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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  Designed to Hemorrhage your money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By fedup2002 - February 18 - 4:26 pm

  This car bleeds you!!! Don’t let its beauty & handling sway you. I bought this car in 2005 w/ 4,600 miles. I loved it & had no problems with it. But since Jan. 2007, I have averaged $1K per/yr. in repairs - axles, brakes, check engine light(3-5x), dead batteries (2-3x), dead headlights(2x), dead radio (2x), & dead car(nothing worked, not the alarm, not the clock, not the engine). The recalls didn’t cost me money but they cost me time. Repairs I paid for + repairs via recalls = lost time. Many times I went to work late, left early, or took the day off to fix my car. Even if you had a money tree just for the costs of fixing this car, it’ll cost you time. This car isn’t worth the trouble!

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  So far so good - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By L. Mazza - February 18 - 6:30 am

  After driving an X5 for 4 yrs I decided to buy a fuel efficient vehicle. The Passat is awesome in this category. The car is fun, fast and elegant. As far as durability, it is too new to rate it. So far however, I am very happy.

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  Never again - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tang - February 16 - 9:00 pm

  The car was brought brand new, driven with great care, never been in accident, oil changed every 4000-5000 miles. But it died twice and had to be towed in 3 years, same problem - the secondary air pump filled with water! The drive train was covered 100K / 10 years, but that pump was part of the "emission system" so I had to pay $750 each time to have that fixed. The second time it happened I traded it in for a new Toyota 2 days later and never will walk into a VW dealer again.

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  Disappointed with GLS Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jkilo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Made a mistake purchasing this vehicle. Build quality and dealer service have been poor. Paint had numerous small blems. Rear hatch trim replaced twice. Roof line trim inserts bow up. Fully loaded highway ride not comfortable. 1.8T slow off the line - OK at speed. Fuel economy not great. Tip: on your test drive set tire pressure to mfg spec - this dealer sets them low to smooth out ride.

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  Likes/Dislikes - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MrHenson - February 14 - 10:00 am

  My local dealer wanted an extra $500 to ship the exact car I wanted to my area so I drove 200mi to get it myself. I saw no reason to spend the extra $ for a heavier, less economical 6 cyl (getting a chip) However I think it blows that I cant get power seats with the 4cyl And the radio reception SUCKS!! Ive been to my local dealer 2x and they claim its fine. Other than that, the car ROCKS! Performance is great, its the best-looking wagon on the market (except perhaps the unattainable Audi RS6 Avant), I can fit all three dogs plus three friends in it, and its comfortable as hell. Just need to get that chip, Koni shocks, sport exhaust....

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  Unbelievable Value - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jay D - February 13 - 10:50 am

  This will be a short testimonial. My brother has a 2014 Passat and I liked it. So I was out one day with no intention on buying a car. But I passed a VW dealer and thought I would stop in just to browse. I insisted several times to the salesman that I was just killing time. He told me it didnt matter that he was willing have me do a test ride on a new 2016 Passat SEL Premium that just came in. When I found out that it had a 1.8 T engine I wasnt interested. He insisted that I would be surprised. After much prompting from him, having nothing else to do that day I took it for a spin. I was driving a 2.0 T Saab at the time and the Passat engine had more torque. The fit and finish and quality materials were as good as most entry level premium brands if not better. And this vehicle has every creature comfort and safety feature as standard. Its trunk is very big, has a spare tire (donut), leather seats and the back seat legroom is unbelievable. It wasnt that difficult to get the price down to $30,000. This truly was an offer I could not refuse. I had a 2014 loaded up Volvo s60 for 2 years that had a negotiated price of $44,000. The Volvo had no spare, small trunk and little backseat legroom. If anyone is considering an entry level premium brand they should take a serious look at the "pedestrian" VW Passat. They will be shocked at what they will discover.

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  99 Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Craig D - February 11 - 7:00 am

  I have been very happy with this car. I drive a lot since I am in sales. I get good HWY mileage 28 to 30 MPG. Very good looking car. Leather seats holding up well. Outside of timing belt replacement, I have only had one other major repair expense in 2 years I have owned Passat. Keep good tires on it.

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  Needs Better Build Quality - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By fyrepower - February 11 - 2:13 am

  I decided to make a switch from Japanese vehicle to the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T after all the glowing reviews. Most have been spot on, but I must say Im very disappointed with the build quality. The interior materials have a very cheap feel to them (especially the audio / control dashboard). I also hear small rattles coming out of dashboard and doors everytime I hit small potholes. Otherwise the car is a joy to drive.

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  GA$$ GUZZLIN - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mrstr8up - February 8 - 4:16 pm

  Nice car overall, very nice handling will impress and compare with the best, but the gas mileage is so bad my wife and I both prefer to drive out Acura MDX. The mpg is better. Thats bad when a SUV has better gas mileage. Other than that, nice riding car. Very nice

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  From a C-class to a Passat and glad.. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Vespula - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has proven to be a class act. Fun to drive, comfortable and looks great. I think the thing I love most about this car is the feeling of being safe when im driving it. If you are looking for a sedan for under 30k that feels like a 40k+ car this is the one!