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:

• 

  Worst car EVER! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobeans11 - December 5 - 5:20 pm

  Do not buy this car! It is so unreliable. It has been nothing but a nuisance since I bought it 2 years ago w/problems from a constant "low tire pressure" indicator flashing, a constant "check engine" indicator flashing (only to disappear a day or two later ...), problem burning oil (you have to get it changed every 3,000 or you will be stranded on the roadside), poor roadside assistance service, faulty braking system, the list goes on and on! I will never, ever buy from VW again; terribly overpriced for such poor quality manufacturing!

• 

  Hope It Lasts Forever! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW4Life - December 5 - 1:23 am

  I have owned nothing but VWs. They all have been reliable and great to drive. In 2000 we needed a bigger car as we were expecting our first child. We drove the new Jetta, and but it seemed small and sort of cheap. Then we saw the beautiful Indigo Passat GLX. It is a big, roomy sedan which drives and handles like a dream. The VR6 engine is the best thing VW has ever designed. The check engine or ABS lights have NEVER been on in this car. I bought it with 38,000 miles on it, now it has 96,000 miles and drives like the day I took it home. The first owner probably neglected a few things. It needed brakes, rotors, battery, etc. that first year, but the dealer covered everything. Find a good mechanic, do your maintenance, and this car will last!

• 

  Loved it for 7 years - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By happy - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought the station wagon new. I previously owned an M3 BMW and this car has the road feel and gives me as much pleasure as the BMW. I have an antique shop and can load anything in the car; Hoosier, table and chairs, things that look impossible to fit even into an suv. The biggest problem with all VWs is the dealerships. The car is wonderful but my dealings with the dealership have been awful. The car has had no problems and I only see the dealer for routine maintenance. The men at the counter are friendly and pleasant but the job always takes twice as long as they say and seem pleased that they only charged an arm and a leg.

• 

  The Car is Junk After a Few Years - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By James Chitty - December 1 - 7:03 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T ran great for a few years, but after 40,000 miles the thing started going down hill fast. At 60,000 miles just out of warranty the Turbo went out ($1,700), the axel is bad in the front ($590), and the car is always getting out of alignment. It no longer has any pep. I am very unhappy with this car. I wish I would have gotten a Honda! I coworker heard my fighting with the Volkswagen people and she also had a Passat Lemon, that she had to sue the company over. If you are leasing a car for a couple of years and do not planning on owning it, then it should be an alright car. If you want to own a reliable car for a few years then this is not your car.

• 

  Love my Passat but........... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By DOLPHINGIRL - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love to drive my Passat. Its roomy comfortable and looks great! However....I have had nothing but problems with this car from the first month. The service is indescribable! Everyone from the GM to the Repair dept. is rude. They actually stole 6 cds from my trunk while installing my new CD changer (after giving me a used one when I payed for a new one) and denied everything. Told me I probably left the CDs at home!! Its been a horrible experience. As we speak the car has been in the shop for over a week to get front tie-rods. This was the final straw..Im putting it up for SALE right away. Hellloo HONDA PILOT!

• 

  Drive it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By aniceguy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Perfect car it drives and handles excellent it is a smooth driving car with just the classy look to go with it.

• 

  Best vehicle I have owned! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hawk12 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  After having a turbo golf for 1.5 years, we needed more room and got the Passat. Wow, night and day difference. I have had this now for about 1.5 years and 32000 miles and all I can say is that I have 0 issues with this car. No rattles, no squeaks, smooth ride, good power, great feel and stability. Having been in countless other cars over the years, I can say this is as good as it gets in this price range. Highly recommended!

• 

  Excellent Quattro a.k.a 4-Motion AWD - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul M - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought dealer’s demo 2001.5 Passat GLX 4Motion last month. The Quattro a.k.a 4-Motion AWD system provides amazing stability to the car. During cats-and-dogs downpour the car behaved as it was on dry pavement. In addition, the richly appointed interior and upscale looking exterior plus excellent crash ratings make this car a pretty good buy. On the down side, the engine needs low- end torque. You don’t get much acceleration before the tach reaches about 3000. Also, I wish instead of that bucket-size ashtray on the back of center consol, it had CD storage. Apparently, Germans smoke a lot more at the back seat...

• 

  vw passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stockdoc - November 28 - 10:00 am

  This is a great wagon at 12 to 15 k less than bmw saab and volvo. Its a great value and fun to drive. I especially like the 4 wheel drive , heated seats and tiptronic transmission. Only problem is wind noise when sun roof is open.

• 

  Overpriced and Overrated - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmi - November 28 - 10:00 am

  VW customer service leaves alot to be desired. There is a reason the warrenty is for only 24,000 miles. New radiator at 42,000 miles, $600.00, ouch!! Selling, and buying another Infiniti I35. They wrote the book on qiality and service!! Auf Wiedersehen VW.