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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  Best handling wagon I have ever owned - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By gagrice - July 29 - 11:03 pm

  Now have 2300 miles on this fine automobile. I would not trade it for anything made by Toyota or Honda. The handling is superb. Already had to use the fine braking. The girl in the Toyota PU looked happy the Passat stopped so quickly when she pulled out in front of us. Very quiet well built vehicle. Highly recommend the VW TDIs.

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  fun to drive pain to fix - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By carmom22 - July 29 - 6:06 pm

  I love driving this car. It is stylish sporty for a sedan. Great leather interior. it is SO comfortable. However this car is haunted by electrical problems in the dashboard for many years.

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  Its fun to drive again - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stefanari - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful. It has some get up and go. I traded in my Outback and have been so much happier. The handling is great. I highly recommend this car.

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  good car, needs more guts and 5 speed - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Spike - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car that is just a little to slow. Itd be nice to get a 5 speed w/ the 4 motion. Another 40 hp would be nice also. Dont know if Id pay $4,500 more for the W8.

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  Joe in S.A. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe fernandez - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is a performance vehicle in desguise. Its styling is modern but unpretensious. Great family car for those really young at heart. Plenty of trunk space and ample driver & pasenger comfort. For those humble enough that do not want to be seen in A BMW but want to hang around the autobahn as equals.

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  Fantastic car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gslippy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best all-around car Ive ever owned. VW has gotten the formula just right for this level of vehicle. I shopped for quality, but as a very tall driver (67"), I needed headroom, too. Nothing surpasses the Beetle in that area, but has plenty. I found the Jetta too small. The 30-valve V6 is fantastic. I found the 1.8T to require some retraining to deal with the power surge and slight turbo whine. The V6 gave me a much smoother car without the care and feeding required for a turbo. The Passats concern for safety is impressive, with airbags everywhere. Overall, Volkswagens attention to details in this vehicle is tremendous.

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  Worthy of JB Power awards - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By joethegut1 - July 19 - 10:20 pm

  Traded in my Acura TL for this, needed more interior room but still something fun to drive and good mileage. Decided for the TDI, dealers offer was too good to pass up ($24,800). Very pleased, highway mileage is consistently 50+, quiet cabin, and sport mode really pushes the car when I need it. Ergonomics are great, seats arent deep buckets but still firm and supportive. Back seat is HUGE, both width and depth, easily fit 3 adults comfortably or two car seats. Trunk is equally massive, fits all my stuff for work plus a full size 2 child stroller. Also knowing my maintenance is covered for the next 3 years is great peace of mind.

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  Not Happy at All - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By chris0568 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Do not buy this car! It is a piece of junk. Ive had it for 8 mos and want to get rid of it. 5x to dlr in 8 mos. Is that common? Engine noise explained as use of wrong oil. They tested my oil? Car sold to me w/ 2 open recalls. Thats a certified used car? VW needs to review their dealers as well. Not happy at all with entire staff.

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  67,000 miles - Still love the car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmkatz01 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I drive a lot! 40k miles / year. I have had two mass-air flow sensors fail (in hard rain) but no other problems with the car itself. Dealer service shop doesnt know how to use a torque wrench (on lug nuts or oil drain plugs) but the car is a blast to drive and very comfortable on the highway.

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  Will never own another car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JackieB8985 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my GLS wagon last week. I love it!!! Very comfortable, safe, stylish, affordable, just an overall great purchase. This is my first non- american car, and Im glad I made the decision.