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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  An absolute steal! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By JiggyJoe - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Currently leasing this car at dealer price of 31K. Was used as a demo, but what 2002 W8 wasnt? Beautiful ride, excellent stability, decent power. Absolutley the best car Ive ever driven, however I may be biast since Ive been a VW owner for 5 years.

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  1999 Volks Passat - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By yaj - November 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Alot of fun to drive. Great gas mileage.

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  Way to go, VW! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shadow3 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! We bought the 1.8L turbo; its a rocket! And its steady in the wind. Has a nice steady feel. Hard to keep it under or at the legal speed limit. We tried Camry and Accord and feel that we made the best choice when we bought the Passat.

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  My dream car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By GABrad2 - November 27 - 1:00 am

  The cars runs well, but the milage in the V6 decreases greatly in city traffic. Also the transmission module failed just prior to a long trip. The car was under warranty, and a dealer took care of the car. The car requires high test gas, which has become quite costly

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  my affordable audi - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich - November 25 - 11:30 pm

  I was in the auto business for 30 years.As far as I am concerned if you can find a nicer overall new car buy it quickly.This auto is the se with the tech pkg. It is the nicest riding and handling auto I have driven in my 30 years in the business.Ithas great interior room and a giant trunk.The seats have piping on that make the interior look much more expensive then it is.It feels rock solid and almost gets hybrid fuel economy .The dealer has drawings for dinners and details. I get compliments on the looks where ever I go and it!s made in America.

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  I love my Passat! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jalli427 - November 22 - 10:00 am

  My Passat has been a pleasure to drive from day one, and now at 10,000 miles it remains so. I drive a lot for my job, and I look forward to getting in my car and taking off on a cruise. Its attractive, classy and responsive. It also handles amazingly in tough situations. Nice audio system, too. Need I say more?

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  Love the car but tooo many problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By tony - November 20 - 10:40 am

  I absolutely loved this car until the last 2 years after the warranty expired. had to replace way too many parts, like noc sensor, cluster, tie rods, entire cooling system. Otherwise the car is great to drive.

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  fun to drive but few flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pjopzy - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Presumably good car, but few flaws and none mentioned on this forum. Like everyone the interior colors are great. But confusing controls on the dashboard. The build is good with an eye on safety.Fun to drive,sporty. But too many electrical faults. Bad Monsoon sterio system. Too many reported problems with their ignition coils. They are redesigning their ignition coils after too many of the Passats started giving problems. There is a backlog for these parts for a few frustrating weeks. If you are the next unlucky victim cross your fingers cos the wait can be painful.Does not have a good defroster. Can be painful in those foggy cold days.

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  affordable luxury performance car... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By New_VW_Lover - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The VW Passat feels like a luxury car and its really fun to drive. The 170HP/turbo engine accelerates well from stop or when passing. The car is feels solid and its very responsive and accommodating in turns. As a New England resident and former SUV owner, it performs well in the snow with its great tires and traction control. The interior controls are easy to use/access and well layed-out. This is a luxury performance car with all the bells & whistles and safety features without the ridiculous price tag. I love this car!

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  Dont Buy a VW - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By HatingVW - November 19 - 3:26 pm

  The 2000 Volkswagen Passat is not a reliable car. I have had problems with it since day one. It has been nothing but a money pit. The car essentially self distructs at 50,000 miles.