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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  2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tucson - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive enjoyed owning this car. Ive had it four months and it has performed perfectly. I look forward to using it every day. I enjoy the looks and style of it. It rides great, has a tight feel and seems to have quality workmanship and engineering. I recommend this car.

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  Just shy of a Perfect 10 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pulleydog - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Passat. Opted for the V-6 this time around. Just like the first, this car is quiet, comfortable, fun to drive, and a joy on the highway. I can barely hear the V-6 unless Im hammering the accelerator, but the gas mileage did suffer by about 4-5 mpg over the 4 cyl Turbo. I would probably get the 4 cyl if I could do it all over again...the 4- turbo is very peppy, except for the slight hesitation on takeoff. Controls are well placed and well lit at night - the blue & red dashboard lights are great. Between the build quality and overall features - it feels like Im riding in a much more expensive vehicle.

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  Nice looking/performing MONEY PIT:( - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MIke T - March 10 - 11:36 am

  We bought this as a lease return with about 20k on it. Now has 68,000. Great motor fun to drive with good power for size. Be sure to be close to a repair shop though. I have replaced a bad water pump(plastic?) and timing belt at 40k. 2 sets of front brakes and rotors, one set of rear calipers with rotors. Both cv shafts, lower ball joint, tie rod end. 2 coils and 2 sets of plugs. I will never own a light beige cloth interior, impossible to keep clean, peeling paint inside, plastic trim breaks easily. 3 sets of tires in 68K. Brake booster froze up(fixed under warranty recall). Now the temp gauge is going out. Enough already! No more VWs. Honda/Toyota may be boring but you wont go broke.

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  Regret !!!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By kang@malaysia - March 9 - 10:00 am

  The car give more problems than pleasure. After 1st service,1st problem the engine suddenly turn off when at the junction. Made me heart attack! It happen 4 times, the mechanic cant fix d problem. 2nd problem the transmission, when slow down the gear go descending from 4th gear to 3rd gear.Changing gear,a rough sound come out, I send it back to VW service center 4 check, the mechanic cant find any problem.Until now still waiting 4 the outcome. 3rd problem the dashboard and door rubber also give squeak. This would be my last vw i ever have. And the mechanics not proper trained, not even take care of my car, break d plastic engine cover, dashboard joint until now still waiting 4 d parts.

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  Excellent Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By loschios16 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun, reliable, safe, comfortable... this car has everything its competators dont. It has all of the features of more expensive cars for much less.

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  55,000 Happy Miles! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By passate - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Passat. When I was shopping for a vehicle, I thought that I wanted a Honda Accord because of reliability. But the passat had only one problem... a burned turn signal bulb... Thats it! really impressed with this car! The german solid feel and the expensive look is a great feeling! After two years and 55k miles Im still enjoy driving the car... This is a drivers car...

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  The goods - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Whiplash117 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2002 Passat GLX on 4.17.02 and I fell in love at first site. I got the indigo blue with grey leather interior. I did my internet researching and came to the conclusion that nobody can touch the options that the Passat has. I drove it and it handled like a dream. Its a little stiff which is common in European cars and I loved the tiptronic option. My only concern are the little noises you hear when starting the car. Also when the air conditioner is on...it sucks the power and the pep of the car gets lost. Other than that...the car is great.

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  2 days and counting - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By DANO - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Gray with gray leather, 5 speed, 1.8, a fun car to drive, only thing I cant figure is the empty slot under the steering wheel...as if a shelf should be there...but that is the only flaw I have found with 350 miles. My buddy who has a Merc 4Matic thought it was great and was impressed with the price point. The sales guy Godfrey Campbell at Valenti in Watertown, CT was great!

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  Worst vehicle Ive ever had - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Smitty - March 3 - 8:25 pm

  The NAV is not user friendly. When you enter the car, the media plays whatever it wants to even if your apps arent open. The display changes from whatever setting youve selected to show that youre making a call and to whom youre calling; so if you had it set on the speed you have to change it back after starting or ending the call. As soon as the a/c was out of warranty the compressor went out. I have had it replaced less than a week and its gone out again. Besides the fact that my TDI has no value because of the lies the company told, the car is a piece of crap.

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  I wanted to love this car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric - March 3 - 10:43 am

  I thought we had found the perfect car. The clean lines, nearly perfect ergonomics, elegant interior and great road manners made me forget that I was driving a station wagon. Unfortunately, the car was bedeviled by endless quality problems that had us endlessly returning to the shop over and over. On 3 different occasions, it blew major engine or transmission seals with catastropic results. The electrical system shorted repeatedly and countless other little things went wrong. Thank God we had an extended warranty.