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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  catalytic converter - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lsmo - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car new in 2000, never a problem until at 104,000 got a check engine light with emmissions workshop light, dealer said that the catalytic converter was bad to the tune of $3,300, took it elsewhere and they said the O2 sensors were also bad...another $1,200. I paid $24,600 for it 4yrs ago and now I cant even trade it in!

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  My 1st VW But not my Last - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By tomk - August 2 - 8:56 am

  I was looking for a nice car with good MPG. The Passat fits that bill to a tee, I travel 70 a day to go work and this car has been great for that use. Lots of confort good MPG and it gets going down the road when you kick in the tubro. It appears to wear also but I have only owned it about 8 months.

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  Fun, fast but thirsty - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By john - August 1 - 6:13 pm

  Great car, love the 4 wheel motion in the snow. Great pick up, but plan on only getting about 300 miles to the tank. You also need to use the 93 octane gas in the turbo version. Overall nice car.

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  144,000 miles and counting - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By txsaggie1 - July 29 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this car as it looks cool inside and outdoor with super comfy seats. Overall, I have been pleased and I plan on driving it until it dies. Get the V6 engine! Much more reliable than V4. (Ive also never used Premium gas. 87 octane works fine.) Interior and exterior has worn well. Seats are comfy. Ride is quite and comfortable. Paint looks great. But Ive had electrical issues similar to others: Headlights burn out often, dashboard and panel lights go out. Repairs are expensive, and some maintenance can only be done at dealerships. If you are buying a used one, make sure you are aware of the VW timing belt/water pump replacement at 105,000 mile-- its $1300.

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  Volkswagen Passat 2006 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Itzel Galindo - July 29 - 9:33 am

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  Good, comfortable, fun car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rarmor - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is alot of fun to drive. It handles very well while delivering a comfortable ride. The heated seats/mirrors are great now that winter has arrived. There is plenty of room and the interior is very well designed. I have only owned the car for 4 months but it feels very solid and well-built. The gas mileage is only average, however.

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  Fine, Fine Automobile. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Goodman - July 27 - 11:56 am

  I am startled by reports about the Audi A6 wagon being the superior machine to the Passat Wagon. In fact, the entire VW Passat wagon, except for the cast iron engine block and lovely design is not similar to, but actually identical in every respect to the Audi. The Audi service manager told me that. So take a tip and think of the Passat to save yourself thousands of dollars.

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  Great Car! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike - July 26 - 5:33 am

  Ive had this car just a little over a month and its absolutely great! With just over 2, 000 Miles, Im averaging between 32 mpg and 34 mpg on the highway and about 29 mpg for mixed driving. At highway speeds it drives/rides almost as well as my wifes Mercedes e350 (although you hear a little More road noise). The car has plenty of power for passing and merging even at highway speeds. Everything seems very tight and well fitted. No interior rattles (at least yet). Stability and the feeling of the driver being in control are impressive. Very Nice car!

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  Fun, Comfortable, Unreliable - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - July 25 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car as a certified Volkswagen. I loved the look and the style. It handle and drove as you would expect a German car. Very peppy and responsive. Shortly after the purchase I started having electrical problems, windows stopped working, censors were going bad. The warranty covered all the work, although the dealerships were not easy to work with. At around 80,000 miles the car broke down on the road. Found out there was a recall on the motor that the dealership didnt notify us about. The whole motor was replaced under warranty because of an oil pump problem. After that the alternator went dead causing three more breakdowns. After many headaches the car is running fine, for now.

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  3rd time is a charm - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Suzanne - July 24 - 10:33 pm

  This is my 3rd VW Passat. I previously owned a 1999 & 2002 V6 GLS. With all of the VW incentives, I upgraded to a 2004 4motion GLX. This car is fully loaded and lots of fun to drive. The mpg has gone down due to the allwheeldrive. It corners nicely, driving is good in the snow. I had to "reflash" the software due to the 4- motion clunk. It fixed my problem, but have read about complaints from others. The power leather seats are way more comfortable than the manual cloth. This is the first vehicle I have owned with a moonroof, it takes some getting used to hearing all of the sounds from the outside. Sometimes it is startling otherwise great to get some fresh air.