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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  Best Car Ever - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Larry Golin - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car ever bilt bar none

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  Passats are the Lemons of VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By The Madman - January 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive purchased my 2002 Passat in Nov. 2001. I loved the car "So i thought". the first week i had the car, one of the Headlights went out, 2 weeks later the fog lights went too, and more surprizes every month until last week when the ENG, EPC, and ASR light would all come on at the same time and the car would spuders,chokes, and stalls in the middle of traffic and had to restart it. The car has been at the Dealer ships garage for four and still have no answer on whats causing the problem and how to go about repairing it. - suggestion to everyone -- Stay away if you can and buy the real thing, Audi, BMW, or Mercedes if youre in the market for a German car.

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  Get One - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ponte Vedra Beach - January 14 - 4:46 am

  I purchased my 81 year old mother one and got her out of a 2004 Cadillac DeVille. She loves it, the control and safety features are the ticket. I bought my daughters (2) TDI Beetles and they love them also. VW is putting quality products on the road and standing behing them.

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  A Wolf in Passat Clothing - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tex Murphy - January 11 - 9:23 am

  The B6 model sports numerous improvements over the B5 models, most notably, an insane 280HP v6 that uses as much gas as the outgoing B5! Now thats just obscene! The electromechanical steering mechanism is perfectly "weighed" and is precise, secure and responsive. The Acura had a more pronounced body lean, and the steering wasnt that good. The interior is a good blend of luxury and German pragmatism. The buttons are intuitive, and the console is not as cluttered as the Acuras. The Passat won out over the Lexus 330 and Acura TL. I thought my wifes B5 kicked, but this one blows it away in every aspect save for color.

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  Buy this car! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By 23hammer - January 11 - 9:07 am

  I purchased this car to be my daily drive on my 100 mile daily commute. Running at 70 mph, I can get over 50 MPG in this car all day long! The car is amazingly quiet, comfortable, and nimble. I am enjoying the 6 speed manual immensley. The low end power provided by the diesel is amazing and really fun to drive (which was not expected in a diesel) The car feels like a much more expensive car on the road and you could litteraly hear a pin drop at 70 mph. The build quality is wonderful and best of all the car is built right here in the USA! Way to go VW, I hope many more people put this one on thier list!

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  Simply the Best - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By marek - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive on the Dallas Texas interstate. Easy and fun to drive and loads of safety features.

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  More than my moneys worth - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jasonf - January 10 - 10:00 am

  As a long-time truck driver the size of the wagon has taken getting some use to. I have now learned that bigger is not better! The Passat Wagon is fun to drive, safer than my trucks and all-in-all a very good value. Despite the age of the line I believe this vehicle to be one of the best looking wagons on the road. I actually feel I got more than what I paid for with the luxury, looks and performance the Passat provides.

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  LOVE IT FOR THREE YEARS - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By galiti - January 10 - 9:15 am

  Excellent car for one or five passengers! Quiet, comfortable, reliable and safe. Good traction.

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  Family Sport Vehicle - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By mds5295 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  We traded a 99 Accord in for the Passat, and we have loved every minute of it. As a previous BMW & Honda owner, this is definitely a German built auto. The highway ride is comparable to high dollar luxury sedans. You will cruise at 95 mph, and have virtually no sensation of speed or wind noise. The interior is considerably quieter than our previous Accord. We opted for the 5 spd GLS with everything except leather, and it reminds me very much of the 535i I previously owned.

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  DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CAR - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By xoirishlollyxo - January 6 - 11:00 pm

  Since purchasing this car three years ago I have had nothing but problems. I had to replace the clutch @ 110k, the automatic locks stopped working and worst of all-it started to flood and no one can figure where out its coming from! So poorly designed they have the comfort control module under the drivers feet, obviously where water can get into if the car is leaking. Water has gotten into the comfort control and has effected the entire performance of the car and it stopped starting. I had to pay $2k to have the module completely redone and found out the passats have a problem with leaking through the sunroof! These repairs should have been covered as it is obviously a manufacture defect!