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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  Do not buy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By sarg033 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is very attractive and fun to drive. However, it has serious quality issues and is not reliable. I have been stranded twice because of the coils (only to be recalled after I had already been stranded!) After the first two went bad, VW would not replace the other two until they broke (full knowing that they would eventually.) The headlights blow out every 12000 miles, the radio will stop playing (but can be easily fixed by jiggling the fuze). Ive had to have the doors adjusted because they were falling off.

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  Love it - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Johnathon S. - May 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been looking for a while for a luxury vehicle in the Mercedes E class range. I am not a big fan of BMWs, but anything else goes. I happened to go to a VW dealership on a whim and saw the W8. Once I drove it, I knew I found what I was looking for. It could be a little bigger in size, but the engine power, style, handling, all scream look out Mercedes (and Audi, BWM, etc). This is my first VW, and if they continue down this path, Ill be buying many more. And you cant beat the price...

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  First VW Passat, Loving it - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jevekta - April 30 - 3:10 am

  This is my first VW Passat and I couldnt be any happy with it. I have owned lots of cars, mainly Mazdas and Nissans. My good friend purchased the same car two months before I did. I got to test drive his and fell in love with it. It is a solid car, it has all the bells and whistles, and it has plenty of speed. This vehicle gets a lot of attention as well, people look twice to see what it is. For anybody in sales or on the road a lot, get the navagation package. Youll find reasons to take the car for a spin even if you have nowhere to go.

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  Jurys Still Out - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sandown - April 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car, used, as a certified car from a VW dealership. It had 51k miles on it, but was very clean. The brakes were brand new (metallic pads). Now, 6,000 miles later, the rotors are starting to warp. We just got back from a trip into the mountains, and the upper rpm power is not very impressive. The 22.5 mpg average fuel consumption is a little lower than expected for an auto in mixed driving, especially with the price of premium. I live in Phoenix, and I bought the car in December. Now that it is getting warmer (low 90s), the AC pull-down time is longer than expected.

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  Unbelieivable machine!!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By CHRISTINE - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I investigated and found that the Passat was rated #1 in its class and I can see why. I was worried about the horsepower with the four cylinder turbo, but I am not disappointed. The appearance of the car looks as if I spent a fortune and the inside is as comfortable and stylish as any other car on the road. I will never buy anything but VW again!! This car is perfect for a small family or a single person. Dah, Dah, Dah...

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  So far so good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By djfllmn - April 23 - 9:06 am

  My dad purchased this car in Feb. of 2009 on the same day that I got my 2003 Ranger. Ive never been much for German cars, but Im slowly starting to like them. I read all of the reviews that mention the sludge problem. They dont change their oil frequent enough. It should be changed every 3 months or 3000 miles and you will be good to go.

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  I LOVE it... When it runs! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mphillips - April 22 - 3:00 pm

  Wanted a VW Passat for a long time. I looked for over 2 months and finally found a car in great shape. I had the mechanics checked out and drove the car for about a day prior to making a decision. I have now paid to replace the head gasket, valve cover seals, viscous fan, electric fan, radiator, electric fan switch, front wire harness and more. I have spent an additional 2700 dollars in repars since early 2007. I run full synthetic oil as recommended by VW. I change it every 3000-4000 miles (5000 recommended). I change filters regularly and run premium fuel (for the turbo). NOBODY should work on VW but dealer or VERY experienced. Dealer will rape you for part AND labor. Buy new w/full warranty

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  Outstanding Car - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Long Island - April 21 - 10:23 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Passat which was great for a 2006 model. It is hard to believe they could improve a great car this much but they did. The new Passat is faster, gets better milage and has more space. The 2006 model has the luxury feel that was missing in the previous generation. It feels like Im driving an Audi A6 for $25,000 less.

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  SAFETY ISSUE BE AWARE - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By simoghize - April 19 - 6:27 pm

  i hate a car in front of me which caused other 2 cars ahead to be involved in the accident. the damage was severe as the whole front of the car was crashed including the engine and the passenger was fatally injured, he had a shoulder dislocation. what surprised me are the airbags, they never deployed even though i was driving 60 mph. after few days volkswagen of America sent an engineer to inspect the car. After he left i noticed the seatbelts are loose and the bottom cover is opened, it seems like he did it in purpose. before he came the seat belts were fine. what most surprised me is his decision that the airbags cant deployed in this case. iIshowed him the bottom of the car where is the chassis, it was bent from the direct impact of the forces that came through the bumper which also cause the front beam to twist, but never gave me a satisfied explanation. People who try to buy this car and have kids please be aware of this safety issue, my family was blessed to get out of this accident just with a shoulder dislocation, which could be worst. My next step is lawsuit against VW.

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  Well never buy VW again - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By aljksdla - April 17 - 10:00 am

  From day one weve loved this car, we still love it. BUT, the headgasket blew at 30,000 and the steering rack went at 36,000 - the latter, not under warranty. The dealer agreed to split the cost - $2000. For a car with so few miles on it, these are two MAJOR things to have go wrong. I want to love VWs, but were going back to what weve always had good luck with: Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans.