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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  Upscale performace with horrible reliablity - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By roznstyle - April 9 - 11:24 am

  Purchased the vehicle brand new in 2/04. Followed the recomended mantenance religiouly. In the years Ive owned the vehicle I was left stranded 4 times and needed to be towed to a garrage. Tow #1 60K miles. Water pump (make of PLASTIC) failed causing the engine to overheat. Tow #2 75K miles. Fuel Pump failure. Tow #3 100K miles. car would not start. Brand new spark plugs were dirty and needed to be cleaned. Simple issue is a major problem when stranded. Tow #4 120K miles. water pump (Aagain!) after inspection, we needed, new water pump, timing belt, tensioners, cam seal, aux fan, main fan bearing, new belts, to the tune of 2K from a reputable 3rd party VW mechanic. Never Again VW!

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  Problems with replacement coils! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By KJWCT - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Problems with ignition coils still exist with the new, replacement - yes, replacement - coils. Just had one replaced today! Car is just not reliable. Its too bad.

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  Nice Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim from MA - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Nice car to drive, comfort, features and some power in a midsize car. I love the extras that VW packs in their cars and the 4 motion system is a plus to have in new england. I cant wait to use it in snow. The car has become the household favorite due to features and ammenities. I traded a 2002 Jetta which was nice but small. I like the VW experience. This is an impressive car and i have 13K miles on it after afeww months of ownership

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mir - April 5 - 2:13 am

  I bought my Volkswagen passat brand new in 2003 with 0 miles. Weve owned it for about 5 years now and it has 41,000 today, barely driven people, only driven to work (5 miles away) and back to the garage. today I regret ever getting this Volkswagen, 2 weeks after the purchase the stereo threw me an error code and it turned out the whole unit needed replacing (warranty). Ive never experienced so many recalls in a single vehicle, heated seats started burning (recall), brake light switch (recall), fuel pump (recall), engine heat shield (recall), replaced whole front drive shaft at 30k ($400), replaced water pump at 40k ($450). Over all I have had nothing but problems.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sig409 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I tell my wife at least once a week, "I love this car" whether Im driving or riding. Since we brought our Passat home, it has been nothing but a joy to drive. Smooth handling, clean lines, stylish interior lighting, its a dream to drive. The 190hp is plenty. We came from a 160hp Prelude. The Passat still has quick acceleration and is much quieter. My wife says shes going to need a radar detector because it gets up to speed so quick. Haggle on the price. You can get the V6 for a little over their invoice, around $27,000. It will be well worth it. The dealers will get enough suckers to pay MSRP.

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  I love this car!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By JPs1stVW - April 3 - 11:30 pm

  For my first VW the passat was a no brainer! The speed and sleekness of this car makes me feel like I am sitting in First Class when driving!

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  Great auto - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By James hansel - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  Great auto

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  Good Review for Great Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By carguy133 - April 3 - 1:23 pm

  This car is great. Exceptional handling, acceleration and design. 4motion system is great in all weather, especially in my town where salt is not used and the roads become solid ice and snow from December until late March. About 110k miles, full synthetic oil and the engine (not exaggerating) sounds new. Only problems (as with all cars) AC leaks because I neglected to turn it on enough and tiny beginning of rust on one fender, but will be covered by 12 year rust warranty. Other than that zero mechanical problems, which may surprise some. I dont baby the car at all, but stay on top of it very well (oil, filters, etc.). Honestly, take care of this machine and it will take care of you.

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  Look out - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By arrrrrrrrrrrr - March 30 - 10:00 am

  I own 2 Passats, one of them has for the most part (with the exception of 2 of the cheap Cooper tires they give you) blowing unexpectantly, been fine. The other, has had problems, including me having to fork over $2,500 to replace the clutch at 35k miles. I dont ride the clutch, I dont do any crazy teenager driving with it, so I was a bit surprised to find it go at such a low mileage. Of course, VW was quick to point out that this is a "wear and tear" part. I have also had problems like others have mentioned with oil leaks, electronic problems with CD player, etc. I will NEVER buy another VW again.

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  Very Safe and Classy - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matt - March 30 - 8:13 am

  This car handled great and accelerated nicely. Its engine noise was practically silent and I was able to get 32 mpg on the highway and about 28 mpg average around town. Its leg and head room were ample and the trunk is huge! It is loaded with safety features, I was able to walk away from a head on collision with a van and both cars traveling around 35 - 40mph.