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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  Just dont do it - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Laura - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car for the same reason many people buy Volkswagens: They look nice and are fun to drive. Well, they are fun until they start breaking down!! My car has had an array of problems. I would NEVER buy a Volkswagen again. I know lots of friends with Passats and Jettas, they have issues with theirs to. Volkswagens are good up until about 60,000, and then theyre junk. Oh, they do not hold their value well at all either. I will say that this car was fun and roomy in the front. I did feel safe in it, as it is a heavier car. There are other cars out there - do not settle on a Volkswagen.

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  Great Car, I Love it. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ngot - November 5 - 12:13 pm

  I have owned my Passat 2.0 for 10 days and I drive about 50 miles per day. The car is wonderful, Im very happy with the purchase. I considered Honda Accord V6 EX and VW Passat 2.0 when buying, and the Passat won. I have all the options available for 2.0 including package #2, navigation, 17 in. wheels, Dynaudio system, and additional airbags. I like Passat better than my 2003 BMW 325i. The Passat doesnt have brand name like BMW, but it is fast, smooth, and has many features that my BMW doesnt have.

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  Love My Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark B - November 4 - 1:20 pm

  I have the 2007 Passat 2.0T with the sport suspension, sport seats and 18" wheels. I absolutely love this car. The handling and ride is superb for a car with OE sport suspension. The interior has enough room for 5 big adults and the trunk is huge. I consistently average 33 mpg on the highway and around 30 mpg in the city.

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  Exceeds My Expectations - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mac - November 4 - 6:56 am

  Heard about transmission and brake issues from prior Passat owners but took a chance because I liked the cars design and the way it handled. Have put 60K miles on car in 3.5 years with three minor trips to the dealer, one to replace a rear upper trunk lock mechanism, one to install a temperature sensor and front brake pads, and one to install new spark plugs at 40K due to misfires on plugs 2 and 6. Not a problem since. Replaced tires at 35K also. Didnt care for the original Continental tires. Also, dealer experience was very positive. Keep waiting for the problems to show but so far, it runs great every day 25 miles to and from work.

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  Mine is a "98 with 60,000 miles - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By pfdbiz@aol.com - November 4 - 2:00 am

  My wifes car replacing a MB. She would never buy another MB, she loves the Passat. Not one problem in 60,000 miles. I do not get to drive it often since she is so happy with the car that she doesnt share it much. I asked her what she wanted as her next car and she said "the next Passat". Ride, comfort and handling, it cant be beat for the price.

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  I am Happy - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By velvet - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It handles well and is a pleasure to drive

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  Worst car ever - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW mistake - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I lease my passat..I have had it for 3 years....In & out of the shop too many times...problems w/emmissions & many other where car had to be towed 5 times. Think twice, 3 times before buying or leasing this car.

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  great car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By dane2003 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, seats extremely comfortable, heats quickly, good air conditioner, fun to drive, seats designed by osteopath - good for people with back pain, so much room for midsize car.

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  "My Silver Rocket" - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ToriaMorgan - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Santa Fe Dealership was wonderful. My Silver Rocket feels like a cross between an Audi and a BMW. Excellent handling, stops on a dime. Turbo lets me pass in the fast lane going uphill like the other car is standing still. I love it!!!

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  Practical Fun - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By walker72 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Zippy tight and o so practical. Everything feels right and in its proper place. Take the step up from the base GL model, it a few grand that makes this car feel and handle like cars priced 10K more. If you have kids, the leather will make you oh so happy... and its mighty comfy too.