it used from a dealership about 3 years ago. The transmission has been going bad for about a year now. Im surprised it has lasted that long driving with a bad tranny. The bad tranny makes it constantly slip and clunk. It slips in between every single gear change and sometimes even slips when it isnt changing gears! Tried replacing the valve body and that did not help at all. Its completely unreliable and the worst car Ive ever owned. I expected so much more from a VW. Now, the fuel pump has broken so it doesnt start. Save your time and money and do not buy this year Passat.

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  Look high and low. Passat is best. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kevin in Houston - April 28 - 1:30 pm

  Pros: "Laser-track" drive; quiet cabin; rich interior; fine finish even in hidden areas; 48mo/50K warranty; VALUE compared to all below $34K! Toyota/Honda, look! Cant touch it! Cons:"Turbo lag" takes getting used to. Passat is IT! Study the $24-34K market. Only 325i is close... so keep that extra $10K! Youll get much the same for a price below sticker. Turbo lag? Just punch through it. Youll always turn to look when you park. And Monsoon is superb - Better than in our Lexus.

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  fast and smooth - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By NYC - April 24 - 9:50 pm

  Never had a VW before. Very happy so far. Unexpected power from this VR6. Very fast off the line, great cornering and smooth when cruising at highway speeds. Love the sport styled "old school" seats- extremely comfortable and roomy and Im 62". Excellent quality, fit & finish, great dash and overall cabin design. Lots of storage too.

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  Love this Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By SweetPea - April 24 - 8:03 pm

  I am as tough on cars -- I have 4 dogs -- and I am not diligent about maintenance. I have put 170,000 abusive miles on my Passat in six years and have driven it to death. Except for oil issues in last two years -- I have not had much trouble. I replaced the oil pump twice and the water pump once -- thats been it, besides brakes and tires. VW dealer prices are stiff, so I use a reliable local guy for repairs. The Passats tyling and drivebility are great. All of its interior features continue to work perfectly. The trunk space is great and the back seat collapses for extra room. I think this is a great car and would buy another, even though oil issues prevail. I have learned that timely maintenance is key.

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  pretty good car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By john101 - April 23 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Have had several recalls over the year Ive owned it. I dont like the turbo "lag" in hard acceleration but gas mileage is good as is performance.

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  Go New Clean Diesel - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve Zinnel - April 20 - 5:23 am

  This is my first diesel engine automobile. Recently took a 5,000 mile trip out West. Average gas mileage for the entire trip was 40 mpg. Never once had to take it out of cruise when going up the mountains. The diesel engine is very quiet when crusing at 75 mph on the freeway and doesnt seem to change a bit when going up mountains. I have been very impressed with the comfortable ride and amazed at the gas mileage. I drive about 30,000 miles a years, with a high percentage of those miles on the freeway, and thats why I decided to try the VW Passat for comfort and safety, and the diesel engine for economy. So far it has exceeded my expectations.

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  Never again! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By 0osarahhh - April 18 - 9:34 am

  Ive had this car for about 5 months and already cannot afford the up keep! I paid $4000 for it, and have put about $2000 into it now. First I had to replace front brake hoses, right and left control arms, then the thermostat went, now I have oil leaking and a major electrical system problem. Never again will I buy another Volkswagen.

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  Solid and fun! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dana Lamb - April 18 - 2:06 am

  I bought my 2006 Passat with the V6 engine and it has been the best car I have ever owned. I had leased a Passat before with the 2.0 Turbo and my wife and I loved the roominess and easy ride. This Passat has a sports suspension (VW stiffened it up due to complaints about a "squishier" ride in older models) that she really disliked but appealed to my love of sports cars going back to the 60s. The V6 engine has been a blast, all the power I needed in tight situations and it doesnt burn oil like its Audi cousins. I just turned 100,000 miles on it and it is not only running strong but it averages 28 miles per gallon. I figured I would lose the mileage due to the larger engine but it sips gas even when I drive it hard. My only complaint is the breakdown of the headlight covers as they fog over time and some of the rubbery surfacing on the drivers side armrest and sections of the dashboard show wear with chips and peeling. The lines on the car and interior are dated now but still cool in a guy sort of way with a black exterior and interior. If you can find one with the V6 engine grab it and take it on a mountain road to fell teh power and cornering ability. sweet ride!

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  German Engineering and Performance! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Ho - April 17 - 9:13 am

  I purchased my Passat new in 1999. It is OK. The cup holders stink, but other than that, this is an impressive car. It has a solid build, outstanding performance from the V6, and the 5 speed just adds to the fun. Traction control really helps (this feature is tough to find with a manual transmission). Getting over 30 MPG highway is also nice. After 7 years, the only major problem was a bad water pump replaced under warranty. A couple of hard starts taught me not to leave the car sitting for more that a few days with a nearly empty fuel tank. Do-it-yourself mechanics like me will find major maintenance items a bit of a challenge, but routine stuff is no big deal (oil, filters, plugs, etc.).

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  This car was a dissapointment - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By SILVERADO1 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  I had this car for 2 1/2 years and 13 visits to the dealer. Everything that can go wrong with a car has gone wrong. From interior trimming coming apart, the built garage door opener breaking in pieces, electric locks replaced, throttle body replaced, electronic dash console, faulty seatbelts, 2 recalls, power window failed at last minute before trade in. This car was a nightmare, couldnt wait to get rid of it.