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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  Cant go wrong - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By trig - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Considering we got our 2003 Passat for 16500 (with 14000 miles), and new it cost 24500, I cant complain. For the money(16500), I am very pleased with it. Quality fit and finish is excellent, this coming from a former- Lexus owner. Ride is very european- like, which I love. The only knock is price/performance. Dont get me wrong, 170 horses from a 1.8 is very respectsble, but the car is too heavy to make it work. And springing for the v-6 isnt worth it (displacement goes up to 2.8, and only gains 20-30 horses). I hope the price stays the same, and power goes up, or this may be the last passat I own, at least for awhile.

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  Best car for the money dollar per dollar - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Virgil - June 22 - 8:43 pm

  The cars is 200HP and you feel it. Paradise for tall people, more leg room than an E class Mercedes. At high speed in the highway you notice why European and Japaneses are different. Well built and fun to drive, very reasonable fuel consumption. No problems whatsoever in 13,500 miles. A lot of car for the money and safety features are important to me. This VW is designed to go over 100 MPH on the Germans "autobahn" and engineering is superb. Im extremely happy with the purchase of my Passat. The human bean is the most perfect machine in the world and sometimes fail. What the people expect of a car? In live luck counts for all. Wishing you good luck on your new Passatt as I had.

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  horrible car...dont buy - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By david - June 22 - 12:30 am

  never owned a worse car in my life!! Leaks oil, coolant, and transmission fluid. Buying American made cars from now on!!

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  excellent car - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lothar - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Not one problem to date!

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  best sedan for the money - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By l Baum - June 21 - 10:00 am

  Super quiet and smooth car! Excellent handling. Neat Tiptronic trans.!

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  love, hate relationship with vw - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By joel.metcalfe - June 20 - 4:30 am

  This is an awesome vehicle to drive. The handling and performance is unmatched by anything else in the category; however, this is my second VW and the same problems have occurred in this one as my 2001 jetta. The menu frequently posts inaccurate information such as tire pressure too low and the check engine light comes on. The Windows create a blind spot and the sunroof is inefficient.

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  Car driving is fun again - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By silvergc - June 19 - 8:50 am

  After many years of telling myself that my next car would not be under- powered, I finally have one that isnt. Its amazing how much power VW gets out of this 2.0 L engine. The car is no lightweight at 3300 lbs, but the engine still delivers enough torque to push you back in the seat when accelerating. This car is a joy to drive. Much more so than other cars in the same price-range and size. The only problem I have with the car is the red and blue instrument lighting. Human eyes are real sensitive to red light, its good for low light situations. Blue light focuses at a different point than red making the instruments harder to read than if only one color was selected.

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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By 5speeder - June 16 - 10:00 am

  Have driven mine over 5k miles and its been flawless. This car is FUN to drive. Love that turbo! Mileage has been as advertised. It looks great in and out. Im a convert from Japanese cars and hope itll be as reliable as my Toyota and Nissans! I dont understand criticisms of this cars pricing. For what you pay, its real value.

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  One headache after another - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By rotaryfan - June 13 - 2:50 am

  Dont get me wrong here... VWs are excellent cars when they are running 100%. The problem is 99% of the time they are not running properly. Case in point here is my 2000 Passat 1.8T. After 5 years of ownership, I drowned thousands of dollars into repairs. Blown turbo, oil cooler cracked, brakes went soft early on too. The list goes on and on. Sludge had built up in the engine and finally, after 83k miles, the heater core broke. I will NEVER buy a VW again. This is the worst car Ive ever dealt with and I dont know why I kept it for so long.

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  Passat is worth the extra money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sinner - June 12 - 10:00 am

  For anyone looking into buying a Volkswagon Jetta, think twice about buying a certified pre-owned Passat. They are a lot more of a car and the GLS model, like what I bought, have a lot of "standards" like 8 speaker system, trip computer, CD & Casette player, and more. The Passats handling, if you take my challenge and do a test drive, will sell the car.