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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  Awesome car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gadgetgirl - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After doing a ton of research, I decided on the Passat, both for value and for style. This car is extremely fun to drive. The blue anthracite with black leather is a great color combo. This is my first new car and I couldnt be happier. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car. Its so quiet inside with all the windows shut and the climate control running. The Passat is simply an awesome car. I highly recommend it.

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  Solid, Reliable Family & Commuter Car - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By popperoni2 - September 21 - 3:47 am

  I bought my 2013 Passat SE-TDI new in April 2013. Ive put 16,000 miles on it since then. My daily commute is 35 mostly highway miles. Weve taken the car on week-long road trips (from D.C. area) to Charleston, SC; Cleveland; Buffalo; and NYC area. I average 37 mpg per tank in mixed highway/local driving. Its an excellent cruising car, although the seats are a bit hard. I havent noticed the road noise problems others talk about. Havent had a single mechanical problem since I bought it. To me, the design is attractive inside and out. I highly recommend this car.

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  Awesome - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ivo-king - September 19 - 10:30 am

  Just picked up my new Passat. I had to decide between getting a 2007 Camry, a 2004 Passat 1.8T GLS (with 22,000 miles on it) which was in impeccable condition, and this car. After weeks of research, and test driving, I absolutely could not justify paying $16,000 for the used Passat as it is a whole different car now, nor $20,000 for the Camry as it did not compare in the test drive at all. I picked up the dark grey Passat Value Edition 6-speed for $21,580 (this includes the $1,000 loyalty bonus). I figured that I can live without the chrome lining around the windows, while I can put alloy wheels myself further down the road as I wear out these sweet Michelins that come standard. No car in this price range can compare with the Passat experience!

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  Just bought a new 2006 - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mrrizzo - September 18 - 9:36 am

  Just bought a new leftover 2006 3.6. Got a great deal since the 2008s were already on the lot. Although silver is never my first choice in color, I think this is a great looking car. It has just the right amount of chrome and black trim. The 17in wheels are handsome too. It does need premium gas, but the highway mileage has been terrific, especially considering the performance of the 3.6 engine. The interior and trunk are beautifully finished. The exterior fit/finish are flawless. The console does creak a little but I think the plastic is more temperature sensitive than a flaw in essembly. On a couple days when the temp went above say 45, console didnt creak.

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  Awesome car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rustyboy155 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this car!!! I have not had any mechanical problems whatsoever

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  Affordable German Luxury & Quality - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwguy53 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I am amazed how much car VW offers for the money! The fit/finish and driving experience are worthy of a car twice as expensive and reliability has been first-rate. On top of that I get excellent mileage (32mpg in mixed driving) and comfort. I previously owned an A4 1.8TQ, but definitely feel the Passat is the better deal.

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  VDub scores a "9" - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jwellsnapa - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car, however, it takes some time for the engine to react... it is not as "peppy" as some of the other models. Also, it feels like the car is a little "lopsided" when making sharp turns. However, I would rate this car a 9, and I would definitely test drive this car when looking for a new sedan.

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  Amazing Car! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By gilicata12 - September 14 - 11:03 pm

  I got my 2013 Passat TDI last week. I traded in a 2010 Mercedes E550 for it. I love my Passat more than the Benz. The ride is outstanding, some people complain of noise but I think it is more quiet than an E-class. I do a lot of suburban driving so I am kicking EPA fuel estimates out the window. I get about 40mpg city and about 48mpg highway. This car also handles better than any other car I test drove. This car beats the competition. I feel extremely safe in this car. The doors are heavy and the feel of being safe is extremely important to me. The interior design of the car just makes sense. There is a place for everything and everything is in its place. This is the best car VW has made.

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  2003 Wagon great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BillfromNY - September 13 - 7:06 pm

  2003 Passat GL Wagon, 5 sp MT. Heated seats and monsoon audio. Great car. My wife drove for 5 years 98,000 miles and we bought her a new 08 Passat sedan (arrest me red) with a 6 sp MT. This car is new to me since I only drove it a handful of times since 2003. Ride: Great Performance: Great Comfort: Great Safety: You feel very secure in a VW Reliability: Fine, we have a very good dealer near by that is a pleasure to deal with.

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  Best Wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By slo - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I looked at many small wagons (needed the space for outdoor gear, kids stuff, and trips to the home center) but couldnt find another that compared in ride, performance, and looks. I would rather have a peppy 5-speed than a truck-like SUV and the Passat V-6 fits the bill.