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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  Just the Facts - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Descartes - July 10 - 9:43 pm

  On July 10, 2006, I took my 2001 Volkswagon Passat wagon to the dealer for a safety recall replacement of of an item related to the right rear wheel. I had called one week earlier to make an appointment, however after showing up, they said that they did not have the part. Today (8/3/06), the same thing happened again! I had even called the day before to confirm that the part was in and that they could do the replacement! Other problems include: 1) a drive train axle broke 18 months after the purchase, 2) none of the cup holders work (they broke off or are stuck closed) and 3) I had to glue the glove compartment shut after months of trying to fix it.

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  Nice When it Runs - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lemon Holder - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Have owned the passat for less than a year and has been in the shop for 28 days. I didnt buy a new car to be in the shop all year. Typical problems coils fail, esp. in cold weather. Power relay also failed. Various engine alarms need to be reset. All parts are typically on back-order and take 2 weeks to get. Will invoke Wisconsin lemon law soon and attempt to get refund.

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  Never again, I want a full refund - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dissatisfied again - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I have the car in the shop on three separate occasions in 7 months - twice for ignition coil problems and once for a valve problem. The second time it was in the shop for a week and they rented me a reliable dodge caravan. The last time the vehicle was in the shop they said there was a defective valve and sent my wife home without repairing the vehicle, but not before they backed my car into a wall and put a hole in my rear bumper. I will never buy a volkswagon again. Get something reliable like a camry or accord.

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  It figures - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By BobbyC - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car brand new in 00 The reviews were consistant. This car is a winner. At 26k the cd changer failed ($500). At 39k I need a complete brake overhaul ($700). At 79k the emission light came on and the dealer reset it. At 87k the light came on again and the dealer told me because of cheap gas my converters went bad. I Use premium, get 24 mpg. Like I going to spend 3K on new cats. Federal law mandates that cat s be warranted for 80k (HUM). At 91k the water pump went. At 92k Right side valve cover leaking. 97k same problem at 102k the right side head gasket blew. Last week at 102k the oil leaked on the cats, the car went up in flames!

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  put the honda and toyota rumors to rest - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By winkster24 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  i was totally fixed on my moms accord and her old camry, but this car puts them in the dust. buttery smooth describes everything about the car, and the styling is simply brilliant.

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By sconner69 - July 4 - 10:52 am

  This is the first "new" car we have ever bought, We purchased it in April 2010 however it was a 2009 Demo so not really brand new. Anyway it had just at 5K miles on it when we purchased and since then we have driven about 23K miles. We have had not had any mechanical issues with the car. I like others would have really liked memory seats. As I am 65" and y wife is 56" so we are always changing the seat. The 2.0L Turbo has amazing power and we average about 24mpg I have gotten 35mpg on the highway driving at 55 and really trying to get the best milage. Overall the car has been quite nice.

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  "Drivers wanted" --Mechanic Required - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael Grollman - July 4 - 10:00 am

  It has been a fabulous car to drive. After two years electronic systems started to go haywire. Service and Customer service are non-responsive and for the most part non-existant. Repair costs are obviously inflated. Great car, but will never buy VW again because of service nightmares from day 1.

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  Great car so far... - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By MLS - July 3 - 2:46 am

  This is my second Passat and my 10th VW. I used to drive 50k miles per year commuting between Huntsville, AL and my job in Atlanta, GA and have found the Jettas and Passats to be great cars. The Passat is fun to drive. The car is sleek and stylish. I had no problems with my second Passat except several "weird" repairs which were needed after 90,000 miles (oil in my coolant system cost about $350 to repair; fixing of an oil leak due to a faulty gasket was about $150). I went out an priced BMWs today and decided I would keep my VW and just drive it until the wheels fall off (hopefully I have another 100k). Overall, Im pleased with the car. Would love to hear from 100k plus owners!

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  Great value! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By vaflixio - July 1 - 2:50 pm

  Promised my wife and self I would lower mo. lease payment. Saved $150 per mo.and will save $100 addl. in gas as well. Cant believe how station wag. Could feel like my Miata sports car! Car is "rock solid"inside and out. Only neg. Has been a rattle from pass. Side seat belt Post. Dealer says its design- related and cant be fixed. Only happens going over sizable bump. Love drive, comfort, gas mileage and looks.

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  new to me cpo passat 2.5 s - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By tunisjs - July 1 - 12:14 am

  i traded my cpo benz glk for a passat s. i wanted german driving at lower cost. i found it. i tested automatics jetta and passat, 2.5, 1.8 and diesel. the 1.8 really livens up the jetta, passat not so much. diesel with dsg is sluggish in town and costly at 40k service. i was most pleasantly surprised by the passat 2.5. not alot of driving difference with passat 1.8, $4k cheaper (both cpo), 2.5 online reputation is bullet proof while 1.8 is too new, i prefer cloth to fake leather seats. my 2.5 gave me 27mpg suburban dc area and 38mpg i95 and i64 dc to va bch, at or just above speed limits, hand calculated, almost unbelievable. my advice: try the passat in 2.5, great cpo deals now.