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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  2006 Passat 2.0T Tiptronic with Package 2 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By deluxe - May 7 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased a silver Passat with Package 2 yesterday. The sticker price on the vehicle was $28,415, and I got it for $26,021(+tax). Its interior is great and the turbo has a very good torque. I was not able to see the full potential yet, because I am taking it slow in "break in" period. It is bigger than the old Passat and rides better also. I tested the V6 model with 18" tires also and there was not much difference in ride quality from my turbo four. I regret not going for the Dynaudio stereo system, because the longer I listen the radio that you get with 2.0T, the more I think that my Monsoon is much better. the radio display is great, as is the info center in the dash, with all the settings that owners are able to make.

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  My 3rd Passat and the Best - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan - May 7 - 4:00 am

  This 2006 3.6 Passat is my 3rd. For quality, ride, comfort, and mileage its the best. I commute 35 miles each way to work, and daily checking my mileage computer; I get 31-33 MPG! And, thats not all cruising! On road trips, I also have validated mileage of 31-34 MPG at highway speeds. This vehicle is vastly under-appreciated. It compares with ANY, more highly visible, family sport sedans. As importantly, my dealership; Britt VW, is a gem. Great car, great dealership, and great daily fun driving a car that handles exceptionally, is comfortable, has all the power you need, and gets great mileage. Fact is, this 2006 3.6 auto gets better mileage than my 2003 V6 5- speed!

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  Love it! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jk - May 7 - 2:53 am

  Bought a used Passat 5 months ago. I have already put 15k miles on it. It is so much fun to drive and I love the look of it. Very practical car, they thought of just about everything.

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  Sweet driving car - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pepe Guitarez - May 7 - 1:40 am

  Turned in my 2013 diesel TDI SE pursuant to the emissions fraud settlement and bought a gas powered 2017 SE 4cyl. with the proceeds. Sweet riding and driving car. Well put together. If you liked the 2012-2016 Passat you will feel at home with the 2017 model. Not many changes. The gas powered Passat doesnt have the torqued up feel of the diesel version. The engine and transmission dont break speed down hill like the diesel version did. Consequently, I anticipate that it will burn brakes faster than the earlier diesel versions. The standard 4cyl. 1.8 turbo powered engine has plenty of get up and go. However, fuel economy is nowhere close to the earlier diesel versions. Unlike the diesel versions that got great mileage all the time, mileage on the gas powered 2017 Passat tends to run in two modes: low to mid 20s in town and mid to high 30s on the interstate. Not much in between. However, I think 40 mpg is possible on a long trip if the gasoline powered car is driven properly. My diesel TDI routinely got over 50 mpg on long trips. VW decided to reduce the vertical opening of the front door entry way by about 1". That was a terrible mistake. It may make the car look sportier but it makes it more difficult to get in and out of if you are 62" tall or more. People dont buy a Passat to be sporty. No free maintenance program comes with this car. It has a large back-up camera and blind spot warning sensors, etc.. Stereo system, Bluetooth and other electronic app functions work great. Same huge trunk. Heated front seats. AC system and controls have been enhanced. LED lighting package is a worthwhile option. I am basically delighted with my 2017 Passat SE. I hope it will prove to be a versatile and maintenance free car over time.

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  Passat GLX 2000 - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By aprender2002 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The Passat GLX is an excellent automobile and mine has given me great service. It is a pleasure to drive under all circumstances. Where I live, the roads are not the greatest, with cobblestone streets in my town. This has resulted in some wrattles in the car which I probably would not have otherwise. Economy is good enough, considering the engine and how I drive. Tiptronic is a great transmission system.

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  super car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By marcko24 - May 6 - 1:19 am

  i think it should cost more than actually cost, very fast car, nice outside looking, all the luxury you can ask for, more than most of beemers, but............too much time in workshop,

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  Disaster - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By frank forintos - May 5 - 12:46 pm

  I grew up in Europe and all i heard while growing up that German cars are great. May be they were 20 years ago, but not nowadays. I lost all my confidence. I had problems with my ignition coils 4 times. They replaced them 4 times. Finally VW did a recall on it. I had several other issues with the car. Now my car is 6 years old, and i had it with this car. I am purchasing a Japanese car a Nissan Altima this week. Germans are not building cars the way they used to!!! What can i say i am very disappointed. I spent 3000 dollars on repair this year already.

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  My Sweet New High Mileage Girl - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By wayneq - May 5 - 1:31 am

  After shopping the top-rated mid-sized sedans to transport my growing family and drive on rather long bi-monthly business trips, I settled on the Passat TDI SE. Since my driving does not often take me where there is a lot of stop and go traffic, I opted for the six speed manual transmission. Both times I test drove the car, it made a reverberating impression on my sense of quality and design like no other car in its class could. Its lines are elegant and sublime. It looks and drives like a much more expensive car than it is. Ive had her for less than a month but it feels like a marriage made in heaven so far. (Update to follow)

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  Not totally impressed - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Todd Herzog - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I am very impressed with the overall appearance and handling of this car. My concern is the electrical and the transmission. After owning for 3 days the tiptronic will not engage and the fuel gauge quit working. Maybe mine is a fluke and is an easy repair but it has left me with a sour feeling at this point.

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  Ready for the CC - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By attaymik - May 4 - 1:56 am

  As I near the end of my lease, I have been very satisfied with my Passat. Havent had the reliability issues that others have mentioned and my dealer has been great. Any minor issues Ive had have been corrected in a timely fashion. Great gas mileage, still drives like a dream, little lag when using tiptronic and coming off the freeway, but overall, this is a great car. This is my 3rd VW and I havent had a moments trouble with any of them. Ive been test driving other cars like crazy and I would have to pay more to get all the bells and whistles that come standard on my Passat. Looking forward to the CC.