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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  2005 TDI Passat Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve - December 20 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car except for an experience last winter. I live in a cold enviroment. I was told the car would always start before I bought it. At minus 10, sitting outside, the car would not start. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership. Once it warmed up it started without a problem. Everything checked out to be working correctly. I would not take the car back without an external heating device installed. The dealer put on a oil pan heater. VW Corp was contacted and asked to cover the installation. They declined to do so! I was told they would rather pay for a tow each time. What an inconvience for me. I was displeased with the customer service deptartment.

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  Beautifully designed to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Peterson - December 19 - 6:26 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable, handles beautifully, and designed in such a thoughtful manner that the controls are intuitive. Despite a 6 cylinder engine and AWD I still average about 19-20 mpg around town. It goes where my 4 wheel drive truck wont go in the snow. The only downside is that the rear brakes wear rapidly and get replaced at 15-20K. Nevertheless, the other features more than compensate.

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  Playing catch up - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By RichM - December 19 - 3:20 pm

  I just traded an Expedition on a new 2006 Passat. I do NOT miss my gas guzzler one bit. The fit and finish on this car are very impressive. My wife has the Infiniti G35 coupe, and the new Passat is very close in terms of quality! This is my first German auto and will not be my last, I am hooked. American car companies should take a long hard look at this car, they have some major catching up to do.

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  Passat perfect - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Driver Found - December 16 - 10:00 am

  biggest 3 features that sold me: Styling Safety Warrenty bought the 1.8T model for the wife, will be buying the W8 model for myself shortly. also, there is an abundance of aftermarket parts for the 1.8T passat.

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  My Passat was a star - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By California Casey - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  My 2003 1.8T Passat GLS just passed 98,000 miles with hardly a hiccup...when it was smashed by a hit-and-run driver today. Im not sure Ill ever see it again, the damage was so severe. But my daughter and I came out without a scratch, though the front end is nearly demolished. This car was a bit pricey to repair, but there were few of those...oil changes, tuneups, a timing belt (at 90,000, dammit). But it was a joy to drive, I got 26 city, 31 highway with the 1.8 turbo and the German engineering was solid. I fear my car is gone, but if I were you, I would not hesitate to invest in a Passat again, despite higher-than-usual maintenance costs. Its a great car.

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  So far so good and fun. - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jorge Gomez - December 14 - 6:13 pm

  Almost 4 month and still so fun to drive. Good in gas. Excellent choice from all the cars we tested.

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Garaoucho - December 11 - 2:00 am

  32mpg @ 75mph. Sluggish off the line until the turbo spools up. Turbo lag is noticeable from a standing start but very short elsewhere. Turbo maintains power at altitude (6,000 ft.). Very smooth for an inline 4. Short throws on manual shifter but long throw on clutch. No asymetrical thrust. Taut, responsive suspension with long travel over bumps. Enormous trunk even with rear seats folded up. Refined interior with high quality materials. Monsoon radio is merely average.

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  An Autoban Cruiser! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ron - December 9 - 8:26 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 3.6 really performs! It is a fantastic combination of handling, acceleration (with absolutely zero torque steer!), comfort and ergonomics...especially with the sport package that inlcudes 12 way adjustable seats, both driver and passenger side, that feel as good as they look! the Sport package also has a dialed down suspension for even flatter cornering. this car is unbelievable at AutoBahn speeds! The 3.6 engine will knock you back into your seat with available torque on demand, yet provides much better gas mileage than the Infiniti G35 will ever hope to get! The engine has a "Euro" growl, unlike the Japanese "appliance" sound! The Passat sailed through a 6" snow fall in Chicago, passing three BMWs that got stuck! Go VW!

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  German car at Japanese prices! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By dani - December 9 - 10:00 am

  We were looking for a mid size wagon- not too many options in our american market. We both loved the way it drove and looked. The manual is short, precise, and has short throws. The steering is very accurate and gives good feedback. Disc brakes are very good, handling and acceleration too. We opted for the turbo. It provides good gas mileage, better than adequate acceleration and one of the best 4 cyl. Size was perfect for us. Seating is comfortable for 5 - not as big as the new camry/altima/accord. Luggage room is amazing on the wagon. After 11,000 miles we are extremely happy that we purchase this car and keep getting compliments from people.

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  love the passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By crazedaftexan - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I just love it, gives you everything you could want luxury, sportiness, and better than its competitors.