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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  Fun to drive! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tony - June 24 - 9:13 am

  I was hesitating when I purchased this 2007 Passat because of the bad reliability reviews on the previous models. But I was really impressed by its performance while test driving, besides, 90% part of 2007 Passat were made in Germany, so I assumed the manufacturer made some progress on it. So far I have been driving my Passat for 5 months and I love it very much. I dont regret that I chose Passat over Accord EX at the same price range, and I hope I dont regret my choice after several years. Now I am giving high rating for it. If there is anything happen in the future, I will follow up in Edmunds.

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  First VW - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hector - June 23 - 9:10 pm

  Did my research on Edmunds customer reviews and the Passat had consistent stellar reviews. Considered Honda, Subaru, Volvo but kept going back to the Passat. Wanted something sporty, family friendly, and decent gas mileage and Passat won me over. The Passat is quick and a blast to drive! We have a SUV for family trips and a luxury Japanese sedan but we seem to always take out the VW! A little expensive than other brands but a little negotiating can put you at the same price range for a better car.

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  New Owner of a 2008 Passat - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By jobales - June 23 - 4:30 pm

  Saturday I went out to view the new Tiguan and came home with a 2008 Passat Turbo (6 spd auto). Ive wanted one for the last year and moved from a well equipped 2005-1/2 Jetta 2.5L. I gave up a few options (Auto headlights, self-dimming rearview mirror, dual climate control, and Rain Sensor wipers) but overall Im excited with my Passat. The interior is what actually sold me as I fell in love with it a year ago when I was having service on my Jetta. Its roomy, comfortable, and makes me feel like Im driving a much more expensive car! Its also in one of my favorite color combinations: Black exterior/black interior. Im also happy to say that on the expressway today it averaged 34 MPG!

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  Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Arlene - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 2002 VW Passat. Great handling and very quick. But I wouldnt trade it for another car in the world of its class!

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  Family Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bwc - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Chose this over SUV. Fine and practicle for our family. Handles great and very fun to drive. Lots of extras.

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  Watch out ! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By el guapo - June 17 - 10:26 pm

  This vehicle is very problematic. I have spend more in the car than I did in all my old cars put together. The timing belt broke and blew the head, it cost me 2,553.54 dollars. I will never own a volkswagen ever again.

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  1st luxury car - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By soccerfreak11 - June 16 - 8:43 pm

  We bought this car with 74,000 miles and have had a few problems. 1) EGR valve. No idea what so ever how to fix it. 2) rear window doesnt work. It is a solid car with good MPG, but could be better. Tons of interior room and trunk space. Love the sunroof. The radio goes into SAFE mode every time the battery is disconnected though. Now it is permanently locked and only the dealer can open it. The exterior design is a definite draw back. Over all, it is a great family car.

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  Kool - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By joe - June 16 - 2:03 pm

  This car runs with the best of them. It has a great turbo engine. It handles like a much smaller auto. I love almost everything about it but, why is the clock only good for the driver to see. Everyone wants to see the time. Also, I cant reach the door handle when its fully opened. These are very minor things if you love this car as much as my family does. It is just great!

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  Very Frustrating - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By EH - June 15 - 5:26 pm

  I bought this car used three months ago with 58,000 miles on it. I have since had to replace the heater core, the CV boots (both sides), and replace some major parts in the transmission due to a leak. The dealer I bought it from replaced the CV boots and fortunately the transmission repairs were covered on my service contract, but I had to pay for the heater core, which was about $1,000. I talked to VW of America and the VW dealership about the the concerns but they were of little help. The features are nice, but the car is completely unreliable. I am going to trade it in within the next month because of all of the problems I have had and do not recommend a VW to anyone.

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  Feels good but not reliable - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By lfouts - June 15 - 4:30 am

  I have 20,000 miles on my 07 Passat 2.0T. Last week it quit operating while on the freeway. Felt like it was out of gas and unresponsive to gas pedal. Had plenty of gas. Coasted to shoulder and it resumed operating. Then there was a loud noise that was not from the engine. Towed it to the dealer. They checked it out and found nothing wrong. It drove perfectly again. The technician gently told me that perhaps I hit the brake and the gas at the same time and the computer, for safety, favored the brake and went into a low power mode. Sounded possible the way tech explained it. I dont trust the car now. Anyone else had this problem?