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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  LEMON, LEMON, LEMON - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lemon headache - June 12 - 10:00 am

  Have had the 4Motion clunk since almost the beginning. The dealership purchased from would not even acknowledge there was a problem. Volkswagen of Americas customer care is useless and downright rude to its customers. Finally able to get software update installed after 4 trips to another dealership. Now when at low speeds, barely tap gas and it hesitates and then takes off like a rocket. Not good if idling in traffic, could be a safety concern and cause an accident. Also has extreme wind noise on interstate. VW mgr admitted is prblm with all 2004 passat

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Engine is Garbage - June 11 - 9:46 am

  Purchased this car CPO from a VW dealership. Have had it maintained at dealers, check ups, synthetic oil, etc. The water pump busted on my way to Cincinnati less than a year after I had the car, Ive had numerous problems with the engine that have been covered under warranty... but in less than 2 years this car has left me stranded on the side of the road 3 times waiting for a tow. Most recently the ignition coil went about a month ago and then the same thing happened this morning. Im actually waiting for a tow truck now and as soon as they fix it today Im driving to another dealership to trade it in for a Subaru.

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  New 2001 VW Passat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By bp1020 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Great car with no problems for the first 18 months. Drives and rides great. Plenty of power without the extra cost of the V6. I have the leather package, but without power seats. Seats are still very ajustable and comfortable. I drive 4 plus hours in the car on a regular basis and find it to be very comfortable.

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  I Love My First Dub! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thom Rowe - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Passat 1.8T, 5-speed manual for 4 months now. I think its a great ride - fun to drive, easy to take care of, and it looks great. I have fallen in love with the German engineering.

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  Disappointment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By greg woods - June 8 - 12:50 am

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  Gorgeous Car!!!! I hope it lasts - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tony V - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought a silver 01 tiptronic with leather interior (the only way to go in my opinion) and it is like no other car I have driven...or seen for that matter. It looks like a much more expensive German car (I got my beauty for 16K) and it drives like no Japanese car you will drive. The looks are unmatched. Who wants to drive an Accord?! EVERYONE has one!!! Drive a VW. You wont regret it.

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  Fun But Too Many Electrical Issues - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By CHOP - June 7 - 4:06 am

  My first VW. Purchased a 2006 Certified Passat Lux edition. Fun fast performing car. Mechanically sound, modern styling and dealer service was great, but in just under 2 years, Ive had it in the shop about 12 times to fix electrical annoyances. Ive owned BMW and Mercedes; for some reason, Germans cant get the electrical right. Also, alot of squeaks in cold weather. Gas mileage is great, but spent too much time at the dealership.

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  German Engineering at Japanese Pricing - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By skyhawk182 - June 5 - 8:03 am

  Admittedly have only driven the car 6K miles, but must say, am more than pleased. Well thought out with ever so many clever features that make car seem like it knows you. Sweetest engine Ive driven - excellent power due to great low end torgue via turbo charger. Rides like on rails, yet seems like larger luxury ride. One needs to keep an eye on options (can escalate pricing rapidly) and bargain aggressively - with that in mind, pricing is quite attractive and competitive.

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  Excellent 30-something Family Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By FrankieO - June 4 - 11:36 pm

  I had my reservations about owning a -. family car. Being a "young" man I wanted something with style and get up and go. WOW was I ever surprised! I cannot say enough about this car. Its stylish, fun to drive, has all the bells and whistles and safety features, and the mechanical soundness of German technology.

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  Everything was great, until... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lisa - June 4 - 10:43 am

  I have had this car for 5 years. It was doing great until I hit the 75,000 miles. I drive about 72 miles a day, so I understand that the ware and tear is a lot more then others. I had a warranty up to 100,000 and right when it passed 100,000 the "oil pressure STOP" light went on. According to what I have read, it looks like these models have a sludge problem. It looks like they have been having this problem for most of their passat models. They do have an extended warranty for 99-04, but not 05. Also, they make it hard to cover, because they want EVERY SINGLE piece of documentation of oil change services. Now Im stuck with this car, trying to figure out if its worth fixing or get rid of it