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 sedan. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kory - September 19 - 10:43 pm

  I bought this car last January and Ive been really impressed so far. The fuel economy isnt great, but if you use premium unleaded (which your supposed to use) you should see about 29mpg hwy and about 20 city. Car looks very euro which is a plus. 2003 is the last year they stopped making the classic European style and they started making them look more like an electric razor on wheels. 2003 is the best year for this car!

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By paulinthesouth - September 19 - 8:13 am

  Reading review after negative review I wonder whether I was just lucky, or whether my experience is more representative of the norm. My Passat was totalled last summer when a tree blown over by a storm crushed my garage (of course the Passat was in the garage). My experience? 95,000 miles with only 2 service matters. Fuel pump failed at 88,000. Parts and labor < $300. Replaced one CV boot at same time as a precaution. Parts and Labor also about $300. Thats it. Outstanding performance and handling. Understated but elegant interior. Good ergonomics. Seats were firm but wonderful for long trips.

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  poor performer - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By neveragainvw - September 19 - 2:00 am

  everyone seems to say its fun to drive but i dont see it. acceleration is slow, car just lacks in performance. you have to dig through the entire front end just to get to the engine. and WAY too expensive to fix. would never own another vw. ill stick to the japanese imports and domestics

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  Silver Ride - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ohmiee120273 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This is just an awesome car to drive. Im a former Accord owner and I think my Passat is a much better car than the Accord was.

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  Best car Ive ever owned ... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By boulderfolk - September 15 - 7:16 pm

  Mind you, Ive only had it for three weeks, but I absolutely love this car. The only problem encountered thus far was the MIL light going on less than 24 hours after I bought it. Dealer said a hose came disconnected, and it was fixed in 15 minutes (hope next service call is that attentive!). Have driven it on snow and ice, and it handles like a dream. This car was MADE for states with terrain like Colorado. Snow, ice, mountain passes, dirt roads ... it can take it all. Clean it up, and you can take it on the town. Fiance says she feels like shes riding in a luxury automobile when she rides in it. For the price, I dont think you can come closer to driving perfection.

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  my 4th TDI...LOVE IT. - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By chimayred - September 13 - 1:18 pm

  im not a gear head but i like cars. Ive owned a Lexus LX470, 330, AUdi TT, Dodge Stealth, Dodge Durango, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Mercedes C260, couple of Jeep Grand Cherokees, 2 Jetta TDIs and a 2006 Passat TDI. I absolutely love it. Drives great, use it without snow tires in Maine winter, drive 35000 miles a year, getting 49mpg highway regularly, looks great, great fit and finish, great sound system. Ive already put 70,000 miles on it (65,000 miles on original equipment Continental all seasons). I drove this entire horrible Maine winter with those tires and 50,000 miles on them. This is easily better built than my wifes Mercedes C 260 (so much so that she wants one).

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  I need a Chiropractor after 45 min - O, the seats! - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thom - September 12 - 12:38 pm

  Ive owned a 2015 Passat TSI SEL for about 18 months. This is my 5th VW product over the past 40 years. Granted my other cars have been Volvos during this same period. I currently have both. Since I bought this car, I only need to drive about 45 minutes and my back is breaking. Same for my passengers. I wish VW would do something for owners of these vehicles - offer some "goodwill" or replace the seats. I think there may be an issue with DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) similar to being on an airplane. The seats are too short and therefore offer no support. The suede / leather seats are hard as a rock! Dealer told me to drive with the seat warmers on to add flexibility to the seats - pretty tough to do when its 100 degrees outside !

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  Nothing But Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JJP143 - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my Passat....After taking it to the dealership for service 7 times now since I bought it for numerous problems I am now looking into Lemon Laws as Volkswagen keeps insisting that "The car is working to manufacturers specifications". What a joke!! I have had it in for service 3 times on the same issue and the dealer cannot fix the problem...Not the quality I expected from Volkswagen nor for paying the amount of money I did!

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  I get so many compliments! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By probinso - September 12 - 10:00 am

  At the risk of jinxing myself. . . I *love* the car. I have 10K miles on it to date and the only problem was a trouble light that was fixed in a quick (free) visit to the dealer. Shell cruise at 85 all day no problem, eats traffic on the highway around town. So quiet I have to use the cruise to keep from speeding. Had to get used to downshifting more to pass -- can be sluggish in wrong gear. So pretty, people stop me on the pking lot to tell me. Great winter car with heated seats and ASR for ice.

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  Luxury on a shoestring - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robebrown - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We looked at a lot of cars, from budget Subaru to opulent BMW 500 series. The Passat won out, not because it was the best at any one thing, but because it had more good things in one package: comfort, convenience, driveability, roominess. And the wagon is easier to parallel park than any other car Ive owned. GLX is not exactly cheap, but for the money, it gives you more than most other cars in its class.