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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  Third One is a Charm too - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By txlazer - October 12 - 10:03 am

  This is my third VW and my 2nd Passat. My first Passat being a 2004 GLS 1.8 turbo. Last weekend I wrecked my 04 in a 60 mhp accident I walked away with only a small cut on my right wrist from a chain I was wearing, the car was totaled. The other car (a 4-Runner was a mess too) that being said I started looking around for another car to buy, with all the deals today IE: employee pricing and 0% interest I checked out almost every maker of cars in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. Nothing out there compares with a Passat unless you want to spend twice as much on a new BMW. The new 06 Passat seems to be a totally differant car then my 04 model. It drives much smoother, faster, it feels like a Mercedes-Benz. Try this car first!

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  ready to get rid of the lemon ! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By alincke - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought my VW as a certified used vehicle with 28K.My fun with the car lasted 18 months. Multiple trips to a dealer due to check engine light. Recently with 56K the timing belt fell of while I was driving around town. I was 4K too many to have extensive repairs to the engine covered by limited warranty. To top it of the timing belt failure happened bearly 2 weeks after car was serviced at the dealership. Call s to dealership and VW left me very disappointed not only with the car but also customer service.

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  Read the Fine Print! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Guil_4D - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Pay close attention to VWs warranty and document all of your service visits (maitain complete records of all scheduled and non- scheduled maintenance). My failure to do so taught me an expensive lesson. At 39,000 miles my wagons cam shaft siezed. VW voided the powertrain warranty because I was unable to provide documentation of 30K and 35K service. Factory rebuilt engines cost $6,100 installed. OUCH!

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  Sweet ride, excellent value - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By swede - October 6 - 10:00 am

  We compared the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima before deciding on the Passat. In almost every aspect, the Passat beat out the other two. Comfort and safety ranked high on our list of priorities, but when you can get that AND the pleasure of driving a VW (which Honda and Nissan simply cannot copy), it was a simple choice. With 1.9% financing AND $1000 in loyalty bonus, PLUS a dealer incentive of $1500, the 2003 Passat is a fantastic value for the money. With all the standard features of the GLS, we feel like we just stole a luxury car... Put all those features in an Altima, and watch that low base price shoot through the roof.

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  2003 VW PASSAT GLX SEDANS KICK ASS AT 150mph too - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By H. Woodruff - October 6 - 6:20 am

  If youre looking for a car that has lots of acceleration, great braking, awesome handling, and loaded with 6 or more air bags, with a large trunk and seats that also fold down, this is the car for you. It loves rain storms, not sure about snow, i live in California. It gets great gas mileage 18 city and about 22 to 26mpg hwy depending if you drive the speed limit or not, i always obey the law. hahahaa. If you like driving to Las Vegas and end up with $18 to get home with, at 260 miles away from home, this is the car for you. It has a 5 speed automatic transmission that shifts so smooth you dont even feel it shift gears. It also has a manual shift that lets you shift it incase that corvette next to you (thinks) hes going to embarrass you in a race that he loses. The car is awesome, great looking, and knows how to handle business, my car has 122k miles and still runs and drives like its brand new. Buy the car...you wont be dissappointed, i have had many great offers over $5000 for it, no way im selling it though. VW kicked ass when they built this machine .

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  2005 TDI Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By rw - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Up to 2009 car was great. Volkswagon decided to recall att TDI models for a R8 recall for the glow plugs. Being on top of recalls brought car in for recall and had it done in the spring time period. Well summer went by and winter was setting in (getting colder) my wife started complaining that the car was hard to start sometimes. I of course egnored it till I drove it. Well the problems with the dealership and Volkswagon began. Called Volkswagon direct and knotified them of a possible problem with thier recall. Brought it in and more than 6 months later. I got my car back with original plugs and waiting for volkswagon to find a glow plug that will replace problem plugs. Good luck to tdi owne

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  Dont Buy One - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mugsy - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Too many problems---prone to engine failure& electrical problems--I had to replace 2 front axels all 4 coil packs (got stranded twice after the warrenty expired). Complained to VW. They sent me a recall on coil Packs 2 years later. I had thrown out receipts & already gotten rid of car because I didnt know what was going to go bad next. Repair bills are very costly at the dealership. VW is a car I will never buy again. I now own a Nissan Rogue.

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  Looks great but unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean - October 3 - 8:26 pm

  This was our first (and probably last) VW. Loved the car until all the electronic problems started popping up (too numerous to list). The last problem we had was the well-known defective steering column that needed to be replaced (just last week). How does this common problem not warrant a recall? I love driving the car when it is working, but have no faith that the car will last (and it still only has 26k miles on it!). Just waiting for the next problem to arrive. Ill stick with Acuras/Hondas from here on.

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  Incredible Automobile - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jimjohn - October 2 - 4:43 pm

  Ive owned my 2.0T for just over 3 years. It has been one of the most satisfying autos I have ever experienced. Ive owned Corvettes, BMWs, Porsches, an Audi, a Cadillac, several Chevys , a couple of Fords and a few others. I think, I can safely say, this is the best of the lot. Itll travel over 500 Highway miles on a tank of gas. Its more comfortable than a couple of BMWs Ive owned. Its fast, it handles pretty well and its never had to go back to the dealer since I bought over 40,000 miles ago. Ive changed the oil (Mobile 1) a few times and recently replaced the original tires. The brake pads still look like new. I bought it new for 22 grand. What a great car. 2 thumbs, way up!

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  Great Car - Terrible Customer Service - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Judi - October 2 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased my Passat in November 2006. I absolutely love it, but it has had multiple cosmetic problems. My biggest problem is that the leather seats have discolored, and I am getting no help from VW on resolving this issue. Ive also had trouble with the Bluetooth (installed by the dealer after-market), and the Nav system had to be replaced after it got "stuck." Except for the purchase experience, I have had nothing but customer service trouble with two local dealerships (not the one I purchased it from) and VW Corporate. I love the car, but as soon as I am not upside-down in the note, I will sell it and get a Lexus, just because of the customer service.