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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  Made in the USA - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By plodnik - February 5 - 12:15 am

  After having this car for several weeks, all I can say is Im completely pleased. Hats off to the VW engineers on putting all the right features into an American made VW and to the people in TN for putting it all together! Ive averaged 37.6 MPG on mix of highway/street driving. The diesel torque combined with the well mannered turbo are more than sufficient for a fun ride. Who needs hybrids! Interior is cavernous for the rear passengers. Only complaint I can lodge is that the distance between the brack and gas pedal is narrow.

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  Amazin car i love it - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By James Farese - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Amazin Handling i love this car

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  this car stinks - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jend - February 4 - 10:00 am

  this car has had more repairs than any car i have ever had including upper balljoints ($600 apiece) engine parts and now it needs $1000 in repairs DO NOT BUY ONE!

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  so far so good - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By paller - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Only 6500 miles and I love this car. I traded in my second Accord to give German Engineering another chance (my 88 Jetta was a lemon). Im optimistic and very happy with my choice thus far. I wish it got better gas mileage- avg 23 mpg - and had a more functional center console, but aside from those minor complaints Im satisfied.

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  Not all that Bad - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By LJ - February 3 - 2:13 pm

  Reading all the reviews on the car Im a little surprised. But I noticed most of them come from the wagon or v6 model. Then again Ive had this car for only 6 months. It performs fine. I do have a problem with the abs module. But my brakes work fine for now. Its a German import. The parts are known to be expensive. That is a given and known fact that most people know, its no secret. The car is smooth and has plenty power for a 4 cyl. Good hwy mpg. The seats are a little hot. And engine displaces a lot of heat. But that doesnt make it a bad car. The high octane thing is annoying. Octane booster still helps even with 91 octane.

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  Reef Blue Heaven - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeffrey Kweller - February 3 - 6:54 am

  We love our 2016 VW Passat. Have not had the car too long, but love every part of it. My first VW since my 1969 Bug. Never had a car this nice, have had many cars in my 66 years. Subarus, Saabs, Chevys, Fords, and Chryslers. This is a top quality auto, great price, and safe car. Handles and performs well. Good looking too. My wife and I are very, very, pleased with our new Passat. Dont hesitate, go buy one.

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  VW Passat SW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MAPSS - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Passat SW is very fun to drive. I recently drove down to Florida with it and it was very comfortable. I just wish I had more power (but that’s why you can buy it in V6 or W8 and if you can afford it I highly recommend it. Overall this is the best station wagon in the market!

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  All good but the electronics are ???????? - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By triton11 - January 28 - 8:29 pm

  All in all I really like the car. I bought it new and have about 16,000 miles on it in around 9 months. My only complaint however, is the electronics. I have had the "Electronics replaced about 2 months ago and the new package is not much better. The "back-up camera" is so slow sometimes that I can back out of my 60 driveway and start down the street before it comes on !!!!! I have a driveway with a 90 degree turn just outside my garage. One day I waited about 10 seconds for the camera to come on, nothing happened, so I looked in my rear view mirrors and began backing out while glancing down at the screen and just as I backed into a truck in my driveway, the camera came on ... $1,000 !!!!!

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  Fun to drive, but expensive - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Birdman - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Passat is fun to drive and very responsive. However, there have been far too many repairs. Some repairs have been under warrenty, but too many expensive ones have not. I have needed two tie rods, a water pump, a throttle and two sets of brakes. The trim above the driver side fell down. VW promised to fix it at no cost, but later changed its mind.

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  Fun to drive, but expensive - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By birdman - January 26 - 2:00 am

  My 99 Passat is fun to drive and very responsive. However, there have been far too many repairs. Some repairs have been under warrenty, but too many expensive ones have not. I have needed two tie rods, a water pump, a throttle and two sets of brakes. The trim above the driver side fell down. VW promised to fix it at no cost, but later changed its mind.