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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  What Did I do? - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Osprey - January 3 - 2:00 am

  For the most part a great car but .... The gas mileage is the worst I have ever experienced with a V-6 engine. The transmission is very slow / or would not shift out of 1st gear until the car warmed upped or I went from auto to manual shifting. It has an verocious hunger for headlight bulbs. It seems that I have a burn-out on an average of once every three months (at $60 per pop).

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  Only 5,000 made - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alan Parker - January 3 - 2:00 am

  On the fence between BMI 330i. Choose the W8 for horsepower, safety, style, comfort and price.

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  Best family sedan in market - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By zhd535 - January 2 - 3:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2006 VW Passat, deep black with pkg #2 and Dynaudio and 15 miles on odometer. At the time all other car makers are trying to cut cost, VW came up with a winner. This is the car designed for drivers, not saving several pennies from each component. After 600 miles, still love it with no grievance. Shifting into the "S" gear, the car launched like a rocket. The normal "D" was programmed to save gas. Overall I got 24-25 MPG on my daily driving (no freeway). The Dynaudio stereo is awesome and I love the MP3 capability and the satellite radio. I wanted to get a united grey or shadow blue, but the black with chrome grill just looks so ...rich.

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  Troubles, Troubles - Glad I paid for extended warr - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Harlan - December 30 - 8:18 am

  I had the turbo go bad....lost the car for 8 days and the price was over $3000 dollars plus motel, rental car, etc. Luckily, subtracting the cost of the monthly extended warranty I saved $1300. Then a month later the pump that supplies the urea to the catalyst converter went bad while I was away from home. Paid to have the check engine light diagnosed, over $100. Part not available and had to be ordered from the factory - nowhere else was allowed to stock the part. I elected to return home to my local dealer that said they do not trust anyones elses diagnosis, so another $100. That repair was $1100. Now I have an appointment scheduled to fix the AC. The dual system....drivers side cold air....passenger side, total heat. Have to drive with the windows down. Heat wins out. Pretty sure theyll have to remove the dash. Glad Im still paying for the extended warranty. In the details youll set the Passat has 105,000 miles, but I run only synthetic oil, changed more other than necessary and Ive changed the transmission twice with the third time due in 15,000 miles. Over all my wife and I love the car. Well built, but the troubles are causing us to return it to VW in the buyback. We are considering going with a gas model of the Passat or Audi. VW really makes a great cars.

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  Amazing! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomg - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car. Volkswagen pays great attention to detail. The interior design and comfort is top notch. The ride is smooth and refined. I wouldnt hesitate to buy anothe Volkswagen.

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  Do not buy Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Roman - December 25 - 11:53 pm

  Once warranty was over my Passat started to fall apart. In its fifth year I spent over 5,000 on service and maintenance. VW service after recent inspection informed me about 2 additional things that need to be done in the nearest future (additional $2,000). I wont buy Volkswagen again and I recommend you to stay away from Volkswagen

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  Passat 2.0T- Wunderkind - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By jb1042 - December 23 - 10:26 am

  I love the overall package, ride, looks, power on demand, and the fuel mileage is far more than i expected. My wife thinks I am a genuis for this purchase. Hey I needed the positive factor. I will get a second 2.0T.

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  Great Car....wish it were mine! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW4Life - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for my wife and two kids. Previous cars were no big deal for her. After a year of owning this one, she LOVES it. Great on trips, excellent pick-up and one of the best exterior designs on the market. This is my third VW, and my next one will hopefully be the new Toureg. Ive experienced some of the same "suspicious" mechanical problems, but a reliable VW mecahanic can take care of them for a whole lot less than the dealers. VW home office is no help (never has been) but fortunately, havent had to use them much. Will keep buying VW until product stops performing.

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  Best car weve ever owned - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By longstreet - December 22 - 7:38 pm

  We traded our beloved 2007 Jeep Commander gas hog for the TDI Passat hoping to average 35 to 38 mpgs. (As an engineer, I could not bring myself to buy a hybrid). So far, after 8000 miles, we are averaging 44 mpg with a few tanks over 50. The torquey TDI almost never downshifts (max torque is at 1750 rpm) even in the hills and mountains of Western PA. In addition, and unlike the Ford Fusion we test drove, the bluetooth, electronics, voice dialing, etc. all work! The first time, and every time. The car has plenty of power, and will chirp the tires from a standing start if you are a bit too heavy on the gas. Handling is very European, with predictable steering and confident roadhandling

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  Should be recalled - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By W8in for it to Godot - December 21 - 10:10 am

  Apparently, almost every W8 suffers from a cam adjuster problem that costs approx $10K, and takes a month, to fix. The part has a design flaw, which VW of America has fixed, but they will not offer any warranty help, or support their dealers, who often cant fix these cars.Between the cost of the parts and the constant problems, a W8 cost more than a Porsche to run. Not a car for real world applications.