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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  Very good car for Money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By HALUAV - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The car has been a pure pleasure. It is fun to drive and the quality of the different components in and out are of very good quality. We looked at Audi and some of the other Luxury brands and found similar quality in the Passat for thousands less then the so called Luxury brands. Our only knock on the car up to this point is the small storage in the glove box and arm rest. Other than that it is a great car and I would recommend it.

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  Best Car out there - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brad Thompson - November 3 - 3:56 pm

  By far the best car on the market today. If you are in the market you should get one soon from Fairfax VW.

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  New 3.6L Passat 11/21/05 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Makko - November 2 - 5:30 am

  Take this from an ex-Benz, Lexus, BMW, Volvo owner, the list is huge..., I test drove this new car on Saturday and couldnt wipe the grin off my face. "THIS IS A VW?" I put a deposit on it right away. Then I went home, did my research, read lots of blogs, (very helpful) and all the other VW model quality issues aside, I went and bought this car today. When I looked deeper into the issue, it does seem like VW has had it share of problems especailly when it comes to other and older models made in other than Germany. The fact that this was made in the Fatherland restored my confidence in this well engineered gem. Time will tell if my call was right and Ill provide updates as car matures.

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  2nd Passat - Great So Far - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By N1128Q - November 1 - 3:33 am

  I have had this car for one week - it is the 2nd Passat Ive leased and Im impressed with it so far. Smooth ride, great handling, fit and finish seem excellent, quiet ride. The Wolfsburg Edition has a lot of content for the price. While the Japanese cars give you a lot of bells and whistles for a few dollars less, the VW is more of a drivers car. Ill trade gee-gaws for real performance everytime.

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  Good Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tron - October 29 - 3:46 pm

  I have had the Passat for a year now and had to take it to the dealer once. We like the car, its fun to drive and looks good. When you buy an import car you should except to pay more more service and maint. Its tight in the back seat with 2 car seats but, I would buy another VW again

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  Keeping this one! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By LovePassats - October 27 - 6:16 pm

  I have had my Passat for almost two years and I have virtually NO complaints. This is my second Passat, I had my first one for about a year and then I realized that I shouldnt have passed up the heated leather seats and 4-Motion. I love both features - my passengers expecially love the heated passenger seat! The car perfoms extremly well in the snow. I feel very safe, comfortable and confident driving it on roads that have 6 - 8 inches of snow and have never been plowed! The car just does not slide! In my opinion there is not another car on the road that looks as sharp as the PASSAT! The car rides beautifully, handles great, and gets good gas millage. The 4-cylinder engines pick up is impressive.

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  2004 Passat is indeed a fun to drive - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By rmm3313 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The GLS has great standard features as well as nice extras. I have not owned the vehicle for that long I may be jumping the gun a bit but this is the third week I have it and it is amazing. The roomyness of the car is a great plus and the air conditioning is great,Its HOT in Florida!! not to mention the sound system and sunroof. Shop around for better prices. The cars safety features are a huge plus for the family and as far as insurance is concerned. The feel of its drive is captivating because of the turbo 1.8 engine that is nothing to laugh at. IF you ever forget its power it will instantly remind you. The fact that the 1.8T is a ULEV is a plus.

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  MY DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MICHO - October 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE DREAM CAR!

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  Excellent car - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Missy - October 24 - 9:16 am

  I bought this car a few weeks ago,and love it. It is so fast, the take off speed is impressive. I love the package 1 upgrade, it had everything I wanted. I love this car, me and my mom both have one now.

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  Dont buy Volkswagen - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ENZO CALFA - October 23 - 8:43 pm

  I enjoy the Volkswagen performance and body styles and have purchased two vehicles. The first one was a 1995 Golf which cost me more in repairs than the original price of the car. After reading how VW had improved reliability, I was suckered into purchasing the 2004 Passatt. My car is very well maintained and I average 10,000 miles per year. I wont list all the problems Ive encountered since all the previous reviews have already listed them. My observation of VW is that they build cars to break down so that you buy replacement parts at inflated prices. My dealer quoted me $200 to replace 4 spark plugs. I purchased the plugs for $32 and spent 15 minutes to replace them. Dont buy VW!!!