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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  Passat wagon-love it - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By amelia - July 20 - 7:06 am

  I have been very happy with my wagon, with basically no trouble.

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  outstanding value for its class - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ron skotleski - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Why spend the money on a Audi Quattro when you can have the same thing for less. Good ride, good looks, affordable..

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  SUPER CAR - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By PEGGY - July 19 - 10:00 am

  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED. THIS IS MY 4TH VW 2 JETTAS AND 2 PASSATS. IT WONT BE MY LAST. VW BEST FOR SERVICE TOO.

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  NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGEN - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ckbell - July 17 - 2:00 am

  With the promise of gas mileage of 20 city and 28 hwy, it was a sensible car to buy. Unfortunately I am getting between 13-14 mpg since I bought it. I do not sit in traffic or have unusual circumstances that would cause such a problem. Our Ford Explorer gets better gas mileage - unbelievable. I have pleaded with both the dealership and the VW Corporation to fix my car or replace it with another one but they will not do anything to help me. They actually told me that the lemon law would not protect me because gas mileage is only an "estimate", not a guarantee. I will NEVER own a Volkswagen of any kind again.

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By LoveMyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  Looks can be deceptive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich Boyde - July 17 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive..but just enough problems to keep you occupied for a few days per month.Most of the good reviews on this forum are by people who just bought a new VW car. All the bad reviews are by people who have used it for more than 6months/8000miles. Too many electrical faults, horrible Monsoon sterio, ignition coil problems,inefficient wiper system,trip computer has a mind of its own,works once in a while. Windshield allows too much glare from vahicles coming in the opposite direction.So please dont drive VW in rain or foggy conditions,take a cab. This is a car which brings to the mind the proverb...All that glitters is not gold

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  I Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lovemyVW - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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  Wouldnt buy a VW again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric Lederman - July 17 - 2:00 am

  too many problems....the first 6 months was good and then it all began. Ignition coils failed, Monsoon sterio stopped working, fog lights stopped working,trip computer works few days a month,cannot drive the car in rain or fog ,wipers dont work efficiently.DOnt buy a VW, if you are real crazy lease it

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  In love with my 03 Silverblue beauty! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maiden - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in August and I love to drive it! Many standard features that are optional on other competitors cars, ultra safe, dig the German touches-first aid kit cabinet in the trunk, chrome tie downs, etc. Fabulous car, I will do it again!

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  Passat - dont own without a warranty - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam70 - July 12 - 8:10 am

  The car is great while under warranty. At about 80k the cars starts to need maintenance and is expensive to repair. If you have this car buy an extended warranty