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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  I Still Love It - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By TwoPassats - March 19 - 2:43 pm

  The only other vehicles I considered were the BMW 325i and Audi A4 2.0T (the 330 and A4 3.2 were slightly out of my range). Even after driving the 325, the Passat remained the clear winner for me. I purchased my new Passat 3.6 with Sport Package #1 (I feel this is the best deal in the 3.6 range) in order to provide a stable mate for my 1999 Passat 1.8T (which I will keep until it dies). As far as driving enjoyment goes, the car is great. The cars power, build quality, and Teutonic feel are amazing for a car in this price range. I have had a couple of electrical problems involving the fuel gauge and fuel pump, but both were quickly fixed under warranty. Despite these problems, I still love it.

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  2007 passat is a horrible product! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatsucks - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had several VW all new. The last one was a brand new 2007 passat I bought. Chck engine is constantly on! The inetrior (back) is peeling off even though no one ever sits there. I am in and out of the shop every month! If you get it all fixed then at least I would wake up with a flat tire! This is worst than my first used car which was a beat up saturn!! I will never go near VW again!! Its a cheap product and I puke when I see it. Its paid off and I am looking for a new car but I would rather ride the train than to buy another cheap behind german product. My husband bought a used BMW at the same time that I bought mine and he has had no problems at all..I am totally done with VW!!

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  Quality & Saving - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe in AR - March 18 - 5:30 am

  Great build and quality with exceptional gas mileage, within first 3,000 miles have 650 miles trip with best result of 30 mpg. Power is exceptional for a 4 cylinder and turbo, interior is very quiet and ride quality little too soft in my own opinion, highway speed the steering response turns to ultra sensitive - "great feel". Quality made with incredible savings on gasoline usage but calls for premium fuel. Have consistently gotten 400 miles from full tank of gas with 50/50 town/highway driving. Wagon is versatile with great looks; adequate amount of room for hauling with family of 4. Turbo lag noticeable but once whines up, power rival a V6 - makes it very fun to drive, cruises GREAT!!

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  Great looks, expensive repairs - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jacko - March 16 - 11:20 pm

  I bought this car used with 80,000 miles on it. I felt in love with the design of the car (mine was black), tinted the windows. I got tons of compliments on my car. Drove it for about 6 months, and in anticipation of a long trip decided to check it at the mechanic. His verdict was this: it looks like new, but its falling apart. Belt, bushings, suspension, brakes etc. The list included about 15 different things. Total cost to repair all that: $2500. After owning the car for 6 months! Thats almost 1/2 the value of the car. Not to mention that oil change costs twice as much as on any normal car, runs on premium only and i had 10-12 mpg!

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  Best Deal Out There - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fun to drive - March 16 - 2:00 am

  I want to let eveyone know what a fantastic car this is. The quality and performance of this car is unbeatable in this price range. First of all buy this car online. Cars Direct. com was able to negotiate a price 800-900 dollars below invoice price. That of course includes dealer incentives. Paid just over 23,403 for the car. The price is including leather, cold weather package and ESP on the GLS trim. For all of those who are unhappy with the power and performance try getting the manual transmission, which will improve your gas mileage to boot. Highly recommend this car to all who are looking for a luxury car at an affordable price. Just Love It!

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  Great - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Trevor Kno - March 15 - 10:00 am

  This car is great, and i really enjoy, great buy for the money

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  Id buy another one - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Used Passat buyer - March 15 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. Comfortable seats for short or long trips. Only poor items are cup holders, trim around steering column, and poor design of cruise control switch.

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  2002 Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MaryAnne - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had more trouble with this new car that I did with my 8 year old BMW. Many trips to the dealership(thank goodness they opened one near my house). Headlights burn out every 6 months. Rear brakes warp and have been replaced and need replacement again after 8 months(dealership say this is normal!) I fear the day when the warranty goes out.

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  2004 Passat 1.8T GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By J. Ritter - March 9 - 11:20 pm

  For less than $23000 excellent built quality, great looking, superb interior materials. perfectly ballanced ride comfortable but with little body role, outstanding safety features (active restrain seat belts, side and head curtain airbags, esp), excellent performance considering the 1.8T economy engine giving highway milage of 32+ and suburban mileage of 26+. This is the best car I have owned so far. In my opinion the best value among wagons and family cars seating 5 currently available

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  Good, But ! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By chigue - March 9 - 10:00 am

  My second GLX Wagon . Had an 01 to trade in at 24000 miles. Overall I like the styling better on the 03, wish they had avoided the chrome trim tacked on over and in the car, that in my opinion cheapens the look esp on the dash. The wheels are easier to clean at least. Its a nice car to drive with a good solid feel to it. Needs more power though especially considering the poor fuel economy. Which is the worst thing about this car .It has terrible fuel economy considerably worse than my 01 which in itself was alot worse than my prior car a Saab 9000. I feel a car this expensive and of this quality should have decent fuel economy. It does not!