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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  Wolf in Sheeps clothing - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Andreas - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  Ive only had my Passat one month so I wont comment on reliability. This car has everything; power, style, innovative features, comfort, I could go on and on. I love the exhaust resonance when I start it up and the fact that you can open and close all windows with the key in the door and the rain sensing wipers and the headlight sprayers and the fastened down floormats and of course the tiptronic. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Napp - September 23 - 1:16 pm

  The Passat diesel has two great qualities and one big poor one. The gas mileage is fantastic, 38 mpg town and 45 mpg or better highway. The performance is fantastic, it feels like a higher end car, more than what you pay for it. The seats are comfortable. However, the interior stinks! The finish on the handles, and all over, flaked in the first month of use. The interior is not just plastic but cheap plastic and things fall apart without much use. Without power seats the hand cranck brings down the appeal of this high perfomance car. The interior easily marks up and cannot be wiped down. The service has been very good, but theres not much they can do to fix the flaking.

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  VW Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cassie8844 - September 22 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car last year at an auction. The minute I saw it I loved it and after I took it for a drive I knew I had to have it. Well I did expect to have to fix some things considering I bought it from an auction and I got it for a pretty low price. I took it to a mechanic after I got it and he told me the ball joints needed to be replaced,among a few other things. This car has eight ball joints! I got the money for it and have someone to fix it and now I cannot find the parts. I have no idea why it is so difficult to find parts for this car but I would never buy another VW for that reason.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By CDE - September 22 - 5:00 am

  I am a first time VW buyer and so far I could not be any happier with my purchase. I got a 2006 pk1 for $22,300 and WOW this car is off the chain with performance. I have owned Hondas and Toyotas and they do not come close with anything vs. the Passat.

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  I love my Passat Wagon! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By idelln - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Two things I would add: 1. I loved the Keyless entry that I had on my 95 Taurus. It is a wonderful item to guard against locking your keys in the car but still able to get into the car. 2. I liked the way the Taurus headlights turned off automatically after getting out of the car & walking away.

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  vw passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bgibbon - September 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive, looks good , has great performance and gets good gas milage. An attractive car without the gaudy looks of some of the other cars being designed today, classy and understated.

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  Passat 4-Motion Sedan is Outstanding! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jabphd - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The best looking, most comfortable, reliable, all-round drivable car I have owned in 35 years of driving. We were shopping for an Audi A4 when my wife spotted the Passat. One test drive sold us both. Our car has every creature comfort I could desire, including a back seat that really will accommodate 3 fully grown adults comfortably. Its an outstanding road car, as well, with plenty of power, precise handling, and solid feel at high speed. Highway gas mileage is good (26-29 mpg), but city is not (12-15 mpg). Aside from that, I would be happy never to own another car than our Passat.

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  Mixed feelings about this sexy wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brandobean - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this wagon (GLX V6) based on the myriads of hyped reviews on this site, the web, magazines and even consumer reports. I have mixed feelings about my purchase. CONCLUSION: Nice looking and driving car. But overall, it rattles more than my my sisters 10 year old honda accord (see below)! I would not buy this car again. I would buy an accord, but I needed the wagon functionality.

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  Not the same ol VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By macaddiict - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Hondas, Toyotas, and a slew of different US cars over the last few years without really having a "favorite" that stuck out from the rest. I first test drove one because my son was working for the local VW shop and I felt compelled to support who was supporting him. I have never been more impressed with a car -- Dont buy a sedan without checking out the Passat -- Youll be sorry you did! I recommend test driving a Passat right after driving another vehicle youre interested in so you can have them both fresh on your mind. The handling and steering alone will have you sold! VW does it right.

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  Shifting unpredictable - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By France - September 18 - 3:26 am

  Love to drive our Passat when its not in the shop. We have been having a problem with the transmission or shifting pretty much from the beginning. I was hoping to find other people with the same problem as we are experiencing. We took our time in choosing this car, purchased a VW for the supposedly well made vehicle it delivers, great disappointment. Its still in the shop now; hoping this time it will be fixed.