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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  Poor Quality and Service - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fully - January 15 - 4:06 am

  Fuel pump failed in 700 miles. According to VW website, with Navigation option, park distance control is included. Mine came without, when questioned dealer he would look into it. Result was you bought it. Called VW customer care and they say buyer beware. They point me to terms and conditions and read liberally they can lie and you have no recourse. Car is not built according to website. Buyer beware

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  Lemon, Lemon, Lemon - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - January 14 - 3:03 pm

  I was very pleased with the Passat at first. That is until I found a small dent upon delivery, it broke down due to a loose ground strap, the Dynaudio stereo has a problem with losing the lower bass, a constant morris-code rattle at the driver side pillar, the hesitive fuel peddle response, and of course the poor service from every dealer Ive been to. They never seem to be able to fix anything right the first time. Im going to sell this waste of money the first chance I get. That is unless VW and their sorry excuse for mechanics can fix these tivial issues.

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  Buzzy Passat - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ahk - January 14 - 2:00 am

  My 2002 Passat GLS has more interior buzzes than my sisters 1996 Civic DX coupe. Ive had my Passat in the shop 3 times already for noises in the dash. The center and right a/c vents were replaced. Yesterday the ENTIRE DASHBOARD was replaced, but the genius mechanics forgot to reconnect the wiring for the steering wheel controls to the stereo! Why didnt I buy another Honda??!!!

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  Dont think about it just get one! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By love my VW - January 14 - 2:00 am

  I love my car. its secure to drive in the snow and rain. smooth ride all around, comfortable sitting, well designed interior and exterior. compact exterior with a spacious interior and a huge trunk.

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  The best car ever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By belarus - January 14 - 2:00 am

  In 2001 me and my wife got Jetta GLS sedan. My friend told me not to get a Mercedes. Well, I wanted to get Jetta and I did. My friends bought MB (e320), BMW (528) and Lexus (rx300). We agreed to collect every paperwork from dealer if there are any problem accures.After 1 year of driving we got our paperwork together and here what weve got: BMW - 7 visits MB - 8 visits Lexus - 5 visits VW - 3 visits That was enough to make my choice for second car. Just 1 month ago we dot VW Passat GLS...

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  Fahrvergnugen! Driving enjoyment! - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By avidr - January 13 - 9:12 am

  I sampled quite a few --Accord, Camry, Mazda6, Fusion, Sonata, etc. The Passat felt the most tuned in. I love the torque curve that kicks in a very low rpms. Up-shifts come quickly, which makes the Passat seem like it has long legs. Im getting nearly 30 mpg in town. It really favors soft-pedalling the gas, but has plenty of juice when needed. Handling is excellent. Seats are comfortable. No squeaks or rattles. Soaks up bumps smoothly. Overall build quality seems to be right on. No USB port?!, so I bought a dual outlet converter. The Bluetooth works very well. Plenty of room. Stickered for $27,500, I paid $24,200, plus 0.9% financing.

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  Solid Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kapusta - January 13 - 8:00 am

  Aside from the ignition coil recall (dealer replaced w/absolutely no problem), lousy windshield wipers ($70 per pair!) and a buzzy dashboard (replaced once already), Ive been happy with my 1.8T Passat. Its a great road car.

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  TDI REPLACEMENT - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By CHRIS CLINE - January 11 - 7:49 pm

  If VW can not upgrade my 2013 TDI then this will be my replacement vehicle. Not happy about the loss of mileage but being 6 `5`` tall love the leg room.

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  VW cust service sucks - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Snia95 - January 9 - 10:00 am

  I was looking to buy a reliable used foreign car and got a great deal from a private owner. However, since I bought the car I have spent $900 so far in things that went wrong after I got a 32 point used car inspection on the car at the orginal VW dealership that sold the car. They are unfriendly and cold. I will probably sell at the end of this year b/c of VWs customer service!

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  Sluggish out of First and Second Gear - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ARP - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks great...I get a lot of very nice comments about the car. Well-made, great features. VERY SLUGGISH in first and second gear. Once you get into higher gears it takes off nicely. Great quality matierial...they did not go cheap on interior or exterior materials.