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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  There Really Is A Difference - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jaimito - March 3 - 1:53 am

  If you are all about fuel economy, performance, and safety I am not sure what other choice in this price class you have. The stereo has surprising capability, remember this is a base model. The air conditioning works great and when you need a little get up and go this car never disappoints. My fuel economy for highway ranges in the mid-twenties. Thats only because I have a tendency to punch it a little. I have the leatherette seating and with kids I think it is a must have. This car offers a better range of view then other Veedub models. I like being a little different not pulling up to the party in a Toyota. Oh, and so far my car has had no problems!

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  As Mr. T says "Passats are fo suckas!" - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By FornerPassatSucker - March 3 - 1:23 am

  This car was the German engineering dream I wanted. It started off great but went downhill quickly. If you own any turbo passat, search "Engine Sludge", then walk, no run away from the car. Worse yet, when I could produce the oil change receipts from the life of the car (i bought it used) they would honor their "internal warranty" to replace the engine unless I got $2500 worth of different repairs. I was strong armed by the dealer. Stay away from this car and VW in general. I just got a Merc. Milan. read its reviews and got get one. They are way, WAY better than this hunk of junk. "I pity da fool in a VW Passat."

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  NEVER buy a Volkswagen. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cody - March 2 - 4:35 am

  I purchased my 2006 VW Passat 2.0T for about $25K from the dealership. It now has106k miles. The scheduled maintenance was always done on time, including the pricey synthetic oil changes every 3k miles. After taking the necessary actions to have the car regularly serviced(in hopes of having the car last) At 85K miles I needed to replace the front axel. ($1200) At 100K miles my car started shifting funny. I brought it to the dealership to take a look. I was told I needed to replace the transmission. They quoted me $6000. After this shocking quote I brought the car to a reputable transmission shop. I was told the same thing, I needed a new transmission. This quote was less at $4.5K. Thats right, with 106k miles I needed to replace the transmission! In my opinion a transmission should not need to be replaced with 100K miles. The black rubber coating on the buttons is pealing, the sunroof is leaking, and the engine is misfiring. I would highly suggest to anyone looking to purchase a VW not to. They are stylish and affordable but the cars do not last.

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  No sacrifices - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By beachdriver - March 1 - 12:53 pm

  No sacrificing quality, comfort or safety in the pursuit of lowering fuel costs. Even the base GL is fairly nicely appointed including above average sound system. Handling is fun, acceleration is astonishing given the 40 mpg highway and 35 mpg combined. This cars body is solid. Judging from forums, I have high expectations for longevity of the engine.

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  Its a great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mudbone - February 28 - 8:03 pm

  Ive had my Passat for almost 2 years. Bought it used with 9,000 miles on it. I now have 38,000 miles on it. Its been in the shop 5 - 6 times. All problems (trans, cv boot, rear rotors, seat motor) were repaired by the dealer an no cost to me. It rides great, gets good mpg with no repeat or nagging problems. Its holding great resale value and looking good. I think Ill keep it a while longer.

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  Where are the cup holders? - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By visualverbs - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Im 45, Ive owned cars, lots of them. This is, by far, my favorite car. Its so much fun to drive, I know Im going to get in trouble. Havent yet, but Im going to. Ive found myself racing V8s (Ive got the 2.8 liter 6, 5 speed) and hanging with them until the end. This car is A BLAST. Not your first thought for a "mid-life crisis" vehicle, but a very good vehicle for it! Two thumbs, way up!!

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  Perfect Balance - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By V-Dub Man - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded a WRX for my Siverstone Gray wagon and Im not looking back. Its the perfect balance between fun and practicality. The low-lift gate will hold two golf bags nicely (with the rear seats down)and thats a "biggy" for me. The car handles great on the twistys yet it cruises in great style on the interstates. And you feel like your in a much more expensive car. The Monsoon sound system completes the package. The fit/finish and paint are top drawer (see $100K Phaeton). The manual shifter is silky smooth and really complements the 4 cylinder turbo. right now Im a "Happy Camper"; I just hope it lasts!

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  Not cost effective - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Unhappy With Passat - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The running lights have been replaced four times during the first year of ownership. Ive been told by the V.W there is nothing that I can do but continue replacing head lights. The breaks squeak since the first month of purchase. I was told by V.W due to the rotor material the vehicle makes squeaking noices when the vehicle stops.

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  Super Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By lawdog - February 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in November of 2001 and am still in love with it. I always back away from it after I lock it up! Very good pickup with some initial lag due to the ASR (just turn it off if you want to squeal the wheels). Incredible acceleration even at highway speeds, but a bit more sluggish with a car full of adults. Outstanding fit and finish. No mechanical problems whatsoever. Only thing that broke was the tape player, which VW fixed for free. Cant get over how comfortable the ride is, and I think all the interior controls are perfectly set up. Bottom line: I highly recommend this car.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff M. - February 22 - 10:00 am

  After seeing a promotional add offering rebates, I checked out the Passat, and Im glad I did. Having had the car for only several weeks, I cannot comment on the long-term reliability, but my initial impressions are very positive. The car handles extremely well, and the interior noise level is quite low in both city and highway driving. The styling is a bit bland, but the build quality appears to be very good. Im 6 and had no problem in finding a comfortable seating position with excellent headroom. Controls are clearly marked, well-lit at night, sturdy and very intuitive.