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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  Not that Bad - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By VDUBBA00 - October 17 - 11:36 am

  Let me just say that I went into my 2000 Volkswagen Passat from my college car (a Saturn) so naturally I was floored when I stepped on the gas and it actually went! This car is a still a head turner and gets parked in the front with BMWs and Mercedes at valet. The Tiptonic transmission makes this car take off like a rocket. Beware of repairs on this car that arent under warranty though, they are COSTLY! Fortunatly I cant say Ive had any issues with it mechanically. I intend to make my next car another Passat. Its fun to drive and looks great! You will also command a little respect when you pull up at the valet at Benihana! I was surprised to come out and see my car parked in front!

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  service sucks!!!! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By uggghhhhh!!!!!!! - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Dont buy this car unless you already have a good mechanic. vw dealership service sucks. Car has some flimsy features that malfunctioned less than a year of ownership. the other reviews were probably written by vw salesmen. the car is okay but there is no support from vw or dealerships after ownership...service really, really sucks!!

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  Beautiful, but electronic nightmare - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nolte14 - October 14 - 10:00 am

  As a longtime Honda and Nissan owner, Im accustomed to hassle-free operation. Despite its good looks and fun to drive personality, my Passat has had the malfunction indicator lamp illuminate five times in two months and the Monsoon stereo stopped working! A review of VW forums shows Im not alone.

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  I HATE MY NEW CAR! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steven - October 12 - 5:56 pm

  The one I bought is NOT like the one I test drove. Mine drives like a boat, or more accurately, my grandmothers Caddie. This does NOT drive like previous Passats (Ive owned three). I dont know what the rationale is, but it is NOT the car youve heard of; its redesigned by VERY old folks. Do yourself a favor: get the BMW 328i for the same price. If you "must" have a VW, get the sports package. The next four years are going to be the most miserable driving years of my life. I plan to drive my wifes older car as much as possible.

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  Boy, did I buy a Passat? - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Wniece - October 11 - 3:06 pm

  Squeaks, rattles and all sorts of problems! The rubber seals in the doors squeak, the dashs sounds like it is coming apart and numerous mechanical issues! Worse car I have ever owned. And, the dealer can not find the Moroney Act sticker for the car, which is required for every new or untitled car sold in the US. Keep getting the brush off. They also sold it as new, only to find out it had 4,530 miles on it already! Does anyone know who to contact to take legal action against the dealership and VW...clearly they have broken the law and it is punishable up to a $250,000 fine. I guess one positive is that is looks really nice when it is cleaned up!

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  Interior trim quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By James - October 11 - 2:10 am

  After spending almost $40,000 on this Passat, I am very angry with how many trim rattles this has. I previously owned a 2002 Passat motion, this was far better in the interior quality department. It really does go to show that build quality is still an issue for VW. I will be spending my generous budget elsewhere in 2 years.

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  My husband got his first speeding ticket - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paula Crosby - October 9 - 12:16 am

  Wow, this vehicle is great! What a difference from my soccer mom minivan. It is very responsiive, very comfortable, and very fast. This is quite a change UP.

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  Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Timmey - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Fun car with good pick-me-up. Nice family car.

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  Excellent Car for New Married Couple - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By five - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is Excellent! We drove to the coast twice, Tennesse mountains once, 14 hours to Texas twice, and St. Louis once. This has been our luxury car. I have parked side by side to a 323i BMW, and the Passat has better ergonomics, design, layout, and comfort. Everywhere I go people ask me about the car. They want to sit in the drivers seat and take off! This 1.8T 2001.5 Sedan has serious POWER! I raced my grandmas Lincoln sedan and beat the snot out of her in the quarter mile. I have had the car up to 126mph without any quivering. Handling on the road - superb! I get 28.6mpg combined (city&hwy). I would recommend anyone to get this Volkswagen!

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  Wagons are sexy - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwbliss - October 5 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had this Passat since January and the Mrs and I have put on almost 13,000 miles so far. weve driven it to Denver, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Duluth, Davenport, Milwaukee. gas mileage on the highway lately at 70 mph is giving back about 32 mpg and up to 34.4. for the size of the car that it is, the turbo is plenty of power and fuel economy is much better than the Taurus that i had last and the same 200 hp. i cant really say anything about reliability issues because i havent had any. the only set back to the car is doing solely city driving i get about 16 mpg, but if you do combination youll likely see 26.5 mpg so still much better than 19 mpg with a Taurus that i had previous.