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:

• 

  When isnt my 2007 Passat in the shop!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By nm124 - October 4 - 7:15 pm

  After having it for not even a year. The Ambient Sensor was reading -5 degrees in 100 degree temp. When my sensor was reading wrong my AC would not blow out cool air. Car was in shop for about a month. 2 months later its back in the shop for the smae issue. This time they replaced the Instrument Cluster. So far its ok, BUT now my GasCap light goes on every morning and when I go to start my car it struggles to start. The moonroof doesnt close all the way sometimes. The car shakes now when its in park... The list goes on! I dont put the cheap gas either I put Chevron gas Premium. This is the MOST inconvenient car i have ever bought! I cant wait until I can pay it off to buy a Infiniti!!!

• 

  Excelent - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kevin - October 3 - 4:10 pm

  I would never buy any other station wagon. This wagon is more fun then most cars Ive ever had.

• 

  Electrical problems galore - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cttguy - October 3 - 2:00 am

  In the year and 3 months that I have owned the 2002 Passat wagon, I have encountered numerous electrical problems. First, the entire security system went out after only 7,000 miles. After 9,000 miles the entire rear light assembly stopped working. After 12,000 the front headlight and rear cigarette lighter went out. After 17,000 the other headlight went out. Overall, this is an enjoyable car to drive but the reliability is a real issue. If you dont mind constant trips back to the dealership, buy one. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague.

• 

  Solid car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave - October 1 - 3:20 pm

  I have owned the Passat since it was new. I have always enjoyed driving the car. It has a lot of luxury features. The car has been reliable with no major repairs needed. I have had a few issues. Headlights bulbs go out often. It burns 1 to 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. I have had to service the back brakes 3 times even though the car has less than 50,000 miles. Gas mileage has been poor.

• 

  Amazing Vehicle - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By steveditt - October 1 - 2:33 pm

  Could not be happier, excellent workmanship and plenty of power with great gas mileage. Interior design and comfort were two things we liked viewing the vehicle at a local car show.Our test drive was over 70 miles and we were sold.So many features are included this car is quiet.German build was another consideration not built in Mexico.First trip over 400 miles and averaged 32 mpg plenty of power. Considered VW TDI S/W and Subaru Outback we felt the Passat was nore car for the money and a better ride with more comfort. The wagon has plenty of room . Purchased all my new waxing stuff to keep her nice,white gold ,black interior.

• 

  Brand New Car- Towed to Dealer After 1 Day - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By stranded2015 - September 28 - 10:41 am

  I have owned this car for 36 hours and have spent several of those hours dealing with VW customer service. They were most unhelpful. The car has a host of issues and had to get towed to the dealer. It appears to have a starter or ignition problem, a blown speaker, and a faulty door hinge. VW has clearly not resolved their quality control issues. Stay far away from VW products.

• 

  Just a Comment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Tuckett-Reddy - September 27 - 11:43 pm

  I originally leased my 2003 Passat and intended turning it back after the lease was up. The car was such a great car that I decided to purchase it. I have owned this vehicle for 5 years now and have only replaced wear and tear items, like brake pads, and tires. I recently replaced the timing belt which again was a scheduled maintenance item. The car has been a super car to own, reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and a overall feeling of safety. I intend to keep my Passat for another five years and would pass it down to a family member without hesitation.

• 

  Feel like Luxus, but - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By German Car Fan - September 27 - 4:13 pm

  I like my new 06 Passat very much for his performance, solid body, and quality. Feel very safe while Im driving. However, the car is way too sensitive, I took my car to the dealship because the gas cap is not tight enough and engine light went on. I wish the dealership can ask me to check those little things before I have to bring it in.

• 

  DO NOT BUY A VW - MY BIGGEST REGRET - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By BLANCA - September 22 - 8:00 am

  This is the most unreliable vehicle I have ever owned. The car has been in the shop over 15 times & about 6 months total. WE have spent over $5000 in repairs for this BRAND NEW car. It is worthless and full of problems and recalls. Entire steering column has been replaced twice w/in 14 months; entire radio/cd had to be replaced; air conditioner went out after only 2 years; brakes had to be replaced after 2 years; It is a worthless car and I am scared to death to drive it anywhere because it continuously has Service Now lights on; check engine light; beeping all the time; warning lights; Please do not buy a VW. VW of America does not care about their customers; they have shut us out.

• 

  Gold - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By runmanrun - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, over 95,000 miles and no major problems to date. Fun to drive and really good or trips. Would have expected to have paid much more for such a great auto.