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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  07 Passat - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Wisconsin Driver - July 12 - 5:33 am

  So far we have had this car for about 4 months. My wife absolutely loves her car, she feels it is easy to drive and the most comfortable we have ever owned. I like the sporty feel (when she lets me drive it), and it never lacks for power. If you are looking for a new family car check out the new Passat, you will not be disappointed.

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  Relatively Good Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Beth - July 11 - 12:00 pm

  The car ran great until 20,000 miles, then for no apparent reason, the back axle bent. Nightmares followed.

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  Cant beat the German engineering - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aerospace Gerry - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This car now has about 35000 miles on it, and there isnt a single squeek, rattle, or annoying vibration sound to be heard anywhere. A rock solid machine, in the finest German tradition. The 1.8T rocks and yet gives me like 29 MPG while doing freeway speeds of 70+ MPH. The clutch has a nice full "throw" to it, and the braking is excellent. Only design flaw I can find is that the drink holder is hard to move to the closed position after its been opened. And more importantly, it covers the opened ashtray when deployed. This makes it difficult to plug in my cell phone recharger into the lighter receptacle. Big Ger...the Aerospace Guy

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  room for improvement - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Plasticbike - July 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my fifth Volkswagen, and definately the best to date. The AWD system in this car is absolutely the best Ive ever driven. The car is very comfortable, especially on long trips. My wife, who never uses cruise control, was shocked to discover on a recent trip that she was driving 90 mph. This car begs to be driven fast, and acceleration at speed seems effortless. The transmission however, is horrible at low speeds. It never seems to know which gear it should be in....even shifting manually is less than ideal.

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris - July 10 - 10:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I looked at it for a year, didnt like the looks of the 2006 so purchased the 2005. I am stationed in Germany so I get to drive this US spec car on the autobahn, which is lots of fun. With 4 adults in it, I cruise at 140 KPH and get great fuel economy. You cant beat it. My car has had no defects, and has a solid build.

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  Youll Love This Car!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Surfbrd67 - July 7 - 8:00 am

  I sold my 97 BMW 740 (I got tired of the $1,000 repair bills!) and just purchased the new 06 Passat with the Luxury Pkg. #2. Its got plenty of power and great mileage to boot (22/35). I picked the Passat over the Audi A4 and Infiniti G35 because of the extra room in the back seat, many standard features as well as the good lease deal VW was offering. I didnt think I would like to drive a VW after owning a 7-Series BMW but I was plesantly surprised. The websites compare this car to the Camry and Accord but I think it is more in the class of the BMW 3-Series, Volvo S40, Saab 9-3, and Infiniti G35. Im convinced that you cannot find a better car for the money from anyone!

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  Excellent car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aurelian - July 5 - 11:16 pm

  The 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is an excellent family car. It gets very good gas mileage with its diesel engine. It has all of the possible airbags (side, front, and side curtain), an elegant exterior design, and top quality interior materials.

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  97 TDI - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By richardb - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car except for recent stalling problem. Have been to dealer several times but they cannot find the problem.

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  a first class LEMON - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By rnm442aol.com - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Broke down (lost power) the day I bought it brand new. Was in the shop for 2 weeks..replaced entire electrical system. Lost power 6 times since then..oil system problems...tensioner..I feel TOTALLY UNSAFE in this car. VW will do nothing. Ill never buy another VW Worst car I ever had Dick MArshall Pittsburgh

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  One of a kind, state of the art! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passat 06 - July 5 - 7:56 am

  This is a premium car at regular price! It has a turbo engine, 6-speed Tiptronic, all features you can think of - standard. This is not a car, its a space ship. The Passat compares to the Acura TL and Lexus IS, but not in price - it is $10,000 - $12,000 less. It is a BMW without the price tag. Hey, Honda and Toyota, do you think for $22,400 out door for my Passat you can compare you cars to it?!? What are you selling for that money? Not even half what the Passat has standard. And this is the bottom - Value Edition! I have been driving VWs since 1993, and I intend to drive- forever! The VW Passat is a masterpiece, not from this world!