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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  the best kept secret - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Opolicious - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2003 - with only 10,000kms (not miles for) 35,000 Canadian or 25,000 American (not sure of the excahnge but in comparison the same as a 6cl Camry - no contets - this car is a rocket, its classy and its rare. there as many BMW out there as anything else, I love this sleeper.

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Phil Johnes - August 20 - 2:00 pm

  I recently got a call from my dealer saying that I had a couple of problems with my 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T. First, the vacuum line needs to be replaced at a cost of $178. Also, the car needs to be decarbonated at a cost of $198. Third, the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced - cost $440. Is this a joke? The only mistake I made was to buy this terrible car. I have already had a number of problems with it before this, including the ignition coils failing making it undrivable, a number of electrical issues, I have to replace bulbs twice a year. bad quality tires that are easliy damaged, and bad wiper blades that dont work well in snow / rain.

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  After Seven Years a Trusty Stead - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - August 20 - 1:33 pm

  I bought my 99 V6 5-speed Passat in April 99 and after 120,000 miles, its still going strong. The engine delivers great performance and gas mileage (I get 30 mpg on the highway at 80 mph) and I love the 5-speed tranny. The interior, after seven years, beats many new cars in terms of quality, design and ergonomics. My only complaint is about reliability and cost of service. At 60,000 miles, I had to put $3,000 into the suspension for new control arms, a drive shaft, and brake sensor. At 90,000 miles, I had to replace the water pump and timing belt. Ive never heard of anyone having to replace control arms, let alone at 60,000 miles. They are not cheap, but Im love driving it and plan to do so for years.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Comfy!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JCLMD03 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a nice Car! I like it. Its Comfy and Solid. Im having so much fun driving my Passat. The feeling of Luxury in affordable and reasonable price.

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  Looks are Deceiving - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By splittie - August 19 - 4:06 pm

  Although I was intially impressed with its acceleration and bells and whistles (electronic mileage and trip computer, etc), the car has been in the shop twice for the air pressure guage idiot light, and a bad ground with the battery. Moreover, I am now noticing a bad ground with the a/c fan regulator (a/c fan increases and decreases when depressing accelerator peddle). This car has the same electrical gremlins as my previous VWs. The car with the 16 inch "eco-squealers" does not feel sure footed over the twisties. Inside the fit n finish (plastic door panels) is not as solid as my 1998 VW Passat nor my 97 Audi Cabriolet. For the extra couple of grand I would look at an off lease Audi A4 or A3.

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  Save your money - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tarawater - August 19 - 1:35 am

  Since early 2007, I have had the catyletic converter split, front and read brakes replaced, steering column replaced and put on sideways...had to take it back to the dealer. Front axle, compressor, 12 tires...its awful in the snow and ice. Satellite radio died, peeling on the arms and buttons, leak in the sunroof, terrible heating/cooling system...takes forever to heat up. Electrically system messed up and when I try and open the window, it closes, then opens. Numerous other things wrong with it. In just the past 6 months Ive sunk $8000 into the car. The only thing I like is the way it handles on the open road. Im so disappointed with this car and will never buy a VW again.

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  worst car ever - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By worst car ever - August 16 - 3:56 am

  I will never buy a VW again. Ever since I bought it I had nothing but problems. After a month or so glove department latch broke and from there everything just went down hill. I spent over $6,000 just maintaining this car. Overall the worst car I have ever owned.

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  My Dream Car!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill W - August 15 - 10:23 pm

  This is my third Passat, and I love it! The ride and handling are just unbelievable. I thought my last Passat (2003) was really good, but the 2006 is so much better. My wife just got a new Altima. After letting her drive my new car, she said Passat the is so much better than hers. Im really happy with this car!