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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  For what it is, the Passat excels - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dustin C - March 31 - 10:05 am

  I owned a 2006 Jetta 2.0L I5 for 6 years, and it was an absolute blast to drive. It was the car that showed me how rewarding owning a VW can be. Exceptional handling, quick acceleration, and a ride so responsive it made the car seem like an extension of yourself. The Passat R-Line 1.8L I4, however, is none of those things, but for all the right reasons. This is a family car. Will it handle corners like a sports car? No. Will the sound of the engine turn heads? Nope. Will it win you drag races from stop lights? Probably not. What it will do, and what it does well, is provide a comfortable, confident and efficient driving experience. And it looks good doing it. From the extra spacious cabin, to the ultra luxurious interior and silent ride, the 2016 Passat is a car for your everyday family driver. The R-Line comfort package has enough technology and comfort options to make this a world class vehicle that doesnt break the bank. Heated driver and passenger leather seats, bluetooth phone connectivity, wide angle (this is important!) back-up camera, steering wheel controls, cruise control, and a turbo charged 4 cylinder engine that feels nothing like any 4 cylinder youve driven before combine to offer a rewarding and pleasurable driving experience. The Passat R-Line also includes a shiftable transmission, which is becoming increasingly difficult to come by since the introduction of continuously variable automatic transmissions on 4 cylinder vehicles. Personally, I hate the way CVT transmissions perform and would never buy a car without a geared transmission. Theyre sluggish, unresponsive, and worst of all unreliable. Is getting an extra 5-10 miles per gallon worth replacing the most expensive part of your vehicle prematurely? Not for this guy. Thats bad business, Ill stick with what works. Its hard to find faults with this car when you appreciate it for what it is, a reliable, stylish, and comfortable family sedan. That said, some mild gripes would include Nitrogen filled tires (no airing up at gas stations with this car), the missing TDI class (VW didnt make any diesel cars this year due to their ongoing trouble with fraudulent emissions scores) and an oddly shaped steering wheel. The bottom of the steering wheel is flat and obstructed. For someone who typically drives with only one hand at the bottom of the wheel, this is mildly irritating, but not enough to make me consider a different vehicle. Overall, for whats included and for how pleasurable it is to drive, the Passat R-Line w/ Comfort Package is an exceptional car for an exceptional value. But go ahead and sign up for that extended warranty if you can afford it. Anybody whos driven VW long enough will tell you how much they love the vehicles, but hate the repairs. These machines might be built in Chattanooga, TN right here it the great ol USA, but this is still a German car with German parts. Repairs WILL be expensive if youre paying out of pocket. But this is Volkswagen and it is a great car, take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  Tons of fun, but not without flaws - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CarAddictDFW - March 31 - 5:36 am

  Ive had my Passat for about 18 months now, and I love driving it more every time I come home from a long business trip that put me in a boring rental. It handles superbly, the engine is rev-happy and powerful while getting great mileage, the Dynaudio stereo is incredible (when its working correctly) and the interior is stunning. However, Ive had some quality issues pop up. Some odd interior rattles have developed, a trim piece or two has fallen off, and the stereo and XM receiver have been replaced four times and the problem still persists. I think newer Passats have had these issues ironed out, but Im starting to miss my Acura TL in the reliability and build quality department.

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  Where can I start - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomy - March 30 - 10:00 am

  This car realy dissapointed me deeply. So much could be better.

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  Overall a great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich in Jax - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After studying this and other publications, we came to the decision that the Passat was the car for us. We choose the GLS 1.8 for its fuel economy and added the Luxury Package. The side curatin airbags and traction control weighed heavily in the protection of our children. We have had two fit and finish errors. First of all the child lockout for the power windows didnt depress. Secondly, the dashboard had two small indentations where the dash cover wasnt properly adhered to the underlayment. Both were fixed without any trouble. We absolutely love the car and are looking foward to remaining VW customers.

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  One Owners Opinion - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rjera - March 30 - 10:00 am

  The first thing you notice is the look and styling, both inside and out, of cars that are much more expensive. Like their commercial blatantly states, it only looks like a million bucks. The exterior lines are clean, not cluttered, but cutting edge modern. The interior is German plain, but classy. The quasi-retro speedometer and tach, with cool blue lights and red designation points are unique. The feel of driving it screams quality. Tight, respectable acceleration at low speeds, and surprisingly quick response over 75 mph. This car does the German heritage proud. Being a Volkswagen, it is also reasonably priced in the $20s.

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  Passat 2.0T #1 Lemon !! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By hamptonpassat - March 28 - 9:06 am

  This is absolutely the worst car that I have ever owned in my 40 some years of owning cars. It has been a nightmare with breakdowns , burning up to 1 liter of oil per tank of gas . Misfiring , sending out smokescreens .No help or assistance from local VW dealers , VW corporate head office not the least bit helpful . I took care of this 2007 Passat since buying it in 2007 , the engine died at 165000kms (102000 miles) spent $5800 replacing the engine with another 2.0T from the salvage yard ,79000kms on the engine or 42000 miles . VW dealer installed it . Took delivery worked fine ,but burnt oil ,engine died the same death as the original engine 6 weeks after being installed .

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  WORTH THE MONEY - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By HOPE - March 26 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CAR FOR BOTH DRIVING AND PASSENGER RIDING. IT IS VERY SMOOTH AND QUIET. IT HAS A GREAT AUDIO SYSTEM AND EASY TO USE AND REACH BECAUSE OF THE DIALS ALSO BEING ON THE STEERING WHEEL. IT IS SAFER TO DRIVE IN THE RAIN BECAUSE OF THE ASR THAT IS AVAILABLE. THE CARGO SPACE IN THE WAGON GIVE YOU PLENTY OF ROOM FOR TRAVEL STORAGE AND EVERYDAY USE.

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  I love this car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By amberrae - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I test drove this car and many others before finally making a decision. I loved the way it handles, all of the security and safety options. I would recommend this car to ANYONE. and I actually have a few friends who have since purchased the same car.

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  Poor Mans Audi - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frizz - March 25 - 10:36 pm

  Theres no better sedan for the money. I was going to buy an A6, but after checking out the Passat and the Audi side by side at an auto show, I decided to save 10k and get essentially the same car. Compare this interior with anything under $50,000- seriously. It will make you want to cry if you have to drive a Taurus or Malibu, and for the record, Im a Ford fan. The build quality is superior, and Ive had precisely zero problems in 3 years. A truly great car!

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  Expensive to own - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By sains66 - March 25 - 5:36 pm

  I bought this car for 4,500 and i have only owned it for 8 months and i have spent over 1,700 just repairing it. Check engine light comes on, it sputters after i fill it up, and not the ABS control module has gone out. I like this car but i hate how it always breaks down...