Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,322 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 2851 through 2860 of 3,322.00
  • Solid, Reliable Car - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have now owned my Passat for nearly 5 years now. I have to say that this car has been very reliable. I have had no maintanance issues, there have been a couple recalls but for very minor things that I would have never noticed had I never received anything in the mail. I truly recommend this car for someone who wants something that is reliable, roomy, and affordable.

  • Forget the Bimmer, Go for the Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is my 3rd Passat, and the absolute best. The quality is exceptional, the ride comfortable, and the 3.6L engine a gem. With the Luxury package #2 and wood trim interior, Ill compare this to any BMW, MB, or Infiniti! And, for many thousands less!! You gotta give the Passat a look, youll be overwhelmed with the quality. Also, I regularly get 30-31+ MPG on the road.

  • An actual POSITIVE Passat review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I am posting to give a favorable thumbs up to my Passat Wagon, which I purchased new in June 2002. Sure it has had a few mechanical failures, and the usual maintenance any car needs. But other then that its been very reliable, practical and fun to drive. A couple of the issues I have had relate to CV boot joints tearing (normal) and the passenger seat heater going out. I agree that headlight bulbs do burn out more often then normal and that regular maintenance prices are a bit higher. However, it has been and still is a blast to drive, I have great fuel economy (27- 30 mpg, being a wagon is a huge bonus and it beats the compact SUVs or Crossovers any day of the week. Its a keeper until the end.

  • Certified Preowned. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Very happy with car. Only had it for a week. But we bought it as a certified preowned vehichle with only 32k miles. Car runs great and is a lot of fun to drive. We also recieved the manufactorers warranty, and an addition CPO warranty up to 74,000 miles. Great deal, along with 2.9% financing through VW credit.

  • 4Speed, I dont think so! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
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    Have had the car for 8mo. Has gone through the winter, handles very well. A solid heavy car. I feel very safe. Radio area is confusing, everything is right there. Screen is HUGE sound is great. The front seats are height adjustable, great for tall or short people. Seats easy to clean as they are leather very important with kids. There is a britex wizard car seat in the middle and my husband who is 511 has plenty of room to adjust his seat back. Gas tank great. From Groton CT to Windham ME takes half a tank 250mi. Trunk is huge. Fits a play pen and full size stroller and items on either side of the stroller. Fits a set of suit cases in trunk. I have no problem buying another one if this one is crashed.

  • Rattlebox - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
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    Purchased new.. dashboard started rattling 1 week after we took delivery. Has been in shop 11 times for that problem alone. Trim moldings come unstuck, we just stick them back on. VW couldnt care less. Consulted a lemon lawyer - not defined as a lemon cause rattle is not considered a defect. What a sad joke. We tried to trade this car in on a Toyota and the best trade price we were offered was $13,500. Pathetic resale and now I know why. Its a heap of junk! I dont know how we are going to sell it privately with a loud rattle in the dashboard! Were going to cut our substantial losses and kiss VW goodbye.

  • Used, but new to me... - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Purchased my 2001.5 Passat V6 4Motion on April Fools day and so far I am impressed. The vehicle has 69,000 miles on it and runs perfectly. When sitting in the vehicle I cant help but think Im in a BMW (ahhh the memories). Interior styling as well as exterior make me feel like Im in a much more expensive car, not that the original sticker price was by any means cheap. Coming from a truck that Ive driven for the past two years this car can do nothing but spoil me and impress.

  • Review - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Likes: Comfortable seats, quiet & smooth highway ride, good legrroom in back seat, adjustability of seats and steering wheel, high quality cabin materials, great sound from Monsoon sound system, excellent manual shift, strong & smooth V6 engine Dislikes: Ride is softer than I like and roll during cornering is more than Id like; a couple rattles have appeared in cabin; price of oil filter is outrageous ($18)

  • Redefines sport touring sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is a great sport touring sedan. It is very nimble and has excellent "street habits". I would strongly recommend to anyone. The AWD system is superb. Tiptronic does the job quite well. If you are looking for a 4 dr sedan to provide "double duty" - family sedan and performance car - then this is it!

  • Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Driving for three months and this car far exceeds my expectations. German engineering is far more exciting than Japanese reliability. The German build quality of this car is noncomparable to the previously built US & Mexico VWs (Rabbit/Jetta) There is always room for improvement, but they are minor in nature. This car has one small rattle that the monsoon stereo fixes.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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