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:

• 

  German engineering at its best - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paladin750 - September 9 - 2:00 am

  If you want basically and AUDI A4 with more interior room and about $6000 to $8000 less sticker price, this is your car. This is my second VW and by far the best. The Passat class is not prone to all the little bugs and recalls of the jettas and the new beetles. Its basically a mid-size german sports sedan for less than $25,000. Who could ask for more?

• 

  Great little car and fun to drive - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Otto - September 3 - 5:53 am

  I am very happy with my Passat wagon. It is nimble and a blast to drive thanks to great handling. The turbo motor lacks low end torque, but once you put your foot into it, the car has enough power to get you in and out of trouble. Its highway mileage is also a real plus, but the 91 octane requirement means you need premium fuel. It has good cargo room for its class and the high roof helps out here. The fit and finish are also very good. The interior is austere but very well done, but the glovebox is the only real storage space.

• 

  I love to hate my VDUB - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By varuca salt - September 2 - 10:36 am

  First the AC busted a hole in itself then all interior parts bubbled and peeled off within a year, then my cam system blew they replaced that, then my shifting cables broke, sun visors dont work and fall out of the holes that hold them up, all buttons had to be replaced, consistent alignment problems, consistent gas cap issues, consistent check engine light, fuel pump replaced, vacuum seals and all that kind of stuff replaced, now warranty is over and Im stuck with only one year payments left with a piece of crap that is fun to drive that I have to trade in when all i wanted was a car that would last 100k miles, Ive got 58k and Im DONE.

• 

  JUST TRY AND TAKE THIS CAR AWAY FROM ME! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By rexmasters - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 VW Passat Turbo 5spd. in July of that same year--Satin Silver wth custom red (yes, RED) leather interior and upgraded GLX wheels. My other car was a BMW Z3, and others have included other BMWs, Hondas, Toyotas, etc. After one year of ownership, I decided that I liked the car so much that I installed Koni fully adjustable sport suspension, and wider, Toyo sport Proxes S-1 tires. My car is now comfortable, yet very tight, and handles like a dream. So much so that I replaced the Z3 with a Jeep, since I prefer the sport car feel of the Passat. I am getting 40 mpg on the highway, and about 26 mpg combined.

• 

  VW has really done it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By iclyde - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My god how can they sell such a well equipped car for this price. My parent have an Audi A6 and almost cried when they heard how much I paid for my Passat.

• 

  Love it! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Marie - September 2 - 8:50 am

  This car was the first car that my husband and I bought together. I think we will be lyal VW customers for life. The car rides wonderfully, has plenty of get-up-and-go and is VERY comfortable! The cargo space rivals that of most mid-sized SUVs and it gets FAR BETTER gas milage than most SUVs! We are so thrilled with this car!

• 

  Avoid at all costs! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JetsetTX - September 1 - 5:10 pm

  I loved my car when I first bought it. It is beautiful and the inerior is very well done and they use quality materials. Thats where the love story ends. When it was just over three years old the check engine light came on and it was the brake light switch, which was replaced under warranty. Not long after the car broke down on me on the way to work, it was the fuel pump, they replaced it. They had to replace something that was allowing fuel vapor into the cabin a few month later. The new fuel pump needed replacement within a year of the original being replaced. The clutch had to be replaced (out of warranty) at five years old. The thermostat was just replaced the CV boot 2 yrs ago.

• 

  Too many issues have made me regret this purchase - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By mercuriciodide - August 30 - 8:59 pm

  The light cover wouldnt stay on on the drivers side door, so I had to take it in later for repair. They claimed it was repaired but the next time I brought it in for another issue, they replaced the entire door panel without asking. The new door panel was lower quality than the old one and flexes a whole lot, especially in winter, making considerable noise and giving the car a very cheap feel which is very frustrating since it cost $30,000. When I brought up the flexing door panel problem the service manager said he would bring up the issue to a visiting VW exec, get a resolution, and call. After months of waiting, I heard nothing. When I brought it in, another manager refused to fix it.

• 

  Never Again!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By saglugger - August 29 - 10:00 am

  If you insist on buying a Passat, stay away from the 4 cylendar. We have had more problems with this car in two years than I have had with my 96 corolla in 9 years. We had to have it towed twice for ignition coil failures. The passenger side seatbelt broke and it took 2 weeks to get it repaired. Then several trips to the dealer for the check engine light which dumbfounded the technicians. The final straw came on the 25,000 mile service when they told me the rear brake pads and rotors were 90% worn and rusted. AT 25,000 miles!!!. $350.00. The dealer did repair them on warrenty but only after I threatened to get a second opinion. Hmmmm.

• 

  Thanks Volkswagon - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Adam Wolfson - August 28 - 5:13 am

  I was looking between the Acura TL, BMW 3-Series, and when I finally test drove the New Passat, there was no more competition in my mind. I love this car. The ride, the placement of everything inside, Everything is great! I know that Volkswagon has had problems in the past, so time will tell with the Passat.