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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  Homerun! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By George - April 5 - 9:36 pm

  I have owned several VWs, Audis, Lexus, and Mercedes and this car is absolutely the best car I have driven for the price. It is comfortable, stylish and fun to drive. It handles well. I only wish it was a hybrid considering the price of fuel. The other cars in its class dont have a chance. Great car!

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  noticeable turbo lag - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Biochemist - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for a month now and have to agree with some of the previous comments about the turbo lag. Also the car does not corner as well as my previous vehicles- maybe due to the rear torsion beam suspension setup. VW service is a hit or miss- so search carefully for a good VW service dept. My selling dealer could not align my car and after 2 tries, went to another VW dealer to have it corrected. Otherwise, interior and exterior is beautiful to look at.

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  Disappointed in German Lemon - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pisco - April 5 - 3:06 am

  Looks and drives great but reliability is not good. In last 4 months have spent $4000 on repairs. Axle shaft assemblies, water pump, timing belt, serpentine belt, brackets (one was $250), headlights, lower control arms, etc. Our local VW dealer is very hard to work with and not many shops can fix the VW. We are looking to unload this car as quick as possible.

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  Totally Unreliable Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Olney - April 4 - 6:06 am

  I love the super positive reviews from people who have owned a VW for all of 1 day! Wow, no problems after 1 whole day! Imagine that! Must be a great car! We have had a 2000 Passat 1.8T B5 for 2 1/2 years. Its a great car if you dont mind spending thousands of dollars a year in repairs. It is the most unreliable car we have ever owned (30 years of driving). VW does not stand behind its products. We have been to three dealers and they are incompetent and occasionally criminal. We have no confidence in either our car, VW dealers or VW of America. As a result, we are trading in on an Infiniti this week. I will never buy a Volkswagen again nor can I recommend one.

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  Fantasy - Reality - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By utilityowner - April 4 - 3:10 am

  10/2001 - needed a descent family car/something to take clients out in. Water temp sensor and trunk latch repl under warranty. CV boots tore (those that broke axles didnt inspect their car often) 115k before timing belt service, and a speed sensor. 31mpg @ 62m/h ave. Only complaint was that service departments are bad... independent mechanics offer superior parts and service. Brakes - 1 change on front 2 on rear - i buy cheap tires and destroy them. I drive this car hard and in 8 years in failed me one time( speed sensor wore out at 150k) VW is known for either awesome or horrible cars - but some issues are caused by flawed maintenance- the issue is with your dealer - not the car.

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  Love/Hate - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By jdzlaw - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. After having Japanese cars for years, this is so much more fun to drive. However, reliability has become a problem. First there was the issue with the coils, then replacing the rear wheel well, now the oil pump. Although VW eventually came through with replacing the coils, they have weaseled their way out of paying for the oil pump. Also a few small, but annoying failures-drivers side visor snapped off, the turn signal switch failed, one of the vanity lights failed.

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  Passat Diesel wagon 2004 - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By sandy P. - March 31 - 10:00 am

  GREAT car, avg 42mpg hwy, 35-36mpg city. Fun to drive, lots of poweer. The only thing I dont like is it doesnt have power seats. This is my first VW and it wont be the last.

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By j wilson - March 30 - 6:37 am

  This car is a complete lemon. You fix one thing three things break. Repairs include 2 water pumps, vacuum system failure. Sludge in the motor. Very expensive parts. Turbocharger failure. Antenna broke. Seatbelt buckle broke which is hooked to airbag. Dont buy a Volkswagen. I have paid more in repairs than I paid for the car.

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  The Pleasant Surprise - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By acw02 - March 29 - 11:43 pm

  After 20 plus years of the popular Japanese makes I decided to try VW again. My 1980s VW experience was less than stellar. What a pleasant surprise. The car rides smooth, handles excellently, and build quality, so far, appears to be as good or better than the above mentioned makes I have owned in the past. The biggest and most pleasant surprise is the blend of performance and economy. With a light foot on the highway I can achieve 37 mpg. In the city I usually get about 25 mpg. Power from the turbo 2.0 four is another surprise, especially the torque. Its is faster than most normally aspirated fours and almost as fast as soon sixes. In summary I think it is a "keeper".

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  VOLKSWAGEN FAIL. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By 4real2006 - March 29 - 4:24 am

  expected more when purchasing new 2006 Passat, previous car was the new beetle and a friend had the 2001 Passat, when changes were made that must have cut costs with interior design and electrical system. Within 2 years, the AC failed, front headlights, interior lights and service buttons were always on. Also, after two summers of heat the ac controls, stereo buttons and auto windows had blistering and then peeling. Looks like a pos! Still drives fair considering the electrical system is out of whack. Last time I will buy new - over rated, definitely last time buying VW. Best car ever was Lexxus. **Note: the guy still driving his 2001 with 185,000 miles plus. Buy new VW & good luck.