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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  Great Car, I love it! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By luvmyvw - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall, Ive been absolutely thrilled with this car. Ive driven 60K miles in just over two years, and the only problem was losing an oxygen sensor ~50K. Handling in adverse conditions has been confident and sure, and it drives just as comfortably at 25mph as it does at 95mph. Ive been impressed with the cargo capacity with the back seats down. And the gas mileage has been great. I often get better than 30mpg on long freeway trips.

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  my car - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joel - September 28 - 10:00 am

  a wonderful car, drives very smooth and is extremely reliable. looks like a spaceship at night with state of the art purple and red interior lighting. a pure pleasure to drive

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  First VW!! Awesome Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By cbar71 - September 24 - 1:25 am

  Toyota convert and love the fun, features, and value this car brings. Feels like a really high end vehicle. Well planned interior, smooth and quiet ride. Great value for the SE package.

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  Very Satisfied Owner - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By WCM - September 23 - 7:03 pm

  I am very pleased with the comfort and cabin space. Handling is very good for a sedan; it has handled snow and ice well. Controls are well designed and thoughtfully placed. Fuel consumption is about what I expected. My Value Edition has the necessary safety features. The electronic key and parking brake are nice "impress the neighbors" items. Its acceleration is very good for its size and weight. The transmission sometimes is not as reponsive (i.e., start from stop moving rapidly to reach highway speed on uphill grades) as I would wish . Climate control is very satisfactory. The truck is large. Overall I am very happy with this car. It is fun to drive.

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  best vw wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By markL - September 21 - 10:00 am

  i purchased this wagon only afew months ago but looked at audi a-4 avant, saab 9/5 wagon and volvo. i special ordered this car. no one had reflex silver with grey leather and i!m glad i did , beyound this being a fun car to drive, vw put the new audi 3.0L V 6 in this wagon when they built it. big difference between the 2.8, 190HP. and the new 220HP in this car. only thing missing would be xeonon headlights.

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  Love it - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom - September 21 - 9:10 am

  Bought the 07 value edition not long after they came out in 06. Had minor computer issues initially, but otherwise the last year and half have been trouble free. Bought the silver one, tinted the windows and upgraded the wheels and tires and it really is a beautiful car. Have taken it on several long trips and my wife and daughter love it, very comfortable, quiet, plenty of room and averages about 31 mpg at 75 mph. Turbo engine is excellent - cant imagine why anyone would want the 6 cylinder.

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  Bright Car for Bright people - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By AndyI - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Simply the best!

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  surprised - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By air - September 20 - 2:00 am

  i wasnt sure if i liked the feel of the car before i bought i,t having previously driven a saab, but its really grown on me. its fun to drive and handles quite well- very very smooth on the freeway and tight on twisty roads. and very quiet. gas mileage in the city isnt so great, even with a light foot. hopefully this might improve with time. (only have 500 miles so far) not much storage space in the front despite the little middle console-my cds are on the floor.

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  Maxine - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Liza - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had nothing but great experience with my Passat. It is without a doubt the best car that Volkswagen builds to date. Ive not had a SINGLE problem with my car. In fact, I asked the service department at a local dealer to check it over for me a few weeks ago and dared them to find something wrong with it...they couldnt find a single problem!!!

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  Great Performer - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By PeterF - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The New Passat has been a dream to drive, its really a great family car, and with the 5speed, gives you sportslike performance. Were buying a 2002 to join our 2001!