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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  Beware of the 2001 VW Passat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Antoinette - June 4 - 10:16 pm

  Beware of the 2001 VW Passat 1.8T. I have had numerous problems with sludge coating the engine. I replaced the oil pump twice and had various other expensive problems.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By JAU - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have close to 80K on this car and have had no big problems. It drives great and is so much fun. I am definately going to look into another VW as my next car or SUV!

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  Best Car I have ever owned - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By nfarb - June 1 - 3:58 pm

  This is a spacious, perhaps bit too large, wonderful to drive cruising car. The mpg is remarkable given it size, and the 6 speed is smooth and fun, fuel efficient and serves to keep me alert and paying attention to driving. I owned a 2011 TDi sport wagon and loved it but thought because i often drive long distances I would enjoy a bit bigger car. This 111 wheelbase is maybe a touch more that I wanted but I get out of it after 500 miles and feel great and not cramped like i would at the end of a long ride in a smaller car. I am 6 and 70+ years old

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  V6 4MOTION - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Furley - May 31 - 10:53 pm

  I absolutely love this car! Currently, the car has 57,203 miles on it and I have had ABSOLUTELY NO PROBLEMS with this car. It handles like a sports car. Its VERY fast and has more than enough power. The black interior looks like new. The silver exterior is still shinny (even though I dont really clean or wax it). It doesnt get stuck when those wonderful noreasters hit us here in PA. This car will cruise easily faster than any other car I have ever owned.

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  What is it? - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By gjk - May 30 - 11:23 pm

  In the approximately 3 weeks we have had the black on black wagon we have been stopped repeatedly by people asking what type of car is it, what year is it, is it a BMW, etc. We had 2002 Audi A6 wagon for the last four years and did not give anything up by getting this car except for saving a bunch of money. Its fit and finish are top notch, its engine excellent, its stlying is sharp, and its ride is fun. Get the sport package for no other reason than the sport seats which are much better than the "comfort" seats. Also it has metal on dash instead of wood for a little more sporty appearance. This car is loaded with features and technology. We also looked at BMW 325xi and Subaru Outback but this was by for the best for the money. We have had no problems to date.

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  Inconsistent quality - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By mtharchitect - May 30 - 10:00 am

  I like this car for its ride, handling, safety features and style but...at 52000 I am looking at a possible bad ABS brain and pump ($2000 part) a possibly bad turbo ($1000) and just replaced the oil cooler ($400) and the warranty expired at 50,000 miles. Its a nice car but make sure you get the extended warranty.

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  never again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By rdressler - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Had this car 1year and have $7000 in repairs to date. Started having problems at 55,000 miles-engine ran poorly(stalled, chugged).As a result, Ive had to replace the O2 sensor, mass air flow sensor, blower hose, and at 68000miles the timing belt went. I now need a whole new motor, even though VW does not recommend replacing timing belt until 105,000miles!!! Followed recommended maintenance schedule and still had all these problems. When I called VW to complain, their response was "out of warranty, sorry". I would not recommed this car to anybody, and will unload is as soon as I get my new engine!!! One more thing - NOBODY can seem to work

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  new Passat - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By rvfool - May 28 - 2:30 pm

  Just got the car. Surprise by the power. Fun to drive but wife having problem with turbo and a lead foot. I had a 05 TDI Passat before. This is bigger. Miss the mileage of the diesel. Tires are expensive because of the 17" wheels and they are a summer thead. Needed snow right away. Comfortable and a better car for me than the CC. Did not like the low roof, rear view mirror or performance of the CC. There is a lot of leg room front and back. Wish it had blue tooth, homelink, and memory seats.

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  The Not so perfect Passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Yawantit - May 27 - 7:56 pm

  Needed rear brakes at 30K miles. Needed vacuum hoses at 35K miles, and at 40K miles. Needed front O2 sensor at 40K miles. Needed heater core at 40K miles. Need I say more? Vehicle has 42K miles and looking to trade..............

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  Disappointed - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By sbgoff - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Car burned oil at 5 qts per 5000 miles - dealer rebuild engine - never the same. significant electrical problems - electric windows in rear dont work - doors wont open - check engine light on constantly - a lot of cheap plastic parts in interior that broke within 1st year and were not under warranty - Electrical issues aware of by manufacturer but not covered by warranty