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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  Ohhhh, Yeah! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Morwal - November 27 - 12:06 pm

  My husband and I bought this car used, sight unseen, with 11,600 miles on the odometer at the time. The color is Pacific Blue and it changes with the light conditions, sometimes showing a green beneath the blue. It is awesome! Driving this vehicle is extremely fun! Its casual around town and easy to open up on the highway. I travel about 500 miles each week, mostly highway (So Cal) and never have a problem getting around the traffic or through the hills. The gas mileage is impressive for an 8-cylinder, I avg. 21-22 mpg! And the brakes are great. I had to test them a few times (they work great)! It has had no problems to mention. The interior comforts including memory seats, stereo/CD, 6-disk CD player (in the trunk), cruise control, etc are great.

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  Great car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By golfool81 - November 25 - 2:53 pm

  I have owned this car for a year. It is great there is a practical side with a sports car drive. It is fun to drive. Great car.

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  worst vw ive ever owned - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By landrover guy - November 25 - 1:50 am

  I purchased this passat new it was our second the first one a 2000 went 80k before we got rid of it, we had absolutely no real mentionable problems with that, that got us around 40 miles to the gallon. 2.0 motor this one has the turbo 2.0 it gets us between 12 and 26 on the freeway, its junk. The warranty has been extensively used I had the complete ac replaced all the door switches replaced the shifter replaced the rear safety interlock replaced have had at least ten engine codes two pcv valves replaced reflashed the ecm twice updates they said, one battery, one alternator. The stereo replaced rear safety latches on center console replaced rear deck lid lock replaced one and more.

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  Faithful and trust worthy - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I use my Passat wagon to tow a light boat trailer for my business. I had the tow hitch added aftermarket. This setup has worked beautifully over more than 230,000 miles. Ive had no mechanical problems, and with the trailer loaded with rowing shells, I get 24 mpg.

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  Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neil - November 18 - 8:43 pm

  Just bought the 2007 Passat Wolfsburg edition and we love it. I take my time when purchasing vehicles and the price/quality of the Passat Wolfsburg just plain beat out the competition! German engineering made the difference. Plus, only 6000 Wolfsburg are going to be made which is nice. Compare this vehicles options with the Japanese versions and they dont compare for the price. A great family sedan with nice features - if you can find one left, get it!

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  Passat W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW-Newbie - November 16 - 10:00 am

  When I began searching for a new vehicle I wasnt even aware that an "upscale" Passat was available. I had made a list of vehicles to test drive - the Audi A6 2.7T, Volvo S60 T5, Acura TL Type S, BMW 3 series and the Lincoln LS. Thankfully some people online informed me that an all-new VW was available with 8 cylinders AND all wheel drive. After one test drive I was sold! I still went out and test drove other vehicles, but none felt as "complete" as the W8. If you are looking for a car that combines performance, safety and a fun-to-drive spirit for under $40k then you owe it to yourself to test drive the VW Passat W8.

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  If you know how to work on car, this is for you - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By saneesh8 - November 16 - 9:24 am

  Initially by spending all the money on repairs at stealership, i thought it is bad car. But once i started doing by my own with help from www.passatworld.com, not expensive. Or get information from the above website and find a trusted cheap mechanic. If you follow the simple rules like 40W full synthetic oil every 5k, change ATF at every 60K (Castrol import ATF is fine - from AZ) clean combi valve once in 2 yr, will run longer than a Toyota or Honda. Once you cross 100k, gaskets, hoses, Fuel filter and Timing belt (at 80K). Overall reliable car, decent MPG and most importantly safe. Premium fuel is bad side and dont need to use OEM expensive parts. My car close to 100k going strong..

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  Head of the class - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doberman - November 14 - 1:23 pm

  1. Shifts were imperceptive and smooth (needed to mute stereo to listen to engine). 6-speed tiptronic transmission was more responsive than 5-speed. Didn’t do much sport mode since I like to move between tip and auto mode side to side. Downshifts came pretty quickly. 2. Handling and steering adjectives: smooth, crisp, precise, responsive, flat, agile, tenacious, communicative, and confident. This car was fun to hustle. Best “cut and thrust” sedan I’ve ever driven. 3. Sensation of thrust not acceleration. Point the 2.0T down a ramp, hit the gas and you literally rocket forward until you take your foot off the gas. 85 mph passed by before I had merged. Felt similar to beginning of take off roll in a jetliner.

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  perfect tuned sleeper - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By GUESShimself - November 13 - 10:00 am

  If you want a nice reliable sedan, that doesnt really look the part, but definately acts the part of a sports coupe, then this is the car for you. Easily tuned and modified, great gas mileage, great comfort. Great bank for the buck!

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  Why cant VW get it right ?? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fool me twice ?? - November 12 - 1:36 pm

  My husband owned an 86 GTI that had electrical probs from day one. He swore hed never have another VW but I begged. While we have not had any major electrical probs, the car has been to the dealership too many times. The trim is continuously discoloring or falling off, the wiring harness went bad in the first 10,000 miles, the fuel pump went out at 44,000 miles and we had to replace the brakes AND rotors at 44,000. When the car was stalling for no apparent reason, the dealership asked me if I had driven through any puddles recently. Enlighten me, can a VW not go through puddles without stalling? Now the interior light only occasionally comes on when you open the door. The gas mileage is dissappointing. Ive learned my lesson.