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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  No complaints - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By slider - January 25 - 1:00 am

  This vehicle has been a pleasure to own. It still looks stylish and several of the cues are visible in the so called new styles today. It has been reliable and any check engine light issues were taken care of early on never to return. I would buy one again in a flash.

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  Still happy one year later - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By clekezarke2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We picked up our wagon last June and have been very happy with it since then. It is a solid drive and much more fun to piot than a station wagon ought to be. I dont regret replacing my Trailblazer with this car one bit. It has better handling, braking, responsiveness, and gas mileage than the Chevy did, and that was the older model. I found the newer Chevy to be sloppier in these categories. We have had no problems with the vehicle other than a recall for a problem that would probably never happen.

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  Gentlemen only, please - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sir Henry - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The wagon is ideal for both city and country. It parks easily, and looks great. With the V6 it has a smooth acceleration, and manouvers quickly in tight situations. It has an understated and unpretensious appeal, with surprising luxery and comfort. I personally like the feeling of superior workmanship, and distinctly german attitude.

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  Happy with my VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DWP - January 24 - 10:00 am

  3 months so far and no problems. Really enjoy the way it drives and handles. Tiptronic is great! The safety record and features really give me peace of mind. Heard mixed reviews about Monsoon sound so bought a model without it and have no complaints, sound is excellent unless you have to have car shaking bass.

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  Better than Subaru - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Erik Nordheim - January 18 - 4:30 am

  Paid $32k (plus tax and license) for Passat 4Motion wagon with Luxury Pack 1. AWD and enough room for gear are my primary buying concerns and this car has a good balance of that and luxury and performance. More expensive and more luxurious than a Subaru. I would highly recommend Edmunds Inside Lines review of this wagon. Definitely consider the increased cost of maintenance and premium gas when compared to the Subaru before you buy. Also there is an odd throttle delay on launch, but you can easily adapt your driving to this oddity. Tinting the windows is all the car needed to kick up the comfort and style to a serious level of unostentatious class.

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  VW PASSAT - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By boomer6400 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Passat with slightly less than 60000 miles. I have had it for a half a year with only one problem. The ignition coils needed to be replaced. It is a V6 and I thought only the 1.8T had problems with this. The only other problem I have had is keeping my girlfriend from borrowing it. This is a great car for someone who wants to step up from a boring Camry or Accord.

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  Solid Performer - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By socalduck - January 17 - 5:13 am

  We purchased new in 2000. Interior quality and excellent handling were the two major selling points. Despite some concerns regarding VW quality, this car has been reliable and virtually problem-free. The one major mechanical issue was an oil seal failure back in 2005, which was covered by VW even though the car was out of warranty; it pays to keep all of your service records! Biggest beef has been the need to use premium fuel, but otherwise this has proven to be a great family car that offers European handling and performance at a reasonable price.

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  Audi in VWs clothing... - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By atr - January 15 - 8:23 am

  I have had the car for just over a week and loving every minute of it. I opted for the sport package and cant imagine it any other way. It has been quite a head-turner with lowered ride height and included 18" rims. It handles like a dream with lots of power. So far great it has been getting great gas mileage, 26 - 29 mpg. The manual transmission was a must for me and I couldnt be happier with it. It is a smooth shifter through all 6 gears and accelerates with ease.

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  Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Echad7 - January 11 - 4:40 am

  I checked out this website before I purchased my Turbo two years ago. Reviews were so good, I took the plunge and have not regretted it one minute. I love my Passat. Handling is awesome, comfort is excellent. I make sure it gets its regular maintenance. It has 40,000 miles on it and not had any problems. Hope it stays that way!

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  Lots of Car for the Money - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By BobsyrUncle - January 11 - 2:00 am

  The first month i had this car I kept wondering why traffic was going so slow. When they pulled over and i went past, Id look down and see I was going 100mph. This car is faster and handles as well as my BMW325. Spacious,comfortable,reliable and fast. A tremendous deal for 21K. Has 72K on it now and is still perfect.