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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  Smooth and understated - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Denver - July 17 - 12:03 am

  Bought my W8 used after a failed Infiniti trannny from mountain driving in Colorado. After 52,000, it has been my best car to date (Lexus, Infiniti, Subaru). The W8 matched to the auto tranny is as smooth as you get. The handling is refined and very solid. With snow tires, Ive had no problems even in the mountains west of Denver. There have been no mechanical issues and my overall cost of ownership has been lower than expected. 22mpg mostly highway running between 80-85mph. I get tons of compliments on this cars BBS rims and the overall look.

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  Stay away! - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By A.W. - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Too many problems to specify. This car has been in the shop more times than all the other cars I have owned combined. The electrical system has failed numerous times. The sunroof track has broken four times. The AC and vent system has malfunctioned since I bought the vehicle. Luckily I purchased a used car warranty with the purchase. I have most definitely gotten my moneys worth. I have heard from others who have also owned 1997 Passat wagons who have had as negative experiences as I. I am very VERY disappointed.

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  Passat Wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By RRGDDS - July 16 - 10:00 am

  The car seems to ride and handle great. Love the lights on the dash at night. Seats are very comfortable.

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  Buy It! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Axman - July 16 - 2:50 am

  Best valuse for the money. I compared it to a Volvo s70 Cross Country and the Passat simply blows that Swede away in every category. The s70 drifts all over the place whereas the Passat is glued to the road.

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  The Best VW Ive Ever Had - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat Enthusiast - July 13 - 3:26 am

  I have no complaints about this car except for the chronic softness of the brakes. I would say that this is the best car ever. Its fun to drive and economical. It also has excellent handling and a cockpit-like feel for driver. It is superior feel to the BMW 3-Series. It was engineered by Audi, and this is the poor mans Audi. Actually, I like its looks better.

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  In love with my Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatlove - July 12 - 10:23 pm

  I bought my Passat used, 2007 model in 2008 and absolutely love it! It came with the sport package which really sets the car off with the 18” wheels/tires and lowered suspension. When I was shopping for a car in 2007, I settled for a Jetta Wolfsburg edition because of my finances at the time and could not afford the Passat I really wanted. A year after I bought my Jetta I saw the Passat 3.6 w/sport package on the used lot of my local VW dealership. After talking with the sales manager I finally got a price I could afford. When my coworkers ride in my car they tell me that they really like how the interior is laid out and how the car rides and the exterior looks.

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  Great car - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By zephirus - July 12 - 4:27 am

  The car is a pleasure to drive and is anything but a sole-less appliance. Some say near luxury, but its as nice or nicer than some "luxury" models ive been in. I think VW will miss this German car in the US next year.

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Mandras - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive test driven and researched Audi, BMW, Lexus, Acura and Volkswagen and found the best pricing and best value for the money in the Passat GLX Automatic.

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  Dependable Winter Car with handles. - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By TDotten - July 7 - 6:40 am

  I have only owned the car for about 8 months, but I absolutely love it. I bought the car from a guy who was meticulous in his maintenance and it has been extremely reliable. The guy also upgraded the suspension with Kuni springs and Eibach struts (plus UHP tires), so it handles ridiculously well. It is more fun to drive than any car I have ever owned and its a station wagon! We also have a 100 Lb lab/Great dane, and he fits well in the back due to the largest trunk in its class. I couldnt be happier with the car and it is an absolute pleasure to drive.

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  Service to Death! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marj - July 6 - 7:23 pm

  Let me start by saying I love my Passat, but my husband hates it (hes a loyal Toyota fan). I dig the performance drive. I can overlook little things, but the number of times I have taken this car to the shop is insane! Repairs range between $300 and $1,500 each, even the little things. I never use anything but synthetic for oil changes, which are $50. Last week the power door lock on the drivers door stopped working, its a $400 repair. I also need tie rods and an alignment. I am considering ditching this fun to drive wagon for a vanilla vehicle. Can VW say low maintenance?