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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  I love this car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Corder - June 27 - 1:13 am

  I had a VW Jetta before I bought my Passat, I loved both but the passat has a lot more room and lots of power. It is also a very stylish car.

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  Funnest car Ive owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By not all bad reviews - June 26 - 12:03 pm

  Bought it in 04 with 20,000 miles and now have 145,000 miles on it. Had to replace the coils and brake light switch. Had my own mechanic do the work and got reimbursed most$ because of recalls. Fun to drive. Had a water issue but fixed it myself. If I had mechanic fix it would have gotten reimbursed due to recall. Only issue I have is the headlights are wired backwards so the main lights are on all the time. Also have a heated seat issue but beyond that I love the car. Parts are pricey and the dealers dont have a clue. But have not had the issues these posters have had. Anyone whos borrowed my car liked driving it.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Victor - June 23 - 8:56 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 besides being very reliable, is a lot of fun to drive, and looks very smart. VW did a beautiful job with the Passat and my next car will be another one.

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  My car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Houlila - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive, however, I had many recalls and is very expensive to maintain

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  VW Fan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hank Kingsley - June 22 - 10:00 am

  In June I traded in my 2000 Passat for the 03. Very similar in ride and comfort, with a little more pep from the turbo, and some nice interior & styling improvements. The longer warranty is also welcome.

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  THE BEST EVER! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nickers - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Audis in the past, 1 Jetta and now the Passat. I absouletly love it! Five on the floor, turbo charged and it rips up the hills in no time at all. I get more people who want to take my car ~ love the midnight blue color and the gray leather interior. It has everything you would want in a car and then some! I love the way it handles ~ German cars are known for how they can turn on a dime ~ this car does not disappoint you! It is totally awesome! Ive always owned German cars and would buy another Passat in a heartbeat. Love it!

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  THE BEST EVER! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nickers - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 2 Audis in the past, 1 Jetta and now the Passat. I absouletly love it! Five on the floor, turbo charged and it rips up the hills in no time at all. I get more people who want to take my car ~ love the midnight blue color and the gray leather interior. It has everything you would want in a car and then some! I love the way it handles ~ German cars are known for how they can turn on a dime ~ this car does not disappoint you! It is totally awesome! Ive always owned German cars and would buy another Passat in a heartbeat. Love it!

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  Its still new - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatDoTd - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Ok so the car is still very very new. However, I will post additional reviews down the road. To be concise: 1. Takes getting used to(the drive that is) if you havent had turbo before. This isnt a bad thing. 2. Super smooth ride. Where are the bumps? 3. Nice acceleration. No problems passing the slower folks. 4. Turns heads and impresses many. So far 4 friends/family have been stunned and they each want one. For the value the car cant be beat.

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  Gas Gusler! But Worth It!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Suzy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most eligant and at the same time sexy. It is very nice to drive and is a pain when it comes time to refuel every 225miles.

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  Worst experience ever - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Libaridian - June 21 - 12:10 pm

  Dont get me wrong I love volkswagens, we have had Audis and Volkswagens for 10 years. We recently bought a 2007 Passat and during our 2nd oil change was told we needed a new engine. Our car has been in the shop for over 30 days and Volkswagen has been impossible to deal with. They have not offered to pay for our rental and now say that the cost incurred for this is going to be on us. What? I asked to be reimbursed for 2 car payments since I am still making them and reimbursement for the rental car and they told me "Nope sorry". Worst experience ever and my stupid car is still in the shop. Dont buy one, they are not cheap cars and not cheap to maintain.