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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  Crappy Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aril86 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Had to fix numerous times, otherwise good performance and fun to drive.

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  Great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Povvy - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this car. It is a complete joy, peppy, and reliable, easy to steer with no play in the wheel. Ir turns corners at almost 90 degrees and brakes beautifully.

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  100,000 Miles and still fun to drive - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moo Man - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is my first experience with something other than a Japanese built in 14 years. For the past four years maintenance has consisted of oil changes every 3,500 miles, brakes and tires at 45,000 and 90,000 miles, and gas every now and then. (Around town the Passat gets about 27 MPG, with longer trips about 31 MPG.) The funny thing about the car is that its still a hoot to drive. In hindsight, Im glad I went for the 5 speed stick instead of the automatic. I plan on keeping the car until my oldest gets his license (about 5 more years). Maybe Im an optimist, but this car continues to delight the 20 year old in me (Im 42 now).

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  What a Great Drive!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jen Blake - May 17 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Passat for 4 months now and have thoroughly enjoyed it. It drives wonderfully- brakes quickly when needed and provides a smooth, quiet ride. We are looking forward to our firs long road trip in this car!

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  Piece of S... - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By leholder - May 16 - 10:07 pm

  I got my 2007 Passat almost 4 years ago used (only 6 miles- it was a dealers show car) At first, it was great. However after about 2 years it started having issues. The check engine light was constantly on. I took it to two different VW dealerships to have it fixed a total of 4 times, every time getting a rental car and half the time they said there was no issue, twice they replaced the CV boots (in the matter of 3! months!!!) It died on my way to my parents house on christmas for the last time. Apparently after being given a clean bill of health, the drive chain broke and was then ground into my engine. So after spending roughly over $5,000 making sure it was ok, now it is gone. POS!

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  Caveat Emptor- VW Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By splittie - May 16 - 4:23 am

  I am not a first time VW owner. I have owned 7 VW’s over the years (’68 Karmann Ghia, ‘84 Scirocco, ‘82 Rabbit (petrol), ‘88, Camper, ‘93 Jetta GLX, ‘97 Passat, and my current 2006 Passat 2.0T). I have been a loyal VW customer through the good, bad, and the ugly. My VW opinion changed forever after my recent VW purchase : 2006 Passat 2.0t with a 6 speed manual. The car not only left me stranded on the 101 at 3 am in the middle of nowhere California but it caught fire minutes after the car shut off

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Overall I am pleased with the car.

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  Fun to drive, but poor reliability - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rad97 - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Positives: Fun to drive, handles rain & snow well, excellent interior design, good brakes, 18 mpg city/24 mpg hwy, steering is responsive and right on. Negatives: Unreliable! this car has been in the shop many times! Dead battery, malfunctioning fuel gauge, check engine light too many times to count, broken sunroof cable etc. The gearing of the transmission needs to be adjusted to improve acceleration from a stopped position. Midrange acceleration is excellent, however. Stereo sound is very average, middle armrest is a joke, suspension is too soft for aggressive driving, tires too small.

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  $ For $ Best Wagon Out There - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By peabody - May 13 - 8:33 am

  This wagon justs keeps getting better and better every day. Mileage is up to 32 mpg on highway and getting better after 5K oil change. Get the Luxury 2 package to truly enjoy all the features. Wife loves the roominess, safety and overall luxuary feel. The 2.0 Turbo engine is amazing. Im making up reasons just to go for a drive. Dollar for dollar, the Passat out classes, out performs, and gets better mpg than anything out there. This is a sleeper that needs to be considered before spending more on Audi/BMW/Volvo, or settling for less.

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  Love it but we cant afford to keep it - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Amy - May 11 - 11:13 pm

  We bought our Passat in 04 with only 27K miles on it and its now got 93,000... virtually all highway miles, well maintained, lots of oil changes, definitely babied. We had planned to drive it until it dropped. Sadly after giving it a year ago to my daughter for college commuting weve now come to the conclusion that we simply cannot afford the repair bills. We average about $1,000 in repairs each year. Passats are great cars but too costly to keep up. Ours is now for sale