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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  Love Hate Relationship - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Co Car Girl - April 16 - 6:06 pm

  I bought mine used, 2 weeks after buying it I had to replace both front cv boots $1k a piece. in the last 18 months I have had it in the shop at least 12 times. In the last 4 weeks I have had the passenger side electrical, all 4 steering mech, wiper arms, thermostat replaced. Also have a sunroof that likes to open when not prompted. The park brake likes to set and unset itself after I turn the car off. What a joy it has been to drive every rental car known to man while waiting for parts. Thing is every time I get it back I am happy to be sitting in the comfortable ergo friendly car that drives like a dream.... when its running. Dont buy unless you have lots of time/$ to sit at the mech

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  Read This Review - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Easy - April 16 - 2:46 pm

  I have been researching numerous AWD cars from the A8 to the Benz 4Matic. With the price of the Passat 3.6 4Motion I couldnt beat it. The interior is awesome, it even has 14 way power seats for driver and passenger! This car has too many options for me to list. When I drove this car it surprised me! The sound of the dual exhaust sounded more like the R32s sport tuned exhaust! I loved it! The AWD works excellent. I had a chance to surprise a 2004 S4 the other day for a short distance. I think he was heading to the Audi dealer to trade his car in after what I did to him! Dont be fooled! This is no ordinary Passat! You really need to go and test drive this car. I have the Luxury Pack.

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  My favorite car ever! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jill in Portland, OR - April 15 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! I like the gas mileage (good for a station wagon). The heated seats are great on rainy days. I like manual while my husband likes automatic, so the tiptronic is the perfect feature for us. Leather makes cleaning up after messy kids easy. The car is very quiet and theres plenty of power.

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  good for small family, icy roads - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By acahalan - April 15 - 10:00 am

  Unlike the typical 4wd/awd vehicle, this is one that always smoothly applies power to all 4 wheels. It doesnt rely on a slow-responding multi-plate clutch ("computer" systems) or viscous fluid. The even power split prevents slipping from starting, and recovery is easy. Getting a 4-wheel alignment makes a huge difference with this car. The back is roomy. Visibility is great but for the rear head rests sticking up.

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  Another Ignition Coil Victim - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gregg - April 12 - 6:56 pm

  Just bought a 06 Passat from VW dealership in Freehold, NJ. Luckily were under warranty. After 3 days of ownership my wife broke down on the G.S.P. and the car needed 4 new ignition coils, mass air flow sensor, 2 additional wires, 20 Amp fuse, head cover, engine harness. Wow. Thank god were under warranty. This from a clean car-fax and apparently brand new looking/feeling vehicle. Now after receiving the car back from the dealer the malfunction light is on and back it goes! A few more days and this will meet the 20-day lemon law criterion.

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  A Problem - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By abettinger2 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought it for my wife. Ignition coil problems, instruments turn out hard to read in bright sunshine with sunglasses on, seat velour wearing, drivers door handle wearing and seats to short for my legs.

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  Its Great! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By HappyVJC - April 9 - 10:10 pm

  I have had my Passat for one week and I am just so happy that I purchased this vehicle. I looked at the Cadillac CTS & Volvo S60 before seeing a Passat on the road and saying what car is that! Thats when I came to Edmunds and started researching for this vehicle and realized it had more features and way better pricing than the above vehicles. All of my co-workers were like "whose new car is that?" when I brought it to work and someone even said they were envious!

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  Comfortable Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By CeCe - April 6 - 7:43 pm

  I absolutely love this car!!! I had a 96 Mustang before this purchase for 8 years and it only took me 2 days to become spoiled from my 05 Passat. The gas mileage is great. And actually I travel 50 miles to work one way and I average more than 38 miles to the gallon. Its more like 40.5, and Im no pokey driver. Ive only had it for a short while, but I predict I will love it always!

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  Good performance, poor quality control - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ralphie - April 6 - 2:23 pm

  Every a/c vent makes a various speaking sound and the guage cluster is constantly making rattling sounds despite attempts by service dept to fix. Interior door pull handles rubber rubbs and peels off. Already had door pull handles replaced twice on drivers side.

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  Awesome car, with BAD customer service!! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By ashafi - April 5 - 10:31 pm

  This is my first VW, and its awesome, it caught my eye and I couldnt resist it and had to get it. However, I had so many issues, from bad dealership experience to bad customer service from VW corporate office of America. I completed the paperwork with Momentum VW of Fairfield, CA, initially everything went smooth, but the car wasnt in stock and was promised to be delivered in 1-2 days, which took more than a week, but in wrong color, plus very poor customer service, no followup. Contacted VW USA, but regional mgr, Daryl didnt help at all, in fact didnt even return my calls. I ended up canceling my order with this dealer and went to a different dealership, compromised on the options!!!