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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  You Need to Feel It! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By oates - July 26 - 7:56 pm

  I had a 2002 Toyota Camry LE that was totaled. For a replacement, I also very carefully evaluated the Honda Accord EX V6. After driving all three, the Passat was the clear choice based on feel. It has the firmest ride and best handling by far. Its interior easily supasses the Accord for quality of materials and ergonimics and surpasses the Camry on ergonimics. The 2.0T engine felt much quicker than either the Camry or Accord. Wrapped in a unique, elegant package, I was sold. Just hoping the reliability doesnt become an issue.

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  First Impressions - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmciii - July 25 - 9:52 pm

  First off, let me say Iv only had my 2013 Passat S for about three weeks, so dont expect any reliability reviews. But as regards my driving and build quality, well, read on. Yes, mine is the base model. Do I feel underwhelmed? No. The Passat S drives and handles just fine for basic family driving. Plenty of pep, smooth ride, and the "S"port gear when you need the extra oomph. So smooth is the ride that its easy to speed without knowing it. The interior is laid out cleanly and with all controls easily reached. LOVE the Bluetooth capability. Front seats are every comfortable. Huge leg room in back. And wow, what a trunk. I dont know how VW did it. Just wish the gas mileage were better.

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  Never Again - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Socedu - July 24 - 7:23 am

  I was so excited when I first bought my 1999 Volkswagen Passat. My joy disappeared after the frist few months. So many things have gone wrong with it, the hood release broke after only a few years, the ABS control unit is shot, the heated side mirrors worked for less than a year, the stereo system stopped functioning properly after less than three years (sometimes I can change stations, sometimes I cant and speakers go in and out)...I could really go on and on. The outside looks great. People are always surprised when I tell them how old it is. They say it looks brand new and my reply is, "yeah, but its a piece of junk!" This car as been the biggest frustration of my life to date--enough to swear off VWs for life!

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  My Wagon - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By SWharton - July 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a 98 and experienced the same mechanical problem with both; at 45,000 miles something happens to the catalytic converter, the idle was way off (super high) and the car shakes. In California it is covered, but in any other state it is 450$ to get fixed. One other thing when you get your timing belt replaced its $850 bucks. Not sure if I would buy another one. I think leasing might be the way to go on these cars as they get costly the more miles you put on them.

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  Passat W8 sedan is great ! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BB. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Americans dont understand how really great this car is. Audi Quattro performance and comfort for a fraction of the price (They are both made by the same company.) Larger than an A4 and smaller than an A6, the Passat is a perfect size to deliver both tremendous agility and interior roominess. The W8 option delivers 270 hp of 8 cylinder performance, with upgrades to the suspension and wheels (but you must order the sports suspension). Ive had more than one BMW and Mercedes. They deliver snob appeal and prestige. But VW/Audi cars deliver performace whether the road is dry, wet or icey. Thats something the first two cant begin to match.

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  The excellant Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mohit Tendolkar - July 22 - 2:00 am

  My Passat has always been my sweetheart about whom I can blabber off even with my wife! And of course, shes everyone elses envy - whether I take her to the restaurant, its the waiters who awe it, to the office, its the boss .. I have yet to discover the negatives of this car yet..and I hope I wont.

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  200,000 mile Passat Wagon - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Scott - July 20 - 11:16 am

  Great car! Low cost of ownership, fast, handles well, good gas mileage. Very European firm ride however. I put 165,000 of the 200,000 miles on it. Runs like the day I bought it. I guess I got a good one!

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  Best Car Owned to Date - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bkc_wlc - July 20 - 6:20 am

  The Passat has a great feel of the road with outstanding interior fit and finish. This car is quick, responsive, has great options and solid build quality. The 4-cyl. turbo cant be topped for the price. At $23,200 new at the end of 2002. This is they greatest car on the planet and I still love it at the end of 2006.

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  Great German Engineered Sport Sedan! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robbie - July 18 - 6:43 pm

  This car has a very luxurious interior! It has wonderful features and very comfortable seating.

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  2004 VW Passat GLX (V-6) with auto - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mauser - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Owned the car 1 month and love almost everything. Con sides: 1. no repeat function on the radio for cassette or CD, 2. separate switch to heat exterior mirrors (should be included in rear window defroster switch), ackward to adjust exterior mirrors, 3. poor gas mileage with auto trans., 4. rear window sunshade should be electric vs. manual. Pros: great handeling, power, options are plentiful and included in base vehicle, 2. heated seats to include back rest, 3, light on bottom of all doors to see where you step, 4) well built car