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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  Stoop to Conquer - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan Hoogen - June 12 - 7:46 pm

  This is an excellent car - quick, fairly comfortable, great handling and incredible mileage (36 hwy). But, if youre older, like me, its a pain to get into and out of due to the low roof line. Also, it is hard to load and unload the trunk because of the smallish opening. However, it does have a big trunk. And the back seats are really roomy, nice. Did I mention its kinda noisy - as bad as my Outback. But, hoo baby, this car moves! And I never tried the sport setting on the transmission.

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  Awesome Passat "love those Germans" - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rick Snider - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car! We have only had it a month but it is awesome on the road and it has all the bells and whistles. Firm ride with great handling and low end tourque. Monsoon stereo is great! The dash lights up red and blue at night. Its a great look.

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  Lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Unhappy - June 9 - 2:13 am

  Fairly fun car, but very poor construction. New tires every 25K mi, interior trim repeatedly broke, fuel pump failed, pwr windows failed, and on and on until the engine finally blew. 100% dealer serviced according to factory specs. Been towed more than once. I have been a very satisfied VW owner in the past, but this is it.

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  Great thus far - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By fmrporscheguy - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for a full 3 months, and its met or exceeded my expectations. So far no unscheduled trips to the dealership, which is good. Being that this is a "performance" German car, you have to know it will need regular maintenance. The engine is adequate, though not at all inspiring. Does a decent job of moving along when pushed. Int design is very nice. Leatherette works great w/o worry of ruining it with wet beach shorts, sun damage, or regular wear and tear (look at pics of older models and seats still look new). Center tunnel is a tad narrow and would be nice if it were carpeted. I think ext looks nicer than Passat sedan. Audi-esque front grill is great!

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  MS VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bibelicious - June 7 - 6:53 pm

  While a fun car to drive - when something goes wrong - watch out. The repair bills are extremely high. Normal charges for ordinary upkeep are also higher than lets say a Toyota Camary. Check recalls - we have had two. Change your oil!!! We did not change it every 5,000 miles and they voided our warranty on a repair that cost us $1,100 with 60,000 miles on the car. So far with 103,000 miles on this car, that my wife calls "the baby" we have spent over $4,000 on repairs never mind the normal stuff. An expensive kid indeed, never mind the premium fuel required.

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  Poor Customer Service - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - June 5 - 5:00 am

  My 02 Passat not only breaks down regularly, demonstrating poor quality, the customer service and responsiveness of the company was extremely disappointing. They refuse to acknowledge the issue in any way. My car has had over twenty repairs in eighteen visits to the shop in only three years and only 16,000 miles. I will never deal with VW again.

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  I vowed I would not take the plunge - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JHGSaratoga - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned 5 new VWs in the last 5 years (1999 Jetta GLX - the best by far, 2000 Jetta GLX, 2001 Cabrio GLX, 2002 Passat GLX 4-motion Wagon, and 2003 Passat W8 4-motion Wagon). The best performing car was - hands down - the 1999 GLX. Do not take the plunge on the W8 for the extra $7K. The GLX Passat Wagon is just as good a performer as the W8! Im considering switching to Audi Allroad 2.7.

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  VW needs lesson from Toyota - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By uz - June 4 - 10:00 am

  ECT, Coil Pack, Fuel Sensors. These three poor electronic parts will fail on you. I hope you have the longer warranty. Having owned Japanese (Toyota) vehicles for 14 years, I was forced to get a sportier car as Toyota just doent make a fast car anymore (less you have the budget for a Lexus). Though the turbo has spinup lag, its still quick for a 1.8ltr. Throw in a Wetterauer chip and you have a 210hp 4 cylinder. The car *is* fun to drive. Just not fun to own. Could they be forcing us to lease? Try this: lay down a split seat (rear) and drive around with only the sunroof open. if your ears dont bleed or explode....

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  Great Car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Gaiser - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Great Car--Fun, Safe, and good for a family.

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  Not worth it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Warren - June 4 - 5:10 am

  I think that the guy who bought his VW from CarMax got the one that I unloaded. It was the biggest disappointment. Had a Rabbit for 16 yrs that was great. Had the Passat for 4 years and hated it for three. Went through 4 sets of brakes, VW said it was normal wear. Hesitation issues, finally the axle was giving me trouble and I traded it in for a Mercury Milan. So far the Milan has only needed $30 oil changes, compared with the $80 oil changes of VW, not to mention premium gas. Got rid of the Passat at 33000 miles and was glad it was gone. Hey Andrews, is yours indigo blue? If so, sorry you got stuck. I dont care however reliable VW gets, I am done with them as a company.