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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  Reliable - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By mindofclay - August 16 - 2:46 am

  I love this car. Its such a gem of a car. If you simply take care of it, change the oil (full synthetic) every 3,000 miles (it does gum up fast in this car, unfortunately. Just dont go over 3,000 without changing it), put premium gas in it, and generally just take care of it and it will last you forever. I bought mine at 171,000 miles from an owner who took great care of it and it drives like its brand new! Yes, repairing a VW is generally more expensive, but you get what you pay for and you fix it far less often. Im confident I will take this car to 250,000 miles easily. It is so reliable. I wouldnt hesitate for one second to recommend this vehicle to anyone!

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  Value for the money! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pete - August 15 - 5:10 pm

  Recently I bought a 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T. It is a sweet ride, its got the power when you need it! The 200HP under the hood makes the whole difference on at traffic lights! On the road it runs swiftly, although you have to watch the speed because you dont feel it! The automatic transmission (Tiptronic) is a nice option, but if you want a sporty ride - go with the 6-speed manual, thats what I bought. Another good thing is the fuel consumption. After I put gas in it, the computer shows that I have 510-520 miles to empty! It takes premium, but its worth every penny! The roomy enterior seats four adults very comfortably. This car is made in Germany, and it makes a difference! If you want a good German car in mid the $20,000s, then thats the best choice.

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  Love it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Renegade - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car! The back seat has plenty of room for adults to sit comfortably. Driving performance is great, Excellent turning radius, car has a secure heavy feel to it. The car has lots of room and a huge trunk. This is my second Passat - cant change - great car for the money.

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  Who needs a V6? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Keebler - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned this car for about 2 months and I am thrilled,the 1.8T with a 5 speed is very smooth.Leather interior is top notch as well as overall fit and finish. My wife and I have twin girls so needless to say we gotta lot of stuff and the Passat wagon has tons of storage.I just could not bring myself to driving a Mini- van,with the Passat 1.8T I get the best of both worlds,fun to drive and very practical.

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  Simple, Elegance and Comfort - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam Millare - August 10 - 3:03 pm

  Roomy, simple design (inside and out), the quietness of the cabin, friendly user interface (very straight forward for all the controls), the backseat is really spacious (with air vents and USB charging ports), so as the trunk, the back seat is foldable to give an extra storage for more items.. The 1.8T base engine is powerful enough for a long drive or just on a day to day driving to work. Though the gas mileage isnt the greatest compared to any mid-size sedan on the market. Comes with all the safety features, the steering is smooth as well. The acceleration is kind of odd. But overall, I like my VW Passat. Simple yet elegant design.​

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  B5 Variant - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By onie - August 8 - 2:00 am

  25000 miles and still going strong

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  Another one with "Oil Sludge" issues... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lonzom10 - August 7 - 1:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for over 2 years and it is in constant need of repair. The AC has went out twice, the Coils have had to be replaced, the front axles replaced due to the boots cracking and now the infamous "Oil Sludge" problem which VW says they will not cover even though all but 3 oil changes were completed at the dealer and I have provided them copies of the other 3 receipts. After looking online at all the other 05 1.8 turbo owners with the same problem, it would appear that the issue was not resolved from 04 to 05. Needless to say I will never by a VW again. What can we as a group do to address this issue with VW?

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  2007 Volkswagen Passat Wagon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By North VW - August 6 - 3:26 pm

  Good car overall. Lots of pep and comfortable for a 6 ½ foot tall male over 230 lbs. Have radio with satellite XM, however with this configuration iPod not offered. Big bummer at a sticker price of over $40K and still can not hook up the iPod. Squeaky front breaks and a new noise from the front end (constant squeaking from the front end when you hard over to the right, up a small incline. Having it checked on now. Slight plastic-on-plastic vibration noise in the steering column. Overall a very cool car to drive and has all that my past BMW and Audi had (and more). Convenience items abound.

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat 1,8T - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MirAli - August 4 - 1:10 pm

  We bought this passat brand new, fun to drive, looks very sharp but kinda noisy and very poorly built, we got 5 recalls within a 2 years- fuel p pump, brake light switch, heated seats burned that was recall, factory heat shield had a recall stating it could start a fire in the engine, the stereo system read "error" within the first months of purchase (warranty), brakes needed replacing around 20k. Transmission doesnt feel reliable, got an oil change guy told me I had engine sludge building up ($120) to clean, water pump+thermostat replaced at 36k, last night I was driving then the check engine light started blinking and car started shaking (misfire?) and noise at 42,500 I think its done.

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  Great car! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By a.m.k. - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I test drove so many cars before the Passat and was immediately sold. I love everything about this car, and am so happy with my purchase. I love to drive this car and have found nothing negetive about it. I have and will strongly reccomed it to anyone I know shopping for a car.