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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  Nice solid well thought out car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dallas - July 24 - 9:46 pm

  I have owned the car for 50,000 miles and have enjoyed all of them. The car is very smooth on the highway and also handles well and has good acceleration. I have had very good luck with all my VWs and this is no exception. My dealer service has been excellent. I am considering 1 of 3 different VWs for my next purchase.

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  Im out - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Im out - July 24 - 2:26 am

  Replaced 2 steering columns hard shifting transmission peeling interior paint burns oil - 1 quart/1000 miles suspension noises uneven tire wear replace two ignition coils lumbar problems the list goes on and on I traded it in - I am soooo happy to be out of that car

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed in NJ - July 23 - 9:33 pm

  This car has been back to the dealer more times than I want to admit. Its cost me too much money to keep: replaced the catalytic converters, ignition coil, coolant sensor, radiator hoses deteriorated. I dont understand why a 3.5 year old car has this many problems. I thought I was buying a car that would last. Moving on to a more reliable vehicle.

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  This is no bug! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Another Convert! - July 23 - 4:46 pm

  OK, Ive only had this car for two weeks now...but man, can this car rock! I had pretty well settled on a Mazda6 Sport, and at the last minute decided to try the Passat. This thing reeks of build quality..its like its machined from a solid piece of metal! The technology that VW has engineered into this car at this price is unbelievable. I used to own an Audi back in the early 90s, and at that time it suffered from poor quality and reliability issues, but I certainly dont get that impression driving this baby. Its acceleration, quietness (even at speed), trip computer and all the top quality features set this car years apart from the competition! Its a Mercedes at a fraction of the cost!

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  Nice, Nice, Nice - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By mr - July 22 - 10:36 pm

  Outstanding value and quality! My wife had a 2013 Passat TDI which she sold back to VW. After looking around at other brands she decided she missed the Passat style, room and driving quality. A new red Passat was located at a Seattle dealership and after a few phone conversations the deal was made and at a great price. I flew down and drove the vehicle back up to AK (2300 mi). I thought Id miss the TDI grunt but the TSI is very impressive...good acceleration, smooth and mpg in the high 30s. I would recommend the Passat to anyone looking for a mid size car!

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  Daughters 1st car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By ncsales23 - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Found this 1 owner used car with 51,600 miles. Had to replace a few minor trim pieces ($200) and put new tires on it. What a fun car to drive with the tiptronic transmission and sunroof. Daughter couldnt be happier. Excellent condition both mechanically and appearance. Was able to get 100,000 warranty on powertrain and this should be a very dependable vehicle for the next 3-4 years.

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  great passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By griffton - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car new before CU picked as their favorite. I shopped around an simply could not find a comparable car for the price. Its been love ever since. The only disappointments have been problems with the emissions warnings. Bat after 57,000 miles I still love the car and would recommend it fully. brian

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  Up in smoke - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By iajtapmas - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand new from the dealership. After two and a half years during which i spent almost 2K in maintenance, the car went up in smoke last week as i was driving. For details look for my posting on http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotiv e/vw_smoke.html. New and used car buyers please be very careful before deciding to buy cars from VW

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  I WAS a diehard Volvo owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jrbatchelder - July 19 - 10:00 am

  After driving Volvo cars for 20 years my wife insisted I test drive a Passat. After a ten minute drive I was sold on the VW Passat GL 1.8T 5 speed manual trans car we immediately purchased. This car exudes quality, stability and has wonderful road "feel".

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  Look elsewhere - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve Martin - July 19 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has been in the shop for 20 days and they dont know whats wrong. This is the fourth time for the same thing. The battery goes dead every night. The first two times they said nothing was wrong, according to their computer. VW refuses to honor Utahs Lemon Law, claiming the vehicle must be fixed first, at which time the BBB and Consumer Protection Agency will no longer be interested in my dispute. To VWs credit, they have provided me a 4 cylinder Ford Focus while they service my car. My warranty entitles me up to $25 per day for a rental, which is enough for a Ford Focus or a moped.