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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  Niiiiice - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By AuZep - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car all round. My friends wish I would let them drive it. Not only is it fast, but I raced my friends Porsche boxster and won (not by much, but I won). The Safety is top- notch, I crashed my old passat and didnt even get a scratch. The control and handeling is awesome--very predictable.

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  Great value, MPGs and comfort - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matt P. - December 8 - 11:12 pm

  I bought this car primarily due to the fuel economy after changing jobs and having a 65 mile round trip every day. As promised, the diesel is excellent. Performance doesnt seem to suffer although there can be a slight delay when first starting from a stop, barely noticeable most of the time. The seats are very comfortable with plenty of room in the front and back. The interior appearance is very high end. The cargo room in the trunk is excellent as well. My only two complaints are: the entertainment system can be slow to respond at times, particularly at start up. I can from a car without any frills so having a slow system is still better than what I had! Nevertheless, it should be faster. The second thing I do not like is the intensity of the low beam headlights. I feel like they are a little weak. This is mostly noticeable on dark roads where I put my highbeams on anyways but I wish HID headlights were available for this car. Overall, great value all around with a comfortable ride. As far as the exterior styling, totally subjective so you either love it or hate it I guess. I actually like it although from the front it is admittedly a little plain and no one uses daytime running lights anymore unless they are LED.

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  Great Design But Unreliable - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Henry - December 8 - 9:53 am

  Weve had nothing but trouble with this car. Headlights need to be replaced every 3 months, check engine light has come on 5 times already- each requiring costly repairs, gas pumps stop fueling before tank is full, squirrel chewed through ignition wire, rear-seat ash tray opens inadvertently and recently fell out, turn signal fell out on left door, radio malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. Fortunately none of the issues so far have affected the core functions of the car.

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  Awesome Vehicle! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe - December 8 - 4:16 am

  This is our fourth Volkswagen (first Passat) and the cars continue to get better an better. What a powerful 4-cylinder turbo engine! I love merging onto the highway!

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  Got to drive it...then youll buy it! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJ - December 6 - 6:56 am

  The New Passat shames my 2002 version that I loved. The leather seats in Package 2 are awesomely comfortable. I was sorry to read that one review mentioned the need for audio controls on the steering wheel. Package 2 has that feature and gives you leather trim that is luxurious. I bought the navigation system, anyone buying the New Passat should look into it. It gives you an slick looking display for your radio as well as directions to the unknown. Youll drive it and buy it. Everyones comments about drive and performance are accurate. It drives like a BWM, Audi, Mercedes, or Jaguar. Why would anyone buy one of them over the new Passat?

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sdemarch - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Would never buy a VW again after this experience. The car has been to the dealer greater than 8 times for repairs that range from water pooling in the front seat to engine coils needing replacement. Car continues to shake with the mechanics not knowing how to fix it.

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  Great - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Midwestredroger - November 27 - 7:46 pm

  This car has been very reliable. My only complaint is that it has a lot of body roll when making turns, at least compared to my Porsche.

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  2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anthony Fields - November 27 - 2:36 am

  What a car for the money! The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T has luxury, a beautiful ride, and so many extras that I didnt even know about until I got home! I love it! It is so roomy and comfortable!

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  Total price too high! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmaravei - November 27 - 2:00 am

  in owning a passat one has to be carefull as to the cost and quality of service available and has to be considered in the total price. Avalability of trained service technicians is scarce and the cost of parts is also something to be reckoned with. An onboard diagnostic computer which would print out the problem would help the consumer in not being taken by the dealer or be the training guineapig of the technician

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  HATE IT - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By cassie1988 - November 25 - 11:16 am

  I totally agree! I just got the car fixed and got it back two days ago and it already has a new set of problems. I have never had a car with so many problems or heard of any one having a car with so many problems. First chance i get im trading in this car and will NEVER EVER buy another VW again..not worth the time, stress or money! Anyone whos thinking about buying one...DONT!