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:

• 

  Be forewarned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Former owner - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  If you are reading this you are probably thinking about purchasing a used Passat. If you do, chances are good you will regret it. I owned one for 4 years and never got any satisfaction, and got a lot of mediocre to poor service from VW. My Passat had brake issues. First replaced at 10k (all), then 17k (rear) 25k (rear) 29k (front) and when I ditched it at 33k, the rear needed replacing again, VW said was normal. I had a hesitation problem which I pointed out to them from 7000 miles, and every other time that I brought it in, they could never replicate the problem, but it was dangerous- not normal turbo lag. Lots of other issues and little satisfaction. Look up engine sludge issues on internet.

• 

  Is it Mexican or German? - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By JD@NYC - February 13 - 2:00 am

  2002 VW Passats overall fit and finish is beautiful in and out. The 1.8t, is horrible. Turbo lag galore. This is not the engine for this car. Increase liters, horsepower, and torque, drop turbo and add smaller 6. I too had the starter coil replaced after only 2k. Are VWs really made in Germany or Mexico. Mechanical problems are not relegated to the Passat but other VW models as well. I lease a 99 Jetta VR6 with new body style and didnt have a problem with it. I found out it was made in Wolfsburg. Please tell us where are they made now and why reliability has gone south. Im stuck with this engine for 3 1/2 more years.

• 

  Decent value for the money & a fun drive - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By recruiterone - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Happy that I chose the 2.8 6 cylinder engine. Unless you use a performance chip in the 4 cylinder turbo, this is the right engine to go with. The styling and ergonomics of this car are great. Plus, its fun to drive. The German engineering stands out over Japanese cars Ive owned in the past. However, I only have 30k miles and I treat my cars like gold. Ive had annoying problems with the electrical system and the trunk. These should not be reasons to make trips to the dealer in a car with so few miles.

• 

  45000 miles and still turbos like new - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By SouthJerseyVWFan - February 13 - 2:00 am

  At 45,000 miles I have had zero problems with the car. The car came with zero defects. I have the car serviced per VW spec (cost is not unreasonable). The fit and finish is superb (inside and out). Looks great and drives great. The engine is smooth, powerful and economical. The ride is awesome. The five speed transmission is a blast (would be 20% more fun if it had a six speed).

• 

  my 13th VW - the best ever - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Allan - February 12 - 11:03 pm

  Comfortable to drive, Turbo gives great kick. Gas mileage 33-34. Since Apr 04 never been back to the dealer for problem. The trunk handles almost everything with back seats down. Fit and finish is superb.

• 

  The Wolfsberg Edition Sedan - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By CBraish - February 12 - 11:03 am

  Ive driven Mercedes, BMW, Dodge, Chevrolet, and even a Nissan but this car is the best EVER. It handles like Mercedes, is faster than a BMW, and costs as much as a VW. It is so quiet and comfortable, and it is huge. Im 61" and I can sit in the back seat comfortably. You could by an Audi A4 (Which I consider the only real competitor) but for 2/3 the price, Ill take the Passat. I did buy this new and I have 17,000 Miles now.

• 

  The best Volkswagon - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Swenson - February 9 - 8:50 pm

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat is very nice. I am very impressed with the new design of the Passat. I havent seen any on the road yet, but I am sure that within six months people will come around to find that this car is a great bang for the buck. I put some 18 chrome wheels on it, nice Michelin tires, and it looks like a beamer! This car is going to be easy to sell down the road. I paid MSRP, but it is ok, I purchased before it was released.

• 

  Best car I have ever owned - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Susan - February 8 - 8:33 am

  This has been a very reliable car. No problems. Only needed required maintenance. Brakes last beyond 50,000 miles. Great gas mileage and great in the snow. Has a lot of pick up for a V4 engine... no need for a higher end, gas guzzler for pick up.

• 

  Attractive and Fun - but unreliable - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By NoMoreVW - February 7 - 7:43 pm

  My second Passat...Nice to look at? Yes. Fun to drive? Yes. However, its as if the car was programmed to self destruct. Have had to replace the turbo cutoff valve, A/C condenser, cam shaft (Yes, the cam shaft!), driver door handle mechanism and trunk latch...all in the last year! Things go wrong with this car that havent gone wrong with cars in 40 years.

• 

  Very Satisfied !!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Augie Lindsay - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I never thought I would be driving VW. Have always been a Ford man. After driving an Expedition, which I enjoyed, I fell in love with the AWD. But I really wanted the comfort and smoothness of a car plus I wanted the car loaded. I figured I would have to go back to the Taurus and have to settle for front wheel drive. Well I found the Passat GLX. A fully loaded vehicle, AWD, comfort, plus about the same price of a very basic Expedition and just a little more than a fully loaded Taurus but what I felt was a better built vehicle. I love the Passat.