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:
Showing 2961 through 2970 of 3,322.00-
A stretch A4 Audi for less - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
By Davehg - January 22 - 5:00 pmBigger than the A4, roomy, great avg gas mileage (27mpg with auto). Turbo is responsive; feels like a V6, no lag.
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Perfect niche car for both of us! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
By Love our Passats!!! - January 21 - 1:53 pmI leased the 08 passat turbo tiptronic for my wife last year and she has nothing but good things to say about it. The build quality is superb, its quiet cabin has a great layout, its quick and torquey 2.0 turbo engine gets great mileage while providing ample power in all gears! The price for the turbo level is unbeatable with std features like power seat, alloys, cd/ipod jack etc. I liked hers so much I just leased my own in the 6 speed manual and I am now as happy as she is!
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Passat Wagon -- no compromises - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By dermeister - January 21 - 10:00 amWith a new baby on the way, I needed just a bit more room than my previous Passat 1.8T sedan. But I didnt want to compromise on performance, overall engineering, looks, or quality. Im very happy with my 02 Passat Wagon/Variant. It has willing performance, good low-end torque from the V6, very stable handling at low and high speeds, and great room thanks to the practical square wagon design. I chose a the buttery smooth 5-speed manual, but the 5-speed tiptronic is equally nice and pleasing. The wagon back actually adds a considerable amount of room, and also adds more rear headroom than the sedan.
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BEST CAR OUT THERE! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By SUGAR - January 21 - 10:00 amTHERE IS NO BETTER CAR ON THE MARKET FOR THIS PRICE AND QUALITY!
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Early Passat Review - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By Chasable - January 21 - 9:20 amOur shopping around included the Chrysler Pacifica, Cadillac STS, Nissan Murano, and Nissan Maxima. I found the Passat to be more powerful, better designed, quieter and more comfortable than the rest. The price seemed reasonable enough.
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No support from VW - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By mststeve - January 17 - 10:00 amCar got great milage, good power and comfort. Regrettebaly, I had to trade it in because VW would not stand behind the product. Shortly before the warranty ran out, the car ran out of gas, although the gauge showed some in it. 6 months later, the gauge went bezerk, and VW would not cover it under warranty, even though it obviously had a problem when it was in warranty. This subsequently cost me $605 for a sending unit and the body control module (which they said must be replaced in conjunction with the sending unit). The gauge in my 40 year old Ford still works for Christ sake. I am very happy with the Mazda 6S. It handles so much better, and the quality is as good.
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CAR MUST OWN - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By TALOT - January 17 - 10:00 amFUN TO DRIVE, ALL I HAVE TO PROVIDE IS GASOLIN. A/C WORK WELL AND PLENTY OF COOL AIR FAST.I DO NOT KNOW WHY PEOPLE GAVE A WORST REVIEW FOR THIS CAR ? THIS IS A CAR THAT YOU SHOULD HAVE.
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Great but with surprises! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By mmw0627 - January 17 - 10:00 amEverything is great for this only-1,300- mile car EXCEPT: 1. Grinding noise when turning the steerling wheel (getting louder and louder everyday) 2. Brake with squeezing noise 3. maybe more noises in the future I am quite disappointed with Passats initial quality.
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My best purchase - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
By Louie - January 15 - 8:58 pmThis is a fun car to drive. I purchase the SE with technology and this car is great. I disagree with Edmunds about the sluggish transmission, NOT. Feels like a sport car and it competes with its rivals. It is loaded with technology and worth the price, I paid $ 22,671 after taxes ETC and trade in. Such a steal on the MSRP is $ 29,375
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Sell before warranty ends - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By joeykert - January 15 - 8:13 pmIn the past month, at my expense, the front axle, water pump and timing belt all needed replacing. The car shakes in idle when stopped, a common problem with this engine from my research, but VW is in denial. The dealership cleaned the throttle body, fuel injectors and replaced engine and transmission mounts at my expense, car still shakes. This is my second and last VW, a car with only 41000 miles shouldnt have so many issues.
