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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  A grown up car - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By John Collins - March 24 - 11:58 am

  Let me start by saying I traded in my midlife crisis Mustang for this car. I am not disappointed in my decision. I needed a sedan that would allow me to shuttle customers/coworkers/suppliers. The backseat is the largest in its class, the trunk holds plenty of luggage, and the style is subtle but refined. Mechanically the car is a dream. Strong excelleration, breaking and handling. The transmission is a lot of fun. Using either the paddle shifters or the the sport shifter, the response is instant. My only complaint is the slow system bootup of the electronics, my wifes Nissan comes online instantly while the Passat takes as much as a full minute. Im hoping the upgrade in the 2016 resolves the glitch. Update: After another 10,000 miles I still enjoy the car. I admit I have shopped a bit recently but cannot find another vehicle that goes toe to toe with the V6 Passat in this price range. The closest thing I have found are a Mercedes E350 and a Lexus GS350 both of which are too much money for moving up a single Peggy on the board.

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  Could of Been So Good! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lorale - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 20,000 miles on it. Love the room and drive. Had way too many problems with the door handles that all had to be replaced! (at $343 each!) The interior door handles peeled, the engine light and ABS light came on and off. Had them checked, and dealer said, "No problem found". I found the car to have a ridged ride. Would of loved to have a glove compartment. This car could of been GREAT!! I wouldnt buy another one, because of the many small, but costly problems!

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  2003 GLX with Tiptronic - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MPZMBA - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Having been a sports car owner for several years (Porsche, S-2000, and Corvette), the move to a sedan was a major shock. Not wanting to blowup the bank account, I narrowed my choices to the GLX, an Accord V-6, Maxima, and G- 35 Infiniti. Well the G-35 was almost immediately eliminated, due to the fact that Im moving from So. Fla to CT (rear wheel drive). I tested the others mentioned--BORING!!! When I got to the Passat, my eyes lit up. Nice looking car, German engineering, and a decent price tag.

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  outstanding - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael De La Rosa - March 23 - 2:00 am

  my experience with the passat was a great experience. getting in i felt i was in total control and at the same time felt so comfortable and safe. a car i would never get tired of driving.

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  Love My Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sonkota - March 22 - 3:00 am

  I have owned four VW Jettas since 1997 and in 2005 I decided I needed something with a little more room and AWD. I looked at the VW Passat and fell in love. The 05 Passat 4Motion handles and feels a lot like an Audi A4 with a much lower sticker price.

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  FUNCAR TO DRIVE! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By madmbutterfli - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I DROVE A suv FOR 12 YEARS AND WASNT SURE IF I WANTED A CAR, TO LOW TO THE GROUND. THE 5 SPEED PASSAT WAS THE FIRST CAR I DROVE AND NOTHING ELSE IN THIS BRACKET COULD COMPARE. AUTOMATICS WERE TO BORING. THIS CAR DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR WITHOUT PAYING THE INSURANCE ON ONE! COMFORT,RELIABILITY, SAFTY AND FUN TO DRIVE, WHAT MORE COULD A PERSON NEED.

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  Passat review - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Truman Todd - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The original warranty was for 2 years or 24000 miles.The extended warranty was for 10 years or 100000 miles. I had engine trouble couvered by the extended warranty. The fuel injectors were changed per a service bulletin as was a gas cap grounding problem. I had to change the battery Dec 2003. In June of 2004 the battery again had to be changed. Though covered by the dealer it really wasted my time. Changing the original battery cost me 215.00 because the dealership said they had to reprogram certain electronic features.I later found out that my model does not need reprogramming when the battery is removed. Over all this car is fun to drive but it suffers from to many mechanical problems.

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  passat - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By david buchanan - March 17 - 7:06 am

  Needs a sliding armrest.

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  very nice - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By durinsbane - March 17 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, this is one wonderful car. The road noise is next to nothing, it goes great in the snow, the ride is ultra smooth. This car has the feel of any top notch luxury car. The only grip is the fuel economy. I get about 22 miles per gallon average, wish it were better.

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  Passat 4motion 6cyl - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By allnode - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We only have the car for a week. Put in about a couple of hundred miles. So not sure yet about long term reliability. So far, we love its handling and its 4motion traction. Love its ability to take sharp corner and also great accelaration.