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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  Impressive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ed - February 7 - 5:16 am

  I did a lot of research to determeine which AWD vehicle would best fit my needs and the Passat came out on top. I have only had the car for a week, but I am impressed with the performance and design. The only option that did not come with the car is the navigation system. The instrument panel layout is great and easy to understand. I particularly like the ease of the multi-function steering wheel that controls the computer. The most impressive thing about this car is the 280 HP engine that has great pick up that beats the 190 ponies I had in my 2001 Audi A4. If you want or need an AWD drive vehicle that is roomy yet feels sporty this car is for you.

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  Fun To Drive! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By H.L - February 4 - 10:00 am

  I had my Passat for 2 years and still love it! It handles well and has lots of room in the backseat and trunk area. I am a design student and have the need to carry a great deal of projects. Not a problem with the seats folded down! The only two issues that I have with the car is that I had to replace a tire on the car to the tune of $450.00. Just one tire! Also, if I had it to do over again, I would have spent the extra $2K and purchased the V6. The 4 cylinder is not responsive unless youre at higher speeds and the turbo kicks in.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By pduggs - February 4 - 6:40 am

  I bought it new. First foreign car I have ever owned (grew up in Detroit) and it is by far the best car. Looks great. It is very quick and handles nice. No problems with car and it now has 48,000. I have been told by a mechanic friend the key to German cars is you must maintain them very well.

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  Couldnt Pass Up this Passat SE TDI! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By partymarty - February 2 - 7:49 pm

  I have owned this car for four months and am just about to take her in for the (free) 10K service. I owned a 2011 Jetta TDI, and fell in love with the Passat when I saw her in the showroom while my Jetta was being serviced. The folks at my local VW dealership worked their fannies off to make this deal happen, as I am fanatic about shifting my own gears and will not ever own an automatic. There was only one 6-speed manual car available several hundred miles away, and the dealer had it trailered to me at no additional charge. So far, this vehicle has been an absolute pleasure to drive, and it actually exceeds the published mileage figures by about 2 mpg.

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  Before you buy - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By drad - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car 11 days ago. Took it back after 24 hrs w/ ignition coil issue (I was merging onto the highway and lost all power) Took it back again today and had all 4 spark plugs replaced. I have had check engine lights coming on and off everyday. The gas cap light keeps coming on as well. I really like the way the car looks and drives but Im nervous about the cost to own it. I did buy a power train warranty which unfortunatly does not cover electrical issues. I would recommend having a mechanic that knows VW look at the car very closely before you buy it. Lots of little problems equal one big headache.

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  I Love my VW but there are problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By KimBea - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Volkswagen but there are problems. Its fun to drive, looks good. I love having a station wagon. People often think its a more expensive car. I did have to get my engine replaced after about 50,000 miles. Fortunately, It was under warranty and I had documents to prove that I had my oil changed properly. YOU MUST PUT SYNTHETIC OIL IN YOUR CAR AND GET IT CHANGED AT 3,000 miles. You have to baby it. I know have to make sure I check my oil and add some. I use a trusted mechanic rather than the dealer. I go to the dealer and buy the part I need (including bulbs) and have my mechanic install it. I save money and time. Im not sure I would buy another VW, but I love my car.

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  happy with decision to buy...... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Happy with decision - February 1 - 7:33 am

  I purchased this car only a few months ago, but Im very happy with the decision to buy. I read other reviews about people who had many promblems with their cars, but have to say to those people that all cars will have problems, dont always trust the big dealerships when it comes to repair work, remember they are in it make money. This car is so fun to drive and handles very well, gets great gas mileage, I got over 38 mpg on vaction this year, over 520 miles on a tank of gas:). The sound system is awesome with the CD changer. I had the water pump and timing belt replaced - this is normal for any car with 60,000 miles. My advice, purchase a well maintained Passat and have fun.

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  Less Quality - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By OK Wagon - January 30 - 4:13 am

  Traded my 2003 VW Passat GLX for a 2008 VW Turbo Wagon. The 2008 does not have the same quality feel as the 2003 had. The sheet metal seems much lighter and the hinges seem lighter. Hood padding is very light. Im sorry I didnt buy the loaded version but at around $41,000 I thought I should just buy the cheaper one. I miss some of the bells and whistles. Radio sounds good but the controls are small and the display hard to see. Cruise Control lever too close to Turn Signal control which causes you to hit by mistake.Having trouble with fuel gauge,been back for repair twice and still not fixed.

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  Rock Solid and Refined - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Zenimage - January 29 - 9:30 am

  I just bought a Passat TDI Wagon and it is a wonderful car. Excellent handling, gutsy acceleration, and is exactly what I need for my 60 mile round trip job commute here in Michigan. It seems to to matter little how many people or how much stuff I have in the car, it just presses on regardless. The only option I have on mine are the 17 Inch wheels. If I had to sum it up: Refined, Rock Solid and Gutsy.

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  a station wagon this fun? - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By spot - January 27 - 10:00 am

  A solid car with surprising character.Fun to drive and appealing to own.Ive owned much more expensive autos, but this car seems to have more heart.I was even touched when the low fuel light came on a plesant chime sounded and a message said "PLEASE REFUEL".. I cant remember the last time I saw a car ask me nicely?Seriously, I have no regrets and feel very safe inside.