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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  Really Durable with V6 and manual. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWall the time - April 20 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Passat; 1999 V6 5-speed Sedan was amazing for 10 years and 140k miles. Despite hard use, reliability was excellent(6,000+ revs common; 50/50 highway/backroads; fast cornering; some rough roads; stored for long periods). The timing belt was expensive, replaced radiator at the same time since front of the car has to be dismantled. Also had to replace control arms/bushings and CV joints. Valve cover gasket prone to leaking. Cracked oil pan 2x on steep driveways/bumps (likely somewhat my fault due to 1/2-inch lower European suspension springs). AC conked out in year 9. Still has original clutch. My other cars are BMW M3s which I race - but cant sell VW, I like it too much!

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  Almost 100,000 and feels like new - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BillFromNY - April 16 - 6:13 pm

  We purchased this car new in 03 (03 Passat Wagon 5 MT, heated seats, monsoon sound), my wife drove it for 98,000 miles with minimal hassle. She replaced with an 08 Passat Sedan (6 MT not offered in 09). Car has been well maintained by dealer with mainly wear and tear items. Car is a blast to drive. Kind of a sleeper; five year old station wagon that can get up and move. You feel safe and sure footed in all weather and all road conditions. Mileage: I have been getting 26 to 27 in city driving (I do stomp on it a bit but coast steady when I can); I think on highway only trips it gets 32 or 33.

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  Sludge-----beware!!!! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cynthia in Virginia - April 13 - 4:03 pm

  We bought a VW passat at 50000 miles as a cert. vehicle. 2 days later in the shop for engine light. Week after that same problem. Finally fixed, but now after only owning the veh. for 1 yr. the engine blew on vacation. Both Carmax extended warranty & VW are refusing to pay for this as they say we did not maintain vehicle....We have proof of oil changes and maint! Obviously there was sludge in the engine when we bought the vehicle. VW quoted $10K to repair as they sent us a parts list that included everything even near the engine, including TIE ROD ENDS...I love my Passat, prior to this it was very comfortable and fun to drive, but who wants to be stranded on the road 500 mi. from home?

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  question of reality - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don Wallis - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Where do your get your "True Market Value" prices from?. As you know, dealers have additional fees (not included in t he published "invoice prices" because they vary from region to region) These include port fees and advertising. What Dealer is going to sell the 2004 Passat at Invoice? Are you just trying to stir up discontent between the buying public and the dealers. Theres enough of that already. If you really want to do your readers a "favor," get real. Tell them what they REALLY should expect to pay.

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  Save your money - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fun to Ride - April 11 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased this car, I bought into all the hype of how great the Passat was. I am still kicking myself for buying it. I am not a large man (59) but I felt I was really cramped up in the drivers seat. My larger friends had a heck of a time getting comfortable in the back. The 1.8 turbo is fun and this car win get out of the gate quickly, but the 13 gallon tank will make you think twice about getting on it. Options on this care are nice but VW will make you pay big time for it.

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  VX Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By mark1212 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  this is an excellent car. it handles like a dream i love my car.

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  Fun and Powerful car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By dyma82 - April 10 - 5:56 am

  I used to own a Mercedes 300D. I was amazed with what 40 years have done with diesel technology. Compared to my old Mercedes my new Passat does not vibrate at all, and the noise…what noise…I couldn’t believe it was a diesel. Amazing how this car takes off with this little power plan. My old Mercedes took for ever to pickup speed from standing still. However, my new Passat…oh man…it will easily skid it’s from wheels with three people inside if you push it to hard. In fact, the Passat TDI serves as a fresh reminder of this: After driving torque-rich diesels awhile, gas engines, even very powerful ones, seem anemic, as if theres a hole in their power curves. Diesels, thus, are addicting. Watch out!

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  LEMON! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By snowcoe - April 9 - 12:28 am

  Purchased a Certified Pre-Owned car with 36k miles and have had nothing but problems from the get go! Ive brought my car in at least 7 times (3 of them occurring within the first 3 months) and I havent even owned it for a year! The warranty has covered everything so far, but having to take it into the dealer every other month is such a pain; especially since theyre not open on the weekends. It seems like as soon as one thing is fixed another breaks, not to mention the endless part recalls. The most recent issue is excessive oil consumption (adding 3 quarts in between 5k oil changes) and will have to submit a claim to VW to have it fixed. Ridiculous! Pretty car, but regret buying it!

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  Average Annual Maintenance Costs = $1500 - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By CONNIE - April 8 - 11:40 pm

  I purchased my Passat new 10 years ago. I was seduced by the style, tiptronic and cool commercials during that time. Im a sucker for Nick Drake. I now have 122k miles on the car and have gotten to know my various mechanics very well over the years. The passenger window slipped into the door - twice. That repair cost me $200+. Simple maintenance like battery changes cant be done outside of the dealership. Removing and replacing the battery disables the cars computer console which can only be reset at the dealership = cost of battery + reset fee $70. Silly things like this are common. Other replacements: tie rods, broken sunroof (within the first year) replacement cost $700; oil leaks +++

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  Excellent value - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dom - April 6 - 5:40 am

  Absolutely one of the best automotive values available today. I considered Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 325xi, Jaguar X-type, Volvo S60 AWD and bought a better car for less $. Best kept secret out there - I have a wolf (sports car) in sheeps (family car) clothing with a wonderful touch of luxury. I have 5k miles on the car and zero problems.