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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  Better than basic transport for tall drivers - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul Erbe - November 19 - 11:35 am

  I recently purchased a 2012 Passat S(manual) that must have been coming off lease. Even though this is the base model it has everything you would ever need. Expert reviews ding it for lacking rear-view camera and navigation. Todays smartphones handle navigation just fine and how about looking over your shoulder to back up. I drive almost 90% off the highway and my combined mpg has been 25.66 for my first 2500 miles, seems fine for a car of this size. I do occasionally make a 60-70 mile highway trip and the on board computer has reported those trips getting 40 mpg. I am big and tall (65" and 300 lbs) and the front seat leg, head and shoulder room are all more than sufficient. AS a matter of fact I dont need to have the seat in the furthest bask position. I have two son who are also tall(65" & 61") and they can easily sit behind me in the back seat.

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  Best Yet..... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Burke - November 19 - 3:43 am

  The 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T is a great car. It looks good, drives well, and has little wind noise. Ive had one engine warning issue that was corrected in a short visit to the dealership. My fuel economy rarely exceeds 30 mpg, unlike the previous model, the 1.8T, which often achieved 34-36 mpg though. It has great seats which are exceptionally comfortable for long drives. It provides incredible leg room in the front seats.

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  Great Car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean - November 17 - 6:23 am

  We have really enjoyed our new Passat. We test drove a manual and found it to be quite jerky and slow out of first gear. The automatic has the same brief slow start but is much less jerky. The car rides very well and looks great. It is comfortable to drive with good lumbar support and it really has a nice solid feel on the road. Some people have noted that the engine is sometimes confused when entering a freeway and shifts too quickly and does not approach top speed quickly. Ive found that if you let it accelerate with moderate application to the gas pedal and then punch it at about 35-40 mph it will really go. We zip past other cars on the freeway without a pause.

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  Great car, but it has to go..... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By ISPRO - November 15 - 8:53 pm

  I got this vehicle three years ago, after owning an earlier Passat. The car is great to drive (a "poor mans BMW"); driving and maneuvering at speed is effortless. But now, it simply has to go, and the reason is reliability. One time the trunk lid decided to unlatch at the most inconvenient times, such as speeding down a highway. The radio controls blistered. The instrument panel said "steering column defective" for no obvious reason - took replacement of the entire steering column and circuitry to fix it - covered under warranty, but still ...

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  German Engineering at the price of a KIA - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jclaeys - November 15 - 4:22 pm

  First Volkswagen product purchase...absolutely flawless car. Very smooth and Quiet, excellent sound system. Looks larger than it is...same size as Honda Accord....too "vanilla". Drove Ford Fusion, "felt sloppy" and cumbersome. This car is a great value. And you should be able to negotiate the MSRP with 10% off. No longer use Costco program....you can do better yourself, as Costco is just another"middle man".

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  Definitely Fun to Drive and Looks GREAT! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Scott - November 9 - 5:26 am

  I love to drive my Passat. It truely has the "fun to drive" factor. I have the 2.0L turbo/auto. The automatic transmission is a 6-speed, you dont see that very often. You do not need a manual when the auto. will let you drive in either manual +/- up and down shifting or just plain automatic. If that is not enough, you have a choice of a 5-speed sport auto. mode or a 6-speed auto. mode. The only problem so far was the 6 disc in dash had to be replaced. They had to send to Germany for a new one. I still have yet to get my CDs mailed back. Im very pleased with the balance of sport and performance and the feel of luxury.

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  great fun, BUT! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff S - November 7 - 10:20 pm

  Good items: firm ride, great handling, Nice interior, quality fit and finish, Nice leather touches, good fuel economy at highway speeds. Bad items: a bit of turbo lag, scary if you pull into traffic, noisy front end from tires and all the mechanical stuff, feels cheap, expensive repair and maintenance, I love the car, its loaded from 06, few like it on the road, gonna keep it and treat it like a fine lady.... Jeff

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  Like vehicle, hate the reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By CW - November 4 - 6:30 pm

  I had a major FUEL LEAK on my passat just outside of the warranty period, I was disappointed that VW would do nothing to offset the $600+ cost for the repairs, not to mention they had no interest in learning about what caused this serious safety issue. Gas was spraying from a high pressure fuel line directly on top of the engine! I also had a cv joint fail, oxygen sensors fail and now my check engine light is back on again! Other than reliability issues this car is fun to drive and is affordable to buy but terrible reliability. I wont buy another VW until they are able to make reliable vehicles, there are plenty of options for fun to drive vehicles that wont need all the repairs

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  Love My Passat! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mich63 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately, I must sell my Passat to get a mini-van because of twin toddlers and I need the space.I have been driving my Passat for 4.5 years and love it!The performance is like driving a sports car. Hugs the road,accelerates fast(I have a 5 speed), and is very fun to drive. The leather package is very comfortable and feel very safe in this car. Stereo sound system is great!The car is very quiet when.The only problem that I have with this car is the electric sunroof. When I close the sunroof, it bounces back open.Ive had this fixed before and problem is back again. Also the 6 cd changer is broken and needs to get fixed as well.

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  Best in its class - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By SF - November 3 - 10:00 am

  The main problem with the car is a lag on the transmission - when you step on the gas, you wait & then it engages. I have also taken it to the dealer 3 times to fix another transmission issue, when coming to a full stop, often I hear a clunk which sounds as if the transmission is moving forwards. Dealer tells me that its nothing.. hmmmm.