Volkswagen Passat Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.30/5 Average
3,322 Total Reviews
Model Overview:

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:

Showing 3241 through 3250 of 3,322.00
  • What a nightmare - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
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    I bought this car brand new and it started giving me problems before the 6 month mark. At one point the dealership had my car for 3 weeks. Is currently at dealer again and will cost $780 this time for a chip. Electronics choose not to work from time to time and close to impossible to maintain on your own.

  • Another Great VW - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have owned VWs for the past 10 years and I must say VW out did itself with the 2007 Passat. Although the interior is not as flashy as the Toyota Camry it is simply and functional and yet classy. The 2.0T engine with the automatic transmission gives you more than enough power when you need it. The electronic steering gives you stability and no steering jar even when driving over the roughest roads. It has a smooth ride and minimal wind noise. Its rear seat room is overwhelming when compared to previous year Passats and its 60/40 rear folding seats are a plus. The price ($27,300) compared to other competitors like Camry and Accord was in my opinion and value when comparing all of the features, like the sunroof and heated seats.

  • Would Buy Again - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have had this car for 18,000 plus miles so far. It has had only oil changes and tire rotations, no issues whatsoever. I get good gas mileage; 28/33 mpg, but the premium fuel hurts during the summer. People love the styling. I like the driving.

  • A Rabbit in Wolfsburg Clothing - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
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    My wife and I own several German vehicles. When it comes to transporting our baby and her gear or assaulting the slopes to snowboard or trekking to the left coast to surf our W8 does it solidly and confidently. And by the way, this thing launches and screams to redline!!!

  • Repeat VW Purchaser - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We recently upgraded our 1999 VW Passat V6, which we loved, with a 2006 VW Passat 2.0T, which we love even more. The Passat is a solid, high performance sedan that I look forward to driving every time I get in the car. The interior and trunk space are so much roomier than they look from the outside. It is a comfortable ride, and the car handles the road excellently at all speeds.

  • A Little Pricey, but Nice! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
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    The new Passat looks great and rides great. I get about 28 MPG on two hours of rush-hour traffic per day. The interior is roomy and all the material has the soft-touch feel, not the plasticy feel of other cheaper cars. Ill just make one critique: the automatic tranny. The upshifts feel like a manual. The downshifts on hard acceleration are slow and when it does downshift the car lurches as the gears engage. The Tiptronic mode is no better. The response time is slow. The engine continues to race after you flick the shifter. Youll need to flick the shifter 1/2 second sooner than you think you need to. But I guess Im biased. I drove a manual since my first car. But my wife... well, you know.

  • Look at whats under the hood! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive read a lot of reviews before I purchased my vehicle. Noticed that there were lots of issues with the 2006 VW. drove a lot of different cars including a new fusion, and several Japanese cars. Ive never driven a 2.0T but typically large cars with an undersized engine and a turbo to help compensate dont do well (repair wise) Have owned my 3.6 for a year now (its a 5 year old 2006) and its running spectacular! Nothing but regular maintenance needed. You have to remember that this is nearly a 3k pound car. a 2.0T will not work long term with sporty driving, but if you choose a 3.6 its an excellent commuter and very fun on the weekends without much time in the shop.

  • Great car...but - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    We bought our Passat new in 99. We liked the cornering,handling and feel of the car. It was fun to drive and continued to be so until we traded it several weeks ago. We were experiencing too many failures of electrical and electronic componants. It got so we wondered every time we drove the car, what would go wrong next. This seems to be a common problem with VWs and in fact all German cars at present. Take a look at the April issue of Consumers Report and you will see what I mean. Volkswagon must address reliability of their cars if they want to hold on to their American market.

  • Three year update... - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Ive now owned this vehicle for three years, and thought Id do an updated rating. This car has been just excellent in every respect. It still looks as sharp as any car on the road, and it has been 100% reliable. Build quality is fantastic-paint, trim, and interior all look new. Still one of the best values out there. I highly recommend this car.

  • Daughters first car - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Like everything about it, good gas mileage, handles well, comfortable, front wheel drive, enough power when you need it and stylish

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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