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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  European versus Japanese - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By bigstepper - December 20 - 8:20 am

  I recently bought a VW Passat Komfort wagon for my wife. The car has been great so far. After 5 days in my Lexus, its fun to drive my wifes car on the weekend. I really cant ever say Ive felt that way about my other cars. If VW can solve some of its past reliability issues ( and it looks like they are trying hard to do so) I think middle America will rediscover the brand.

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  1999 VW GLS Passat 1.8 turbo - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Spivey - December 17 - 4:50 am

  I like the car overall. Concerns - brakes went out at 43000 and 89000, and had to replace pads and rotors ($850 each time). Moon roof stuck at one time. Major engine overhaul at 105,000 miles (not transmission). In spite of those costs, it has run well for me for 7 years, and held its value very well if not great.

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  2003 Passat 4 Motion Sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ksaintd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Passat, the first being the 1.8t 5 speed GL model. I only have 600 miles on the car so this is clearly preliminary information. The car is very luxurious for the price. The fit and finish, the interior comfort are just superb. I wanted the safety and sure-footedness of all wheel drive so I looked at both the Audi and Passat. I needed an automatic to meet the needs of all of the drivers of the car. Everything I read and heard told me the 1.8t was marginal when used with an automatic. That meant the Audi 3.0 automatic and a price tag of about $37k. I could not justify the $8,000 difference for 25 more hp and 15 ft/lbs of torque.

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  My Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nicholas Corbin - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For a four cylinder vehicle it has good acceleration and power. I have always loved Volkswagons my first car was a 1967 VW Bug. I feel if a car made in 1967 lasted over 30 years it is waorth another investment.

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  Passsat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JJfpagan - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent movements and great handling and confort are the best qualities of this car

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  Excellent Choice! - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By RAL - December 14 - 12:25 am

  What we paid for this model was only slightly higer than our 2001 Passart. However, they cut back the warranty, changed the dash lights to whiteish, and it seems there are no drip edges over the doors, we got a small puddle on the seat when we opened the doors in the rain. Otherwise the Tech option give you a bunch of toys! Even if some cost money like Car-net, and XM radio. But the car overall is great, with the tech stuff it makes the car fun and the handleing is totally German, so is the quality. Everything fits perfectly! Oh, they also cut out option choices, you get the package of each model and thats it. If you want to cut out the Sat radio and get Park assist instead with a regular radio, its not gonna happen, whats on the advertisements and the sticker is what you get. And as everywhere today there isnt much haggling on the price, they have their sales and you get a little off that, then theyll add in maintenance and paint protection and tir warranties and they get their full price. Then there was the SEL with lane departure and Park assist for only a couple thousand more!

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  Terrific car but expensive to fix - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Susan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  We love this car. It is so comfortable, secure, tremendous dexterity, tight driving circle, and compares really well in performane and looks and comfort to our friends more expensive BMWs. Have had 9 years, bought new, mid-year, i.e. new model. It was perfect for about 50,000 miles and then things started happening. I just replaced the water pump; the really bad thing is there is no warning that it is going to fail soon... I could have fixed before starting big road trip. But, we may well buy another Passat; they just feel so good to drive and you feel safe. Thinking this time of a lease so as not to keep an older car that we need to worry about.

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  Ive lost faith - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Peter - December 12 - 10:33 am

  I bought this car in July of 2004. The car was great until the winter came and it got cold. When it got below -20 C the car would not start. VW had such confidence it would start at this and colder temperatures that at the time it did not make a block heater for the car. Big mistake. The car was unreliable and has left me stranded several days in a row when it was cold and would not start. I since got rid of it and bought a Subaru. I will never buy a diesel car again in an area where it gets below - 20 C. This car is for only 3 seasons and not four. I have since read that VW has had numerous complaints about cold temperature starting problems.There now is a recall in effect for the fuel pump.

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  German evolution - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Franco Cannatella - December 12 - 8:56 am

  This is my 4th Passat and certainly the most luxurius. No doubt VW is after a higher end market. Satelite radio, 6 CD in-dash perfectly diplayed and easy to operate radio with great sound for a standard item. The 200 hp engine coupled with a smooth 6-speed, no clutch transmission gives it a very subtle touch. The handling is pure Volkswagen: nimble, agile and responsive. This car has a stiffer and more solid feel in curves compared to my previous 2003 model.

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  Id probably buy another one - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bmicmcd - December 11 - 12:33 am

  I bought this car new and I still love it. The driving dynamics and the general build quality are commendable. The fuel economy of the 1.8T is terrific (25 around town, 29-31 on the hwy) yet V6-like acceleration is there when I want it. The Monsoon sound system is great. Its great in the snow (with snow tires). The interior comfort and lighting are super. I have two complaints: a couple things have gone wrong that should not go wrong (clogged heater core) and it is expensive to maintain.