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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  Disappointed - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jsmith - June 27 - 4:46 pm

  I love the look, style, and power of my Passat. I was so excited to own a VW Passat. Two months after buying my used Passat, I noticed fluid leaking from underneath the car and smoke coming from the exhaust when I started the car. Transmission fluid was leaking and so was oil from the turbo. Before I could get the turbo fixed my car left me stranded on Christmas Eve. I ended up replacing the engine and turbo, which took 2 1/2 months to find an engine and turbo in good shape. Now a year after buying my car and putting in a new engine and turbo the transmission is slipping and the AC stopped working. I can not wait to get rid of this car!

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  Solid, Well-designed and great MPG - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By jklo16 - June 26 - 11:38 am

  The Volkswagen TDI SEL 2.0 is a very good highway car in the $30k range with a strong turbo assisted diesel and great milage. In eight months, I am approaching 18k miles and am averaging 42 mpg which includes a good mix of bumper to bumper stop and go Tollway driving as well as open highway cruising. As pro reviewers stated, its solid and very roomy. The radio display is a bit boring with a basic red on black display and the response time is slow from pressing the touch screen to seeing anything happen. ( The screen is not an iPad) The Fender stereo setup is decent for the price range.

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  Passat GLX - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jiniver - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive truly enjoyed owning this car to date. Ive driven it in all weather conditions and it has never let me down. It handles very well for a family wagon. The car is very comfortable to drive over long distances and the practicality of the wagon has proven itself numerous times. I cant find one complaint about this car.

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  Slightly Different Than the Rest - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mykul - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Before buying the Passat, I looked at the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. There was just enough about the VW that was different than all the rest. Volkswagens ad for "Drivers Wanted" - is appropriate. For me, its a poor mans BMW:tight handling, German simplicity, comfortable and NOT like all the rest. You owe it to yourself to take a Passat on a test drive - I bet you feel the difference too.

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  Wish the execution was better. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By squashpup - June 26 - 7:36 am

  The car itself, in everyday use, is great. Comfortable, good power, good gas mileage, styling is excellent inside and out, roomy, sporty handling, fun to drive with a good feel on the road.

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  Great car! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kaylene - June 25 - 12:13 pm

  I love this car. I drove a stick shift, and it was the best car i have ever owned. I would recommend this if you love going fast. GREAT CAR!

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  A Super Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjbird2 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is really a kick to drive. I actually look foeward to my commute to and from work since I bought the Passat.

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  Best Choice in Mid-Size Sedan Class - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By William - June 24 - 6:44 am

  Fantastic car in every way. Styling, ergonomics, performance and value. Bought my 2015 Passat Limited 5 months ago. Just clocked 6K on the ODO. This car is everything and more than expected in a reasonably priced German engineered sedan. Obviously, long term experience is yet to be seen, but so far its looking great. Overall Im getting an average 28MPG, and thats with a 60 mile round trip commute in heavy traffic five days a week. I bought this car brand new for $19,995 and drove it off the showroom floor. Ive owned several cars that cost 2x-3x as much and I am very pleased with the overall quality of the Passat. You cant go wrong with this one. It is also quite fun to drive!

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  So far, so good - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tocacat - June 24 - 3:46 am

  I have been driving this baby for three months. It has a great ride. People are blown-away that this is the base model. All the sensors work (yes, even the tire pressure one). Watch out, this is a big car. It has more blind spots than I had expected. Its shifting is smooth. The parking brake and hill assist are nice. The guy whos getting 37 mpg on the highway must be driving like an old lady though. Im averaging 25-27 overall, and maybe 32 mpg if driving highway only. How can you not cruise at 80 mph? Thats so easy in this ride. Go for the alloy Tango wheels. They are a pretty good deal for an upgrade. To the comment about the autolocks - you can modify the settings with the computer. Just read the manual. Its slightly smaller than the bible.

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  Excellent performance with trade offs - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike - June 24 - 3:16 am

  The car has been very reliable and handles well. A small transmission fix and a console trim door replacement when new. Almost 3 years and 38K miles later and no other repairs. Ive fixed a couple rattles in the IP. Oil changes are expensive, about $80 every 7500 miles at the dealership but the service experience is excellent. Comfort seats even in leather are adequate at best but far from comfortable. Air conditioning is marginal, inadequate above 90, and I replace cabin filter annually.