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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  Never Again VW - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By NeverAgainVW - November 10 - 8:06 am

  Dont buy it!!! First time buying a VW of any kind. My Passat is a lemon. Purchased for $10K on 11/2015 from an Audi dealership. Many major repairs performed by a VW repair shop EW-ext warr. MP-my portion: 2/2016 faulty crankcase breather valve, coolant exchange & replaced dirty reservoir $760 MP. 3/2016 replaced front sway bar links, both cv joint boots, coolant pipe, 80K mile service $655 MP 11/2016 replaced intake manifold, injectors (EW) 12/16, replaced coils & resealed upper engine, strut bearings, transmission service ($2550) $338 MP, 8/2017 rack & pinion $2K (EW only pay $380) 10/2017 decarb $570, now oil leak!!! Less than two years! Runs fine for a month or two, then check this or that light, OMG!!

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  buy again - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By ing - November 9 - 12:42 pm

  expect a german road handling car / not a toyota cream puff ride

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  Still on Honeymoon! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dad007 - November 9 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Passat. My 98 saved my life when I was run off the road into trees. The car was totaled but I walked away without a scratch! I looked at all the new choises out there but could not help coming back to the Passat. Its better than the 98 in so many little ways that just add up to the best bang for the buck. This is only the 2nd car I have owned that I look forward to driving every day and I still glance back at it every time I park it. I now work at Sears automotive as a CSA and see and drive almost every car you can imagine. Nothing even comes close to this cars overall quality/price comparison.

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  nice car, most for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JK - November 9 - 2:00 am

  works as advertised. smooth, powerful and quiet. great highway cruiser, 24 mpg overall. heated seats are a treat.

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  nice car, most for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jk - November 9 - 2:00 am

  works as advertised. smooth, powerful and quiet. great highway cruiser, 24 mpg overall. heated seats are a treat.

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  Buyer Beware - Tires Defective - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed Slater - November 9 - 2:00 am

  Tires defective at purchase (Micheliin MXV4) - pulled and "wobbly." VW dealer refused to replace. Michelin authorized dealers continue run-around. Rotated on 10/28/02, told to drive for 5000 miles. Re- rotated on 12/13, and pulled other direction. Michelin dealers refused to replace - advised to return to VW dealer. Dealer refused. Dealer offered to "replace" tire for $150 including balance, valve stem and mounting. Caveat emptor.

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  I love this car!! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By YyysAzz - November 7 - 11:43 pm

  I owned a 99 Passat that I got from a co-worker that was about to retire, it had 210,000 miles I had driven the car for almost a year and needed a new car. Went looking and the Passat was high on the list. As soon as I saw the Wolfsburg edition I was sold. Almost everything you would want: MP3 CD changer, heated seats, steering wheel controls, fog lights; I saw it on a Saturday and drove out Monday afternoon. I have leased 4 GM SUVs in the last 10 years and I am more excited about this car than all of them. If you are in the market for a great car this is the one you want, but hurry only 6000 Wolfsburgs, if you miss one, wait if you can - a 50 state legal TDI is coming out in the fall.

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  Will Never Buy Another VW - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathy - November 7 - 1:53 pm

  We bought this car because it was a Consumer Reports best buy. Weve had had so many repairs I cant remember them all (oxygen sensors, coils replaced, air flow meter, and more) and the check engine light stays on constantly. Right now the anti-lock braking system sensor is bad, but it will cost nearly $1,000 to replace, so I drive around with the dash lighting up and blinking like a Christmas tree. We spent over $3,000 in a space of 2 months last year. When parts fail they are *very* expensive to replace - even using a local garage instead of the dealership. Interior: the coating is peeling off the interior plastic surfaces, the armrest latch broke, and the cup holders are flimsy.

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  VW Never Again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By manda - November 4 - 12:50 pm

  I love driving the car, the turbo is fun. However Ive had terrible service at the VW service store. Ive had all kinds of problems in the last year, the tail light stayed on, the heated mirror doesnt work, among other $500 repairs. I think what the worst one was the fuel pump going out, this was considered a recall but somehow according to VW "my car isnt part of the recall." So now Im stuck with a broken fuel pump even though they have been recalled. I will never buy another VW again, dealers provide terrible service and the cars have terrible quality.

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  Reliability below expectations - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By KEB - November 4 - 8:26 am

  This car, although it has a very good ride, has had more than its share of repairs. Mine has had problems with its water pump, defective power steering, both tie rods joints, both CV joints, door alignment, two timing belts...all in only 60,000 miles. I expected more from VW. My repairs have totaled over $2,500 in about 6 years!