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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  Poor choice - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jlub - October 24 - 5:23 pm

  Enjoyed the car when first purchased, Great performance and fun to drive. Then the problems started at about 12,500 miles and haven;t stopped. Have spent more than 8,000 in maintenance and repairs with no help in correcting poor reliability. Biggest problems have been replacing 8 coils (even 2 after recall). Engine light has been on for over a year and they can not find the problem. Just spent 500 on electrical issues which are not repaired. Some of the problems: 1) 8 coils replaced. 2) Triptronic transmission doesnt work in manual. Never fixed as it is over $2000 by VW dealer. 3) AC went out, not getting power. 4) Oil light comes on regularly...waiting for the sludge problem. Bad Choice!

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  This VW likes to spend time in the shop. - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Oldguy10 - October 24 - 5:13 pm

  I always wanted one of these Passats having heard much about their value. The value must be with the way the dealership keeps their hand in your pocket for repairs. Things started out fine till the first repair of the transmission slipping. Then it started leaking oil from a gasket. At first maintenance, found out the air filter was missing. Normally these bugs are corrected in earlier models, but I was more than nickeled and dimed to death with the heavy repair bills that werent covered under warranty. It sat for a week at a airport and the battery ran down, but it was winter and battery was dead so the doors wouldnt even unlock with the fob.

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  Bye Bye V-70 - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff OB - October 24 - 2:50 am

  Leaving my 1999 Volvo V-70 Wagon behind in the lot was very easy to do last week as I stepped into a new stonehenge grey VW TDI wagon. It would have been easy to do, had I felt the desire, despite the direct sunlight above the rear view mirror because the folks from VW decided to put an extra flip down sun visor directly above it. This feature may be trite, yet it demonstrates the amount of thought put into this vehicle. Im looking forward to having a positive experience with this car that is rated at 40 miles to the gallon! This is my first deisel, it sounds normal, it has more engine braking than a gas engine but when the turbo kicks in,it kicks in and you have everything you need.

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  A Lot of Car for the Money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Phil - October 22 - 1:16 am

  My 2006 Volkswagen Passat has been great so far. After about 1,300 miles it has been getting 30+ mpg.

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  a very well car by VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By andre thursby - October 15 - 2:00 am

  i own a 2002 vw passat and i am just in love. i bought it last november and i already have 24,000 miles on it and it doing well.

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  Love my VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jshanley - October 14 - 7:10 pm

  This car is truly an amazing vehicle, from the comfort and control to the stability and the safety you feel driving such a powerful vehicle. I purchased my car with 31,000 miles and have since put 9,000 on in less than one year because I simply love driving it!

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  Luxury Sport Model - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By John - October 13 - 3:16 am

  Sport package #2 with this vehicle. Great motor and 6 speed tranny with paddles. Super passing acceleration. Must say she puts a smile on my face. Great interior and seating position. Have had this vehicle for almost 6 months now and she is getting more fun to drive. AWD bites right off the line and also when rounding bends coming onto a highway or leaving one to get on another. A real sleeper, this Passat 3.6L. Older V-8 performance with a very modern V-6. Sport mode and tiptronic adds to the excitement when you want.

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  What a mistake - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwgoof - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven Volkswagens since 1982, time to move on! The lease was up on my Golf so I took advantage of a special lease deal on the Passat. MAJOR MISTAKE. Warning lights on the dash signal impending doom and then just reset at random, Dealer says just ignore no big deal. Car cant track a line down the road, wanders off on every bump, joint, and groove(Steering Suspension and/or Tires?), Dealers answer, deflate the tires!! Car is hard to control when it is windy,(I live in a windy state!)car changes lanes before steering inputs have any effect! Dealers answer, see above. Newest fun, gas fumes coming in through vents immediately after start up, to the dealer again! Internet search, LEMON LAW!

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  So far, so good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mary Anne - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  This little guy keeps on going. I love the styling, comfort(with a "c" not a "k"), gas mileage, interior room. I looked at a BMW before I purchased this and it definitely had more bells and whistles. I LOVE the heated seats. The ride is comfortable. It has its issues, but they have been covered under the warranty. Fun to drive!

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  Passat Wagon - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rubas - October 10 - 4:36 am

  Purchased new in December 2007. Just got my 30000 check. The dealer changes the oil every 5000 miles no usage between changes, no brake problems, in fact the only problem so far was the radio had to be replaced. Completely satisfied with the car except for needing premium fuel. On trips I get 32-33 mpg.