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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  Avoid VW 4cyl. Turbo Engine - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael - April 7 - 3:56 pm

  Engine poor. Once motor reached 100 miles, motor needed constant repair. Have spent over $3k on major engine repair. The wagon was intended for family with two children, but has proven to be very unreliable. Wife, toddler and infant have been towed several times from side of freeway. Mechanically, the engine is poor and unreliable, asked master mechanic "Would you drive this car?", he answered, "Me? No. The motor is no good, we see em all the time".

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  VW Passat is Awesome - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Imn2vws - April 7 - 9:03 am

  I absolutely love my Passat. I have had no issues at all and enjoy every time I get to go for a ride. The 2.0T Turbo engine is very powerful for such a fuel efficient engine. 200hp and 32mpg. I would do it again in a heart beat....

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  New VW Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ryan - April 6 - 9:03 pm

  This is a great car. I test drove the Passat a few months before buying and knew right then that I had to get one. I am very impressed with the performance of the 2.0T engine. I couldnt be happier with my decision to get the Passat.

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  Transmission shot with only 65K and VW wont help - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By hunkajunk - April 6 - 12:38 pm

  I have had this car for only 6 months, it only has 65K miles on it, and the transmission is shot. VW wont help me because I didnt buy it through a VW dealer. My car is parked, still have payments, and have to somehow come up with 4300 dollars. Dont have it. Fuming...VW needs to stand behind their product, this car is young, Ive been totally ripped off...do yourself a favor and dont buy from VW.

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  In shop 15 to 20 times (bought new) - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stephanie - April 4 - 11:40 am

  Bought Passat in Sept. 04 and has been in the shop every week to two weeks for engine light cutting on and has a gas smell when driving more than 1-2 hours. After going in shop so much, called VW of America and they dont seem to care that I am having so many problems. I have told them I want another car or my money back and they just want to keep fixing it. After six months of the car being in and out of the shop VW of America should say enough is enough. The dealer I have bought it from has been great in getting the car in to look at it, But they have even said they are not sure whats wrong with it. VW of America is supposed to send a field Tech out to look at the car.

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  $4000 in repairs in less than a year! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By katie - April 2 - 12:00 pm

  I bought this at 59,000. Two weeks later it went in the shop. 6 of the 8 ignition coils went bad $620(there was a recall on this so if they need repaired again VW will not pay 4 it). Intake bad, fuel sensor bad, coolant sensor bad. Total that time $1,890.00. Before I bought the car Lithia put $500.00 in what they called basic repairs, 2 weeks ago I put $900 in electrical probs and 2day my valve gaskets blew out of no where (they are new btw) $1,192.00 for those to be replaced. Front light went out and thats $500.00 2 repair bc they have 2 take the front panel off! Oh and the car is now stated to be worth $8,000.00. So in reality I have thus paid $12,982 for a car worth $8 grand

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  Poor Reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By misty - April 1 - 9:40 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Volkswagen Passat since it was bought new. The engine light comes on at least four times a winter with evap issues, I had to replace glove box door, the shifter, and a pump. My Saturn was more reliable than this. Too bad it is so fun to drive.

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  Great Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Albert W. - March 30 - 5:53 pm

  We bought this car new in 2004. It has served our needs very well. We have taken it on many long trips comfortably where we were able to get over 30 mpg on the highway traveling between 70 and 80 mph. The interior is very well appointed and durable. The heated seats are great. There have been no major mechanical issues, now at 55,000 miles, the car looks and rides like new. Handling is far superior to Toyota. It is very similar in ride to my BMW. Highly recommend.

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  LEMON - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By alwayselegant - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Passat brand new-what a mistake. Within 2 1/2 years the heater-core, radiator, and turn signals went bad. The dealer ripped me off for $500(trumped up charges)and VW did nothing. They swore these problems were from wear and tear on a 2 year-old car with 40,000 miles. Reseale was a joke! I could have gotten more for a Kia.

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  Would not recommend this vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By deck3 - March 26 - 2:41 am

  My 2003 Passat had 91,000 miles when the engine sludged; a known problem with this engine. This car has been more stress than the $14,000 purchase price. The original sludged engine had to be replaced with a new engine ($3,695), installed and the engine reset ($977 + $252), as well as the cost of a replacement car ($900). Stress and towing not included. VWs CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding the Sludging of its Passat vehicles has been anything but easy. VW had multiple hoops to jump through. The Oil Sludge Settlement Administrator group had told me on more than one occasion that I would be "reimbursed 100% of the above expenses", but I just received a reimbursement check barely large enough to cover the cost of the engine ($3991.98). What a shame. This engine had problems, VW was aware of these problems, and VW was taken to court and made to reimburse those who purchased these problems. This company, Volkswagen, is not a reputable company to deal with based on my dealings with them. Both their product and business handlings have been of poor caliber. I would not recommend doing business with Volkswagen.