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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  My Passat experience - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam in Agawam, MA - August 3 - 10:00 am

  There is not an aspect of this car I have not had problems with in six months of ownership. The original tires were awful (Goodyear) & the replacement Dunlops helped quite a bit. The wheel bearings, inner tie rod ends, ball joints, and transmission output bearings all needed to be replaced at only 50 thousand miles! The car is currently in the shop having the transmission removed on account of a worn gear that determines the speedometer reading. The engine knocks when hot, despite the new coil pack I installed on the car six months ago (the original was cracked.) I cant wait to trade this in.

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  3 months and still drooling.... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By swconlinefl - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Got to love the latest Passat! Luckily they have fixed most of the minor annoyances in the earlier runs (98- 01). The cup holders are great, finally. The boost in horsepower makes a great difference in traffic. My only beef is the autistic Monsoon Stereo that seems to have a mind all its own. Overall I love this car even more than the day I drove it off the lot. I test drove the new Camry and Altima which felt bland and cheap in comparison. Overall I love this car even more than the day I drove it off the lot. Happy driving...

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  Completely Unacceptable, My last VW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By unhappy - July 29 - 11:53 am

  Since I leased this car Ive had the a/c compressor replaced (6 mo. after getting the car), 2 cd players replaced, steering column replaced (which Ive read is locking up and causing cars to SHUT OFF while driving, so BE CAREFUL if youre between 55-65k) spark plugs, catalytic converter,and either the fuel injector(s) or coils will be replaced at 55k, once I on my own figure out which is actually faulty. I would 100% not recommend this car to anyone. I was so excited to be getting a passat but after all of this, I will NEVER AGAIN purchase, lease or go anywhere near a vw. My crappy 1996 Hyundai Sonata was more reliable.

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  SUV/minivan alternative - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Texas Greg - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I wish it were mine. I love driving it on weekends. I bought this car because I think its the safest car for the money. It has side airbags and head curtains standard plus ABS and traction control. It scored very well in crash tests (best in class). We (4 of us) drove this car from Dallas to Toronto and it performed flawlessly. Very smooth and comfortable. I drove 8 hours per day but did not feel tired at the end of the day. I was amazed at what we packed into the back of this wagon AND still could use the privacy screen.

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  Passat Obsession - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michelle - July 27 - 8:06 am

  I absolutely love my 2006 Passat 2.0T! I am a first time VW owner and I am blown away. You can not beat the value, styling and satisfaction of this vehicle. I test drove a Honda Accord, a Nissan Atima and a Toyota Camry and there is no comparison. I bought a Mocha Brown, Package 1 and I look around the cabin in amazement at how upscale this vehicle looks. I cant wait to get the windows tinted! For the first time ever, I feel like I have purchased the right vehicle for myself and at an excellent price. I keep reading about VW reliability being less than stellar, I only hope that is a thing of the past.

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  Reliable Solid 2001 v6 5M 120K miles - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Raj - July 23 - 7:56 pm

  Solid Build Quality Quiet, decent performance. Feels secure at highway speed compared to my Sienna 10 Major expense CV Boot (axle replaced), ABS controller, timing belt.

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  WISHING FOR MORE - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By rjtrepanier80 - July 23 - 2:07 pm

  My biggest complaint about my passat is seat comfort. Terribly supportive seats uncomfortable for trips longer than 4 hours and unbearable for anything over 8. The resale is the worst of any vehicle I have ever owned. I love the gas mileage and the tech on the car. It is quiet and I do enjoy the manual, although I wish it had 6th gear but thats my fault for purchasing the 5 speed. So far its been very reliable. I have put on around 15,000 miles and the car was used when I bought it. So its now over 60,000 miles. I pile the miles on. All in all not my favorite car but not my least favored either. Def worth consideration if you find the seats comfortable.

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By J Kenney - July 21 - 10:00 pm

  The Passat 2.0T has plenty of get up and go. With all that pep it still delivers of 27 mpg. The seating is one of the most comfortable midsize cars I have been in. On the road it handles well. It is a fun car to drive. I have driven it over 2,300 miles in 6 weeks.

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  FamilyOfFour - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By FamilyOfFour - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Reviewer: Perspective is that of a family looking for a fun but reliable car. Although this is a pleasant car to drive and is very nice for the family we have gotten to know the dealer much to well for having a car with only 50K miles on it. VW covered most items but the dealer service is awful. I would absolutely NOT recommend as a long term car. Do NOT buy used ... you are due to find many problems. See list below. Bad: Acceleration. Reliability: Side Mirror motor, cup holder (twice), airflow vent control, rear sear pasenger window, door misaligned, pulls to the left slightly ... dealer will never admit it.

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  5 years passed. Still Love it. - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By AndyM - July 20 - 7:30 am

  1999 VW Passat. Love it. Love it. Love it. After 5 years/70K still looks like a new. Since B5 was designed its body style become classic and has been cloned by other auto makers. Havent had ANY serious problems with it. One year ago replaced original battery and tires. Soon will have to replace breaks. Other than that - just regular maintenance were the only major expense. Its a pity some other people here had bad luck with their Passat.