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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  Least reliable car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Derwinator - June 21 - 6:56 am

  Everything youve read about the Passat is true - they are great to drive, look awesome, and have excellent fit and finish. Have really enjoying DRIVING this car, but cant say the same for my experience with its reliability. Hands down the most expensive and problematic car Ive ever owned. If it wasnt in the shop for a $85 oil change (synthetic required by VW) it was in for a service recall or a problem like water leaking into the passenger side for the 4th time. Finally, the water pump failed at 78K mile destroying the timing belt and engine in the process. Ive had enough and this car was sold as soon as I got it back from the repair shop. Im in a Honda again and happy.

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  A Living Nightmare!!! Beware - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By chevy55 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Probably the worst car ever!! Will never ever buy a VW again. It had low miles but already had transmission, engine problems. oil and power steering fluid were leaking. car had smoke coming out of the engine. wobbled while driving on the highway and drank gas as if i was driving a 14 cylinder car. i must have read almost every review about this car and saw that almost every car has a least 89-100 thousand miles on it.i should have never bought this junk. Please buyers think twice before purchasing this car

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  Surprisingly Good - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Adam - June 18 - 6:26 pm

  I recently leased a 2017 Passat R-Line and I have to say I am surprised by how good it is. Im pretty OCD and normally take a long time and make careful decisions. I cross-shopped it with other mid-size sedans, mainly the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, and Ford Fusion. Basically I rented or test drove all the main mid-sizers except the Subaru Legacy. In terms of handling, the Passat is middling. It is a bit bouncy and feels just a bit floaty at high speeds (over 80 mph, which is normal speed on SoCal freeways when not congested). Of all of them, the best driving were the Mazda 6, Ford Fusion, and Honda Accord, followed by the Malibu, Optima and Passat, with the Sonata bringing up the rear. In terms of comfort, however, by far the most comfortable was the Passat, both for the front seats and especially the crazy large backseats. It also feels very airy and the sight lines are very good (except to the direct rear, where high back headrests intrude a little). The little 1.8 liter turbo engine is a champ. It felt at least as powerful as the base engines in the other mid-sizers, and more powerful than some. Yeah, its 170 horsepower doesnt sound very impressive, but its 184 lb ft of torque is always there and gives really good oomph. I will check mpg when Ive had it for longer. In terms of technology and infotainment, I would say the Passat ranks pretty well, but is not the best. The R-Line has the key safety features I was looking for: Wide angle rear camera, rear cross-traffic alert, blind spot monitor, and forward collision alert with emergency braking. The one feature it is missing which I wanted was adaptive cruise control - I would have needed to go up to the SE With Technology for that (I think Edmunds lists it in the normal SE, which seems to be a rare error by Edmunds). One possible safety issue: The headlights arent the best. I have the halogens - the LED headlights are supposed to be a bit better, but mine doesnt have them. I can see fine with the halogens, but they arent very bright and some people might wish for more brightness. In terms of looks, I would say the Passat is attractive from all angles, especially the back and side, although I think looks are really a matter of personal taste. Trunk space is very good - 15.9 cubic feet, and the space is very functional, plus the rear seats fold down 60/40. The main reason I chose the Passat was that, looked at as a whole package, I felt better about it than any of the others. It just feels extremely easy to live with, and also feels like a premium car but at a lower price than others on this list. There is nothing it doesnt do well, and some things it does great (did I mention the huge open airy comfortable cabin? Let me mention it again). Plus the dealership (Mossy VW in Escondido, CA) was more willing to work with me than other dealers. So I drove off with what I felt was the best car of the bunch, at the lowest price of the bunch, whats not to like? Its too new to give any reliability impressions - I might do that after Ive had more time with the car.

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  Expect Improvement Once Broken In - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Artback - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Had some intial trouble with the CD player which was replaced under warranty. In this same service call, the dealer replaced the ignition coils (note well known problem in 2003). 0-60 time has improved from 7.4 secs to 6.7 secs (vs. new) at 5,000 miles. This car is great on the highway, and during Chicagos 1st serious snowfall of the year, I have discovered what this car is all about. 2 tons on 4 wheels with 8 cylinder power and a Quattro system is close to automotive Heaven. There are few performance sedans (i.e. Subaru WRX STi here) that move as sure- footedly in the snow. ESC stability control is a real bonus.

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  12 Times in Shop in 1 year - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Newk - June 15 - 3:03 pm

  It is a shame that this car has rubbed me the wrong way because I really like the Passats, espeically the new 2006 model. I have had the engine cleaned 3 times because of oil sludge, I have changed it with sythetic oil religiously. The majority of the time, VW has waived any cost, but it is a hasele to take it in every week. Simply changing the battery or air filter requires a trip to the shop. I had both the daytime wiring harnesses replaced and the daytime light replaced twice in one year. I also had work done on the CV joint, brakes, and the check engine light came on twice. I love the car, but it would take some convincing to buy another.

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  New to VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mel - June 15 - 12:26 am

  It handles good, feels good. Owners manual does not say much at all about Transmission or maintenance of tranny. i cant even find type oil to use or how to check it.

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  Best car I ever bought - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By chris - June 14 - 11:13 am

  Bought this car used with 22,000 and five years old. Hands down the best purchase I have ever made. This car truly enjoys driving 80mph. This is my wife daily driver and used when we go on vacations and is just alot of fun to drive. We have had no problems at all and regret paying for the extended warranty since we never got to use it. This was our first VW and were looking into buying another and getting ride of my Dodge.

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  Passat 1991 is Great - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By jaypp - June 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car that rides like a true German car. Very stable at high speeds and quiet. Very smooth transmission and triptronic is fun to use once in a while.

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  Just Validating Other Reviews! - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Grant Sterling - June 11 - 11:16 am

  First the good: the ride is great, smooth, comfortable, and fun to drive. It gets great gas mileage on the highway (30+MPG). I love the leather, heated seats, triptronic transmission, 60/40 folding seats, theyre all very nice. The bad part is the quality! I have driven 35,000+ miles in three years. In that time have had to replace both CV boots, one drive axle, window regulator, side view mirror control, dashboard air vent, turn signal/hazard switch, and two sets of rotors and pads (expensive even when I did the work myself). In comparison Ive owned a 91 BMW 525i and still have a 98 4Runner with 145,000 miles, both great vehicles. Sure, they required maintenace, but nothing like the Passat. I definitely would not recommend this car!

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  I like this car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By joe p.e.g. - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been great through the years. Its fast too. Lotta pep. Way the nicest car in its price range.