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:
Showing 2491 through 2500 of 3,322.00-
Your Fathers Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By John Hetrick - July 7 - 2:07 am2003 Passat GLX is a fully loaded sedan- two 8 way power seats with memory, rain sensing wipers, folding mirrors, smooth V6 engine and drive train, and other features only available on high end vehicles. Most all the options still work. Only bothersome problem has been the alloy rims pit from the winter salt and develop slow leaks. Recently repaired rims since winter is over- should hold till next year. Paint and body has held up well for Ohio winter roads. This car still turns heads- people dont believe it is 13 years old.
-
Okay Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Chris - July 7 - 1:03 amI bought my car used and have had nothing but problems from the first month after buying it. Its a fun car, it is just so expensive to keep the car running properly.
-
Value for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By Abhijit - July 5 - 5:56 pmI have had it for couple of weeks and my experience so far is good. My Value Edition Passat has all of the options that I required and it drives well too. Setting the display options in the Value Edition is a nightmare though. Overall the car runs and handles well.
-
Stay Away!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By mando - July 5 - 3:30 pmIf you really like this car, then make sure you have a bumper-2-bumper warranty, otherwise you are on for a rather sour treat. The 2.0T engine is amazing, but the rest of the electronic components are so below standards ITS RIDICULOUS!. This car has so many electronic/software bugs, its crazy. Just go to the online communities and youll see for yourself. Common problems with this car (2006-up): Evap purge valve clogging, A/C Condenser failure, Steering wheel lock defective(very unsafe), gas cap defective, TPMS miss-reading, Radio unit errors, and the list goes on, and on.
-
gotta love german - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By Ed - July 4 - 3:03 amI test drove the VW 2.0T with the six speed manual and was sold. This has got to be the slickest drivetrain Ive ever driven. Exterior fit and finish are great and this is a really good looking car. However, you really have to love these cars to put up with the same old VW issues. I have 20K on the car and have had 3 oil changes, yet have had to add almost 2 quarts of oil over that period! Hello - this is 2006 not 1966! I have yet to find a valet or car wash attendant that knows how to set or disengage the stupid electric parking brake. A/C is inadequate if car spends any time parked in the sun. Dashboard rattles. This is my fourth VW since 1979 and some things never change.
-
01.5 Passat V6 GLS - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
By jbaril - July 4 - 2:00 amI think the car is awesome, especially compared to its immediate rivals, like Century Regal, Maxima, I30, Saab 9-5, Accord, Camry, et al. I owned an 01 Accord--BORING! DULL for days. You can tell youre driving a German car, precision, finesse, style, grace. What else can I say?
-
good stuff - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
By jbaril - July 4 - 2:00 amSilver w/black cloth and weather pkg, as well as luxury pkg. Stereos great, the dials for it are too fussy. comfortable, beats the crap out of Accords, Camrys, etc. Theyre all boring.
-
VW passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By SHAWN CAMPBELL - July 4 - 1:00 amI have had no problems with my passat it is well made and looks great! Every one tells me what an awesome car it is and whey would love to own one! I just sold my 2004 and it sold for 1000 less than i paid for it!!!!! Now thats great......... I now have a 2005 passat and it as awsome as the 2004 keep up the great work v.W.
-
Yet to be discovered value; Grab one! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By Driver Found - July 3 - 4:06 pmThis car has great performance, safety, reasonable gas mileage, fit & finish. Volkswagen has hit a homerun with this one. I had the opportunity to compare this car to a BMW 325i and a Honda Accord EX on a closed course and fell in love with the Passat. I have always appreciated Volkswagens appearance, but the car just seemed boring. With the intro of the 06 Passat FSI 2.0T this has become a thing of the past. I love the look (especially with the 18- inch Chicago wheels). The car handles amazingly, I implore you to accelerate through that next bend as the ESP dares you to push it to its limits. The interior details rise above the competition with the Multifunction computer, smart-key, to the multi-cupholders.
-
VW Passat Nothing but problems - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
By srijack - July 3 - 2:00 amI bought a new 2007 VW Passat on looks alone. The car has been in the dealership for repair on a regular basis. It didnt bother me when the car was under warrenty. However I just paid my last payment in July and the car went off warrenty a few months before. The engine light went on the day before Thanksgiving and I brought it to the dealer, the service manager called and went thru a list of problems. The list started with emissions problems, and ended with oil leaking into the engine. I asked to speak to the owner of the dealership and got a manager. I told him that I would like them to buy the car back because I do not want it anymore. Apparently they do not want it either. Go figure.
