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 rating - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By kschoen148 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for less than 3 years and have had many many problems with it such as mechanical failure, to defects, not being able to get the tires off the car to do a tire rotation. The car is very comftable but has slowly fallen apart at the seems. In the past 3 months I have replaced the undercarriage protector, 2 new headlights, replaced the light bulbs in the dashboard 2 times, replaced all four brakes, replaced lug nuts that had to be chiseled off to get the tire removed, an alignement of the subframe and back window motor fixed. none of this is under warranty. VW doesnt consider this a lemon. Also this car takes premium gas only.

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  Wow - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By gandaft - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven alot of cars and for the money I would have to say this one of the best. It has plenty of room for the family but the drive is that of a sports car. The design of the interior is sleek and very comfortable and so far Im very satisfied.

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  A Great Beginning... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gene Steinberg - August 23 - 10:00 am

  After encountering a less-than-favorable experience with my last German-built car (the dreadful Cadillac Catera), I had not thought of buying another. But I was favorably impressed with the VW Passat GLX after two test drives and took home a Brilliant Silver version with the optional stability control. After a trip to Las Vegas, I can tell you that this car is excellent. Rides beautifully, handles well, extremely comfortable, and is very well built. Despite what others have said, there is space for the owners manual, a custom slot on the dashboard beneath the steering wheel. Theres also a tiny compartment at the lower left for sunglasses and other stuff.

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  Glad Im handy with a wrench - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By ns1915 - August 20 - 5:32 pm

  Why I will never buy another VW. Replaced control arms twice in 80,000 miles. Bad ABS module, bad CCM, bad ECU, all oxygen sensors have been replaced, engine sludge problem, two bad window regulators, Emissions Workshop Errors all the time. Every two winters battery needs to be replaced. Took it to dealer for a check engine and was told I had 2 bad catalytic converters, $2,300. Had it scanned somewhere else and was told that it does have a catalytic error, but the dealer failed to mention several vacuum leak errors. I replaced $20 worth of vac hose, problem solved. Havent had an error in 10,000 miles, this is a record!! Replacing the above parts with non OEM has helped a lot.

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  German Enginerring...HA!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jmooney000 - August 20 - 2:36 pm

  I am the original owner a 2002 Passat 1.8 Turbo and while we love the way it drives it has been a money pit! Glove box latch broke, hood strut broke, check engine light comes on at least every 3-4 months and its always a vacuum line or O2 sensor, ignition coils have been replaced twice and now the heater core is clogged and neither the dealer or VWoA will step up and admit its a known problem and fix it. I agree w/ others on this site: do not I repeat, do not by a VW. I also own 2 Hondas and a Toyota and all 3 are very reliable and easy to work on yourself so you dont have to take it to the dealer all the time. Do yourself a favor and stay away from VW!!

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  Exploding sunroof? - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By aaronnandi - August 20 - 3:05 am

  Up until now I have loved my Passat. Unfortunately the events of the last week have changed my view. I was driving down the freeway with three children in the back seat and the sunroof completely exploded and rained down small sharp glass pieces all over my head and face. The Dealership will not stand by the warranty and is trying to charge me for this repair! I called VW directly and they are taking the same stance. This is absolutely a manufacturing defect as I have found reports all over the internet of other cars having the same issue. Great car, but next time I will not give my business to a company that doesnt take care of its customers and honor their warranties.

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  213500 miles and still hauls A** - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By beastv6b5 - August 19 - 8:14 pm

  I baught this car a year ago with 202k i have put a VERY hard 11k on her i mean racing hard i have owend many cars and none of them could handle me till i got this V6 5s manual passat for 1750 the only issue it has is the ABS system but it doesnt effect what im after. this car seriously exceeds 140 with over 213k... on the track of course! And the only mods on it is a comp chip to over ride the govern, and muffler delete so it sounds like a racer! this car is a great comfortable family car on the road and an absolute beast on the track it is without a doubt the best 1750 i ever spent!

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  I love my Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel Allentown, PA - August 17 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car it is a big upgrade from my Honda Civic. I just got this car 250 miles ago brand new. Its just a good car overall.

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  GLX Best German Engineering value - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By whcatto - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had the GLX for 5 months now; it is the best car out there for the money. I look forward to getting into it each morning; the design and performance are what would be expected in a $50,000 German Sedan. All of the "extra" features that are uncovered in the first few weeks make this car truly special.

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  VW Passat 1.8T Sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By G-Love - August 16 - 10:50 am

  We have loved the styling of our Passat and it drives like a dream. However, we have made numerous repairs to the vehicle and it is very expensive to fix. In fact, we had serious initial problems that were covered by warranty, but VW was unable to obtain the needed parts for nearly an entire month (this was late in 2001). We had a terrible experience dealing with VW Customer Care. Not at all what we expected from a German car company. Its a beautiful car and a great ride, but Im not rich enough to own it.