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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  Good car with some problems - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian00074 - September 15 - 11:30 am

  This is an excellent riding vehicle with decent power and good looks. The data display and heated seats are great features. I had two strange things happen with this car. First was minor. The chrome strip along the rear door pulled away somehow and took paint off the front door the next time I opened it. It happened on a very very cold day and I suspect some water froze behind it. The second thing was much more serious. I got home one night and tried to back into my spot but the car would not move. Turned out that I needed a whole new transmission, which Kelly VW replaced with no hassle. Its running well but making a strange noise after rolling a few feet. Im taking it back again.

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  Mid-size alternative - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cincinnati kid - September 14 - 8:53 am

  The look, the room, the zoom!

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  very satisfied - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neurodancer - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is a great all around car -- a great fit and finish, fun to drive and economical

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  Never Again - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By WAO - September 13 - 10:00 am

  at 30,000 coils went. They replaced one and waited for the others to fail for a recall which ever came first. 6 Headlight bulds in 3 years at 62000 miles Oil Pump at 72000 Engine needs to be replaced Never Again for a VW of any kind....

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  Will not buy another VW any time soon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By td - September 13 - 6:20 am

  My wife and I love the styling and comfort of the car, but have been extremely disappointed with the massive number of electrical component problems on our Passat. In my family, VW always had a reputation for quality, at least as long as I can remember. However, this car has not lived up to the VW rep. The day after we purchased the car, the fuel gauge sensor failed. Since then its been an uphill climb. The remote trunk opener failed, a break sensor failed that caused the ABS and Airbags to disable - another service call. Heated seats burned through the leather on the drivers side and actually caused 1st degree burns on my wifes leg <-- This resulted in a recall later. Etc., etc., etc

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  2006 Passat 3.6 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick - September 12 - 8:50 pm

  I test drove a 2.0T Passat a month ago and have to say I was impressed overall. I really wanted to look at the 3.6L and got to test drive last week and it was a THRILL! On pricing, if you load with similar features, the price isnt that much more than a comparable Japanese vehicle. Where the Passat differs is the available 4Motion. Also, the wagon comes out in the spring. Thats what Im waiting for... a 3.6L 4 Motion Passat Wagon (I dont like the height stance of any SUV). Outside of the Subaru Legacy / Outbank, theres no competion and the Subies are less expensive because theyre far more stripped down.

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  Love this Car! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jcostello1 - September 12 - 5:36 pm

  We are a middle class family who searched for mid-size sedan that would be roomy enough for my 6 foot 3 husband, myself and two kids. we have been driving an SUV but i was getting tired of paying so much for gas. I wanted a luxury feel but at a middle class income price. This was the car that fit all those needs. Its huge. Its actually longer and wider then my Ford Edge. The kids and husband have a ton of room. Its really nice to drive, it has that cozy sports feel drive to it. It grips the road like a glove. I love all the techie touches. The stereo system is great with the touch and blue tooth and all the information if gives you on the dash! This car is great.

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  One Big Lemon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Totally Disappointed - September 10 - 2:00 am

  One problem after another - 1st, the secondary braking system. Soon after, the stereo just went dead. The dealer blamed a loose connection. Okay, so they fixed it. Next problem, what do you know, the stereo dies again! This time the dealer replaced the stereo. That was a week ago. Today, I had to cancel a hike with our 2 labs; another warning light! "Alternator workshop!" This wonderful news was accompanied by an appalling smell from the engine compartment. Well, looks like another trip to the dealer. I have to admit that the VW service people are a great bunch - Im sure Ill be getting to know them very well.

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  As good as a VW gets. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gazoo - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a complete german car that can compete with any other at a much lower price. It is a fully loaded sedan that still offers a fun ride. The 1.8T engine hadles like a good 4 cyl at low RPMs, but as soon as it gets close to 3000 RMP yo can feel the car pulling. Precise steering and good breaks. The only thing I would change are the tires, They a confortable set of Michellin, but they lack the grip when working the 1.8T

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  Car is unreliable, CS is pathetic - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By mminch - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Have had the car three years. The first winter we had it, it did not start on 2 occasions. Both times the dealer did tow it, but could find nothing wrong. We were told misfires. On two other occasions the engine light when on, we took it in, and they told us misfires again. The battery also failed, but the dealer replaced it. The warranty recently expired and the engine light has come on, the repairs have run about $500. In total the engine light has come on at least 6 times in less then 60,000 miles. Very safe car when it starts, very unreliable. Our local dealer takes no accountability, their favorite sayings are "Im sorry" and "I dont know" when I ask what I can do.