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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  Great car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom Harrell - January 14 - 7:46 am

  Ive had my 2006 Volkswagen Passat for a week and really enjoy driving it. I purchased the 3.6L with Sport Package 1. The cars rides and handles great, and the seats are very comfortable. I drove the 2.0L turbo and it was a nice car, but I was swayed by the bigger engine and the additional features of the 3.6L. There are too many standard and optional features to list, but if youre reading this, you probably already know what they are. This is a great car!

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  Car That You Must Drive... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Andrew - January 13 - 4:40 pm

  The redesigned Passat is a must drive vehicle. What other car provides you European engineering and luxury for that price? Come-on, even VWs Audi product line does not offer the innovative look of the Passat. Why are you going to spend that type of money on either the smaller A3 or dated A4? I have had minor issues, some my own fault. I have read some of the other reviews and hope that they have fixed the "Check Engine" error; mine was for faulty air-intake motor. Some times, the Navigation system glitches requiring a car restart. But overall, for a first model year, its a great car that is fun to drive, luxuriously, and no where near as expensive to own and maintain as a BMW/Mercedes.

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  I Can Afford A Passat?!! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By westys_4_ever - January 12 - 8:53 pm

  Yes. Yes I can! This car is so packed full of value, bought on a lease, anyone could afford it. And they would be right to do so. The details inside the cabin are so thought out, they really didnt cut any corners. All of the cubbies found in the car are lined with grippy rubber to prevent sliding of phones or other hard items. The top of the dash, near the bottom of the windshield has a strip of brushed stainless matching the stuff on the dash and center console. The seats are supportive and comfortable. The drivers seat has power lumbar which feels amazing. I really like the stark white dash numbers at night. They are easier to read at a glance than the blue ones.

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  Quite Happy with my TDI - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By atltdi - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my TDI Wagon since May. I previously had a 2001.5 1.8T 5 speed. Although I loved the efficiency of the engine of my old car,the low end torque of the 1.8T was simply not strong enough to handle extreme driveways and hills in and around Atlanta. The diesel is a completely different story altogether. It comes off of the line quickly...so much so that the tires will squeal if punched too quickly.... The hills and steep driveways are no longer a problem from standing stops. Atl to DC on one tank of fuel. I love it.

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  Loving my Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By boobootg - January 11 - 5:56 pm

  It provides a very comfortable, quiet, smooth ride while also having wonderful performance. Its acceleration is good for a sedan of its size. The built in XM and interior lighting get compliments from everyone.

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  Not built any better than other cars. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By klausenheimer - January 9 - 2:00 am

  If you are willing to spend lots of time at the dealership after your purchase for repairs, then this is the car for you. I havent had the car a year yet and as I speak the car is sitting in my garage undrivable because it barely runs, and the engine malfunction light is flashing. Also, about 6 months after I bought the car, all of the chrome side molding pieces turned an ugly white hazy color. Also, the manual seat adjustments are horrible and hard to use and the console storage is essentially useless. I also have a really nice rattle in the dashboard, a tell tale sign of lousy build quality.

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  Not the VW of years past - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - January 6 - 8:00 pm

  I bought my Passat TDI for the fuel economy, reliability and longevity of the diesel engine. Ive never had a more unreliable vehicle than this one including a few couple hundred dollar vehicles when i was a kid. The turbocharger failed. The fuel pump failed. The exhaust flap failed. Then the new turbo was damaged by the dealer. Then the clutch broke. The transmission synchros broke. Then the heater core plugged. Now the oil cooler is plugged. Almost every major component has failed and lead to enormous repair bills.

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  Awesome Passat 2.5 - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By twmfam3 - January 5 - 5:14 pm

  Great room great fit and finish great engine, transmission, steering and braking. I push this car hard when Im on the Interstate, 80 plus mph for hours this car can run with the best and step out and lead with no problem. Change the oil 2x per year runs like a top. Great back seat room, great front passenger and driver comfort. Very well executed sedan.

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  Surprisingly a good little car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gashley2 - January 3 - 9:59 pm

  Owned a 2003 Skoda Octavia in Germany was a fun car. Bought the closes thing to it in the US. the 1.8L is fun and great on MPG! I get better mileage then the EPA rating best i got was 40MPG on a road trip! Passat has great styling i think and rides nice really luxurious for what it is. Previous owner did all the differed maintenance cv axels, fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, heater core, timing belt, water pump etc... Currently has 180,000 mile on it and I really like the car, I will drive the wheels off of this car! Great on snow with regular tires. Only thing wrong is the trans makes a LOUD slam noise when downshifts when exiting the interstate, when that goes Ill buy something else.

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom Swennes - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We were so impressed with our 2000 Passat GLS sedan that when it came time to purchase a new car for my wife, the 03 Passat was at the top of our consideration list. After looking at a range of vehicles, including a number of SUVs, she decided on the 2003 Passat GLX V6. This vehicle offers an impressive list of luxury and convenience items, solid construction, and a high level of safety features. If you want the practicality of a wagon, but do not need the bulk of an SUV or minivan, you should look at the Passat.