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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  Maxima guy buys VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug - May 17 - 12:46 am

  Have had five Maximas since 1990. After testing a 2002 Maxima and Passat, my 15- year-old son said "except for sheer acceleration, the Passat is superior in every way." He was right. This car is stylish (even white, which I dont care for), very comfortable (with memory seats, everyone should find a good driving position), has good room for people (abovementioned 6 son or his 65" friend sits behind me when I drive) and stuff (easily handles 8lumber). I have two herniated lower discs in my back, so the heated seatbacks as well as seats are great. Overall, German ergonomics are better than Japanese. Looking forward to the 4-Motion capability in bad weather. Power could be better. Six months...so far so good!

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  Where do I start ? - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rasta - May 11 - 7:43 pm

  I thought was getting a good german car.To my suprize I have been in the service department more than I have ever had with any car before. I have so much repairs done on my Passat it sits in my Garage. I you my more reliable RAV 4 to get me where I have to go. Thank you VW :( for a great buy!!!

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  Beautiful Luxury without the Luxury Price - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By H.Sly - May 11 - 9:26 am

  It has a much smaller trunk than I anticipated, but will do the job for daily use. The motion-sensor trunk open is a little hit or miss, but perhaps I just need to acclimate to exactly where I am to shake my foot underneath for it to open. The voice command says that my USB device (iPod) is not supported in order to find an artist/track, so that was a bummer. Everything else is so intuitive and fluid. Rear blind spot lights are an interesting feature, though I am afraid one may place too much reliance on it. The final feature that surprised me is that the backup camera does not have sensors to alert you if youre too close to an object. Otherwise, the 1.8T holds up well and I look forward to driving it up I-70 into the mountains this spring.

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  octoberfest leftover - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By jayjay - May 10 - 10:00 am

  In less than one year I had 3 sensors replaced (gas,exhaust sensor,Icant recallthe 3rd.)At just over one year the water pump broke a part & was replaced. Istill cant trust the gas sensor. Mirror came off cracking the windshield,It makes crinking noises everytime I go over a small speed bump (felt in gear shift(is starting to loosen up) & drivers side.Cant find out cause of this.It does start every am & is fun to drive.Lack of storage in passenger compartment.

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  LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By StevenC - May 10 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is that I am in love with my car, I feel like Im driving a 50,000$ car that was 24,000, this car is the MOST bang for your buck, spend 24,000 on an altima and u feel like youre driving a chinsy weak car, this car is solid, MUCH nicer materials than any other car in its class, and you feel really cool driving it.

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  Piece of junk! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By just me - May 8 - 10:00 am

  2004 Volkswagon Passat. Bought used at dealership. Oil blew, coolant blew, destroyed the thermostat. Dealership could not tell me why. They were clueless. Sounds to me like the oil sludge problem but wont openly admit it. Cost 2000 grand to fix. headlights went out. dealership wont change them without charging me 150 becuz they claim you have to pull off the bumper. I will never again buy a Volkswagen!

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  08 VW Passat Komfort 2.0 Turbo - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By randy - May 8 - 10:00 am

  The care had few problems that were covered under the waranty: replaced steering column, transmission sensor, air conditioning replaced. Because the warranty covered these items we saved $10,000 in fix up costs. Despite these problems, the car has been reliable once the initial issues have been adressed. The design is great and the car has a lot of nice features. Drove it cross county in the mountains and it held up I like the look of the car. My wife tells me to get rid of the care now that the warranty is out because it is a Lemon, but I tell her now that the dealer paid 10,000 to fix everything on the car nothing else will break. Just bought out the lease and time will tell who is right

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  Superb, Fabulous German Quality! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Min - May 7 - 9:26 am

  When I drive my Passat I always feel Im driving a sophisticated German car with price of over $35,000. First I saw it I was totally infatuated by its appearance, and now Im in deep love with the feeling it provides when Im in drivers seat.

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  I Love My Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mjb - May 6 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this new Passat 306 in January after selling my 1999 Passat GLX. I thought I loved my old Passat, but I really love my new one. It has sooo many great features, rides like a dream, and it will fly. I have come to the conclusion, its just a VW thing. There is just something about the engineering that sets it apart from the rest.

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  I dont like it. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dissatisfied - May 5 - 10:03 pm

  We bought our Passat new in 2005. Within 3 months plastic pieces began to break. We have stopped having them repaired because the new parts also break. We have had the front tires blow out twice because the car wont hold an alignment. The trunk lid has become so stiff that my wife is not able to open the trunk. Now the car is in the shop with excessive sludge buildup after we used VW for most if not all oil change service. This car has been worse quality than any other car I have ever owned.