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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  Overall, a Great Pick - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By cknudsen - December 23 - 6:20 am

  I bought this car as an economical AWD car with great features. My only disappointment with it has been the gas poor mileage. Over two years the best mileage that I have gotten has been 24.5 mpg and the worst was 20 mpg and I am averaging around 22-23. Since I traded in my previous car in hopes of the 28 mpg on the sticker, this is a disappointment. It has great pickup for a 4-cylinder vehicle. The interior is very nice with comfortable seats. This car has only been in the shop for routine service (24,000 miles and counting). Note: some places (Walmart, etc.) will not do oil changes on this car.

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  love my passat and support vw! - 2016 Volkswagen Passat
  By Edward Zhao - December 22 - 10:45 am

  i love Passat from my first look at this car (i also test drove and like subaru legacy ), which is obviously very nice and very well built in every detail. design is both classical, detailed and appropriate. the ride is very comfortable and quiet. engine is enough for me or even pretty strong if you press pedal hard. very roomy for second row guests. i got Passat at a great price partly because of recent diesal scandal. although i love it, i was hesitant due to some bad comments. but once i get it, i fell in love it, and dis not have any issues so far. i cant comment on long term reliability, but the initial quality, original parts, assembly are in high quality and flawless. it is way way better than my toyota cars in terms of premium feeling and detailed consideration. safety is very good and actually my top reason to pick this car. mine passat is just the base model, but are still well equipped. compared to Passat, my toyotas (rav4, matrix) is much simpler, but has been proved to be super reliable. vw now has problems, but i think a company that builds such a nice, quality car (especially on the fundamental side which demonstrate its responsibility and professionalism), deserve my love and support. if other vw models are similarly competitive on pricing as my Passat, i may only buy vw in the future.

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  Cant beat it for the price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bruynje - December 21 - 4:00 pm

  Buying the diesel was the best thing that i could do. I have a dodge ram with a Hemi with $ 800 per month fuel bills. now i spend about 200 USd per month. The car is for my wife but its really the only vehicle we use. m consistant fuel miles are averageing 32-33 MPG city and highway. at 85 mph i get about 32 mpg. If you keep it to 75-78 mpg you will get 38-39 mpg with the AC running. The engine noise is strong in the first 2000 miles but then it really smoothens out. Diesels are meant to be driven, so if you keep it in the garage, buy a gas engine. There is a big of a turbo lag below 1500 RPM but once you pass the lag the power is great.

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  Love this car- lots of great things BUT a few not - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ryan K - December 21 - 5:32 am

  Overall I like this car and am happy with the purchase. I think the interior layout is nicer than an accord or camry. I am a big fan of the Mazda6 but it had only one engine option at the time. That being said the Mazda6 may be a better overall choice. The Accord V6 has better shifting/acceleration from a stop and the Camry I am sure will last longer with lower maintenance costs. I am 67 and I can sit in the back without moving my seat from the location I had it in the front. Thus for tall people, or people with rear-facing child seats this car is great! I like the simple but stylish interior - to be expected in a VW. The DSG transmission is great once moving BUT there is a lag when moving from a start that isnt great and takes some getting used to. The trunk is HUGE (I can get a large stroller or a dual stoller in there). The price was very good - I bought a CPO with 11,000 miles. The navigation/entertainment system is slow - especially the back-up camera. It takes so long that you may just reverse without it..... an improvement in processing speed of the unit would be great. Also the HVAC isnt as solid as VWs of the past (Ive had 5). The AC will eventually kick in but in hot temps over say 85/90 it can take upwards of 15-20 minutes. So... overall I recommend this vehicle. The newer 4cyl is a great option as well that addresses some of these issues.

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  cool car dude - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mtbstevo - December 19 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had this car for a year, and I still get compliments. This car feels like luxury (even though it has cloth seats) is a pleasure to drive. I drove it almost 800 miles in one day, and the miles just flew by (averaged over 80mph no problem). Had a head gasket leak, but VW replaced it no questions. Its been running pretty strong otherwise, although the electronic ignition hesitates in cold temps (<40). The car is very responsive on the highway and almost has that "driving on rails" german feel to it, and the cabin is very quiet (not quite Lexus quiet but close). A little bigger than the A4 but a fraction of the price. Was trying to hold out for new Legacy but no regrets with the VW.

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  GLS TDI - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By anchor5072 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately the TDI model has not yet been recognized by Edmunds, so I am using the closest fit. I am comparing to my Audi A6, which is not fair, but considering it cost about $15K less the Passat does quite well. Very pleased with the Turbo, not only the mileage but the performance is great. I drove through a very heavy rain storm a couple of days ago, many cars sitting it out on the side of the road, but the Passat felt secure and handled quite well. Overall I highly recommend the TDI, if you can find one. Color selection has been limited, but I lucked out and got a Blue Silver with Black leather. A real beauty.

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  Still W8ing - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Gille1 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the car as my 7th Passat and 20th VW and was looking forward to a fast and sporty ride. The car is neither. Acceeleration lag from stand still is down right dangerous and then you jump like a frog! Gas mileage is horrendous ( 12 miles in City?). Back brakes warped & replaced at 20K. Tried to sell and realized one dealer offered all remaining 2003 W8s at $8K disocunt! W8ing for a better Audi or Lexus.

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  Compares with cars that cost $10K more! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By 65dodgers - December 17 - 9:58 am

  I just bought a top of the line V-6 SEL Premium and I am loving it. I was looking for a luxury sedan with reasonable gas mileage and had driven almost everything under $45K. I was prepared to get the Cadillac ATS 2.0T Luxury with an MSRP of about $44K. I leased a new Passat for my wife back in 02 and remembered it was a reliable car so I thought I would stop at the VW dealer on my way to get the Cadillac. Needless to say I never made it to the Caddy dealer. This car blew me away with its price and performance. The ride and interior space is comparable to the Mercedes E350 or Acura RL. For less than the price of a base model Cadillac ATS, I was able to get a fully loaded Passat V-6 SEL

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  Excited about driving again - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Big man happy - December 17 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car last June 04, not too sure what to think about having a grocery getter. I had Honda Civic which was too small (6’4 frame, plus new baby), so I had nothing to lose. The room inside is much bigger than I thought; it can hold five adults comfortably with no lag on the turbo/engine. The back end is ideal for when my wife goes shopping, now she can buy more. I wish I ordered it with the bigger wheels and engine. Overall its a car that I can trust in going up to Michigan(coming from VA) in the winter or load it up for the beach.

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  Just bought it - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By sunnybeach - December 16 - 1:34 pm

  Picked the 2013 Passat SEL TDI premium up at VW of Beaumont last night. Paid 29.9k before taxes 32.2k with taxes and dealer fees. 0% Financing! Wife drove it 95 miles back to Humble Texas and was very impressed with the ride, comfort and features. Most of which she does not know how to use yet! We ran 75-80 most of the way home and registered 43.2 avg mpg for that trip! Drove it at 65 for a stretch and the instant mpg was reading 48.4 consistantly! I am 63" 265 lbs and the seating fit me very well. My wife is 54" 125 lbs and the seating fit her very well too. I rode in the back seat for a spell and found that it has plenty of room for a big tall person like myself.