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:

• 

  Keep it simple - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By kathonic - October 1 - 1:52 pm

  I purchased mine with 190,000 miles prominently interstate and highway mileage. The car is lumbering around town, but can really move when you need it to (Ive already avoided a few accidents because of it). Mechanically everything is easy to replace yourself, and often much cheaper as well, so if your considering the 5-speed V6 I would definitely invest in as much repair materials as you can. If youre good at basic repairs and replacement this car responds well to them. A word of warning however, do NOT skimp on seals and gaskets, make sure they are in good order before buying this car, because they have the most potential to do the greatest harm.

• 

  Forget the Audi A4 and get a VW Passat!! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By PatNC - September 30 - 10:30 pm

  I just leased the VW Lux Passat and I have to say that I am thrilled with this car. Originally went to the dealership to get an Audi A4. A physician that I work with recommended the vehicle and new the GM. The GM had me drive both vehicles and in the end the Passat had more to offer for the price and the drive was the same. The engine is surprisingly powerful and the handling is superb. I have test driven the Audi A4,Volvo S40, 60 ,80, the new Accord, Acura TSX, TL, Nissan Altima, Maxima and found the Passat to have everything that I want and more. As a new father to a 4 week old I have to admit I love all the airbags and safety...as a driver love the feel and response of the Passat!!!

• 

  A Real Bargain - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By larmen - September 30 - 2:36 pm

  The 2007 Passat 2.0T is a very nice car. I had a Saab 9-5 and this has better build quality. It is just as much fun to drive and costs many thousands less. The car is at its best cruising at 80-85 mph. Its safe, secure and smooth at that speed. On a 900 mile trip, I got 32 mpg with the a/c going continuously. The leatherette seats are an acceptable alternative. I wish the drivers seat had full power but the power lumbar is a nice feature. Getting such niceties as a telescopic steering wheel, stability control, tire pressure monitor, sunroof, Tiptronic transmission, full instrumentation, a nicely appointed trunk, and one touch windows on all four doors makes this a real bargain.

• 

  Value Packed - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By holenone797 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We compared the Camry, Accord, and Passat. The VW had it all. Safety, performance, comfort, fit and finish,great looks, and in more recent years reliability. Keep the options to a minimum to maximize value. Couple the 1.8 turbo with the manual tranny for real fun. I feel like Im driving a luxury car-with the others I didnt. one negative-wind and road noise above 80mph.

• 

  Great Car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry4motion - September 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Passat almost 2 years ago and now have 33000 trouble-free miles on it. Its a great value, essentially an Audi for thousands less. My wife wont admit it, but I think she likes driving it better than her BMW 528I.

• 

  Good so far - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By carnut - September 28 - 2:03 pm

  Have 13k miles on it and so far no problems. Its our first VW and was a little hesitant with other bad reviews of corky problems with VWs. Early on had the tire pressure light come on with no tire pressure problems. Also, started it one cold morning and ran really rough, turned it off, let it sit 10 min and no problems since. Did a lot of shopping and this was the best lease out there. $406/mo - zero dollars down out the door, 10k mi/yr 15K dollar residual 36mo lease. Looking back I would go with the sport package (different seats, climate, wheels & brakes).

• 

  Please do not make a mistake of buying a VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mandydj - September 28 - 8:01 am

  Worst car experience ever. Bought a 2004 passat wagon 1/1/2010. Had 60K miles. Every month or two, I had to put it in the shop. Brakes, belts, engine coils, thermostat, both front axels, airflow sensor, a/c unit, etc... all had to be replaced over the 10 months I owned it. Thank goodness I was able to get rid of it before the other well known things go wrong. I got rid of it at 74K miles... heard about the turbos in these cars going out, timing belt, etc.... never again.

• 

  Camry? Why? - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Macaroon - September 28 - 5:43 am

  Ive always loved Passats, and owned 2 1993 VR6/GLX, a wagon for my wife and a sedan for me. I went to my dealer to check out the GTI 5-door (Ive been saying for years they needed one), but ended up driving off in this black beauty. Same engine/trans as the GTI make it nearly as fun to drive, but I got a proper grown-up car with a huge back seat for $5K less! I used to sell Toyotas, and there is no contest between this and a Camry (except, perhaps, in the long-term cost of ownership -- but with a 3 yr lease, who cares?) Hands down, the Passat hammers the stuffing out of the Camry! This car is simply WAY more: comfortable, feature-rich, fun to drive, fuel efficient and attractive.

• 

  Really do like this car!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By WDW - September 27 - 8:00 am

  Had an Avalon (a fine reliable vehicle). Anticipated buying an A6. Researched, test drove, opted instead for a loaded Passat. Only 3000 on the odometer, but so far "lovin dat car!"

• 

  ryan 99 passat - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By rmj - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had my VW for six months and have put over 16000 miles on it. Its very reliable and for a 1.8 litre 4 cyl. sedan it is a very fun car to drive. Even with the turbo it is far from a racecar but does feel like a 6 cyl. I would definitely recommend the car to several different types of people.