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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  Looks are deceiving... - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By JAG - May 26 - 8:43 am

  Thank goodness this particular year had a 50,000 warranty or I would have been SOL with most of these repairs. A/C work, window modules, transmission, paint chipping/rusting, coolant system keeps getting "bubbles" causing the coolant to be low when it reads as normal...those are the major things. I have a year left on the lease without the warranty and I am afraid that I will have a lot of cash going out for repairs.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By krazzz - May 26 - 5:40 am

  The 2000 Volkswagen Passat has been a great car. I drive about 40,000 miles a year and this car has never failed me. I think all the negative reviews are more about the places they take their cars to. These people are getting ripped off for most repairs. I have put less than $200 into repairs in the 60,000 miles since I bought it. I drive this car very hard and it has treated me well. If you take care of your car it will take care of you.

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  Avoid the turbo without a thorough inspection - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By checkengine88 - May 25 - 4:51 am

  Bought it used from an as is dealer. Trunk only opened with a key and the coolant looked a little funny, but I talked him down and thought I was getting a good deal even after I had to sink some money into it. $1900 later I gave up. The car kept over heating as engine oil was getting into the coolant system. Had the engine oil cooler, water pump, belts and thermostat replaced and it overheated again. I had to call it when they said the next step was to replace the turbo and if that didnt work, the head gaskets. Oh and the electrical module under the seat was faulty causing the trunk problems. Please take it to a dealer for an inspection before you buy it used. Had it for a month

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  Class by itself - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By donpnelson - May 23 - 4:43 pm

  I checked out a lot of cars and in the mid $20,000 range, nothing compared to the Passat. With styling thats tasteful and timeless, thoughtful features, impeccable fit and finish and satisfying performance from the the 4-cylinder turbo engine, the Accord, Mazda 6, Camry (yes the `07), Altima and Saab 9-3 are simply outclassed by the `06 Passat. As an added bonus, Im 6-6" and am more comfortable in the Passat (even with a sunroof) than any of the cars mentioned above. Right now Im enjoying the fact that Im not seeing a lot of `06 Passats on the road. Thats going to change when the word gets out.

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  Awesome car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Antonio246 - May 21 - 11:36 am

  This is my first VW and I am totally hooked. Not only is the dealer first class but the car has been the most reliable Ive ever owned. I now have 39,000 miles on it and have not put one dime into it except for tires and oil changes. It still looks as good as the day I bought it and the body is as solid as ever. I still get huge compliments on this car. I highly recommend this car!

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  Fun Car to Drive, But... - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By PKF Passat - May 21 - 10:00 am

  After being a two-time Honda owner, I decided to take a chance with the much better-equipped VW Passat. I bought my 99 Passat GLS V6 in 2002 under the certified program, which came with a supplemental 2-year/24,000 mile warranty. The car is easily the most fun I have ever driven. The V6 is peppy, and the features are great. Unfortunately, the quality has been nothing short of a complete disaster. In just over a year, Ive replaced the rear brakes and rotors twice, the entire front suspension, radiator, all of the interior dash lighting, and the list goes on...while the the warranty still exists now, Im dreading owning this car without one.

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  BMW performance w/o the price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lsm@spring - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This car handles as well as our 300i and has all the bells and whistles that the BMW has - but at $10,000 less. The 4 wheel drive is phenomenal. This car sticks to the road better than our X5. We bought it for our teen, but I may get one for myself.

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  Passat Highline 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael23 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I own a German spec Passat Highline. It has many features not avalable here in the USA. The 1.8T engine is great for tuning (chips, exaust, and intake) I have easly 220HP from a 4cyl petrol engine. This is a great car to drive and identical to its twin sister the Audi A4 1.8T. I recomend both cars to anyone. Im a loyal VAG customer and sometimes the dealerships here in the USA dont know there heads from there asses but those are the minor things compaired to such a great looking ride. Danke! Michael (Miami, FL/Munich Germany)

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  Impressive car on multiple fronts - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By kscommuter - May 18 - 12:20 am

  Purchased this car in December of 2011 and have put 49K miles on it. It gets over 40 to 41 mpg and I typically drive 79 mph on my 180 mile daily commute (all highway miles). It will get upper 40s mpg if we lower the average speed to 65 to 70 mph. The ride and handling are very good. The car is nicely equipped for a base model, with a very solid feel and generous cabin and trunk spaces. The diesel engine is very responsive in combination with the manual transmission. The 10,000 mile service intervals for the oil change and basic service are great. I opt to use the shop my husband works at for this basic car maintenance versus paying a VW dealership the overpriced fee of $400.00+.

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  radio problem - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Very Happy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T is by far the funnest vehicle I have ever driven. No problems to date except for the radio. I FIXED RADIO BY WIGGLING THE FUSE! What a surprise on the dash lights when first drowe at night. Did not know they were so pretty when I bought the car.