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:

• 

  Love this Passat! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Lover - October 8 - 4:46 pm

  This is a great car and it should be at this price. Optioned out, its not cheap, but its a car with great performance, even with the 4-cyl engine, which is what I have. Its fuel economy is good, the car is roomy, it has great built quality and awesome looks. I wish the steering wheel was power adjustable or easier to get to the adjustment handle. The navigation system is pretty easy to use, even without the owners manual. The sound system is great, and I love how easy it is to use the sunroof with the rotary knob. Its rear and side visibility could be a tad better, but it has great front visibility. I love the turn signals in the side view mirrors and the heated mirrors and heated washer fluid nozzles.

• 

  STAY AWAY! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By elijahmike - October 7 - 9:30 am

  I bought my 2006 Passat 2.0T loaded w/ everything but Navigation as a Certified PreOwned. Long story short. In the first 3 months of ownership car brokedown once and needed to be towed (electrical brake stuck and couldnt drive), transmission issues, buttons pealing, rear door wouldnt close shut, Tire Monitoring System Failure, and the list goes on. Car was down 27 days in first 3 months and VW put $5200 into it...thank God for the CPO warranty! Not to mention this car stickered for over $30K and now they want to give me $12K for trade in...what happened to VW resale. This Passat when working is much funner than Camry or Accord, and looks better IMO but just not worth the HEADACHE!

• 

  Dont waste your time or money - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By unhappy vw owner - October 6 - 10:46 pm

  If she didnt wreck my Civic I wouldnt be on here. Parts are outrageous, car has hardly any power looking for new engine now after for months ownership cheap interior, loose steering, radio has bad reception. Seat recliners are bad, nothing good about this car but the sunroof. Turbo is extremely weak. So dont try to talk youre dad into it because its definitely not worth the hassle first hand. Bad idea.

• 

  What a Mistake! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Karen - October 4 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this car new in 2003, it was my first experience with a Volkswagon. I now now it will be my last. The first month the starter went and I was without a car for days. I unfortunately continued to bring the car to the dealership and never got out of there under $1000, even for routine service. The recalls have been numerous, and my pants actually caught fire with the lovely heated seats prior to the recall. I recently replaced an axle, and now I am told I may need a new transmission. I dont even have 80,000 mile yet. My back doors do not unlock, the handle came off the glovebox, the alarm no longer sounds when I leave the lights on, the sunroof gets stuck open, ....on and on..

• 

  I love my VW Passat! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sienna47 - October 4 - 1:03 am

  This was my first VW and will likely not be my last. Since buying my car new in 2000 and putting just about 135,000 miles on it, I have had no major issues with it at all. Yes, repairs are a bit costly, but with regular maintenance, my car has been pretty much problem-free. I intend to hold onto this car for a while simply because its such a solid, well-built car.

• 

  VW HAS A DEFINITE COIL PROBLEM - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jerry - October 3 - 9:30 pm

  I have been down the coil road with VW. They will not admit that it is a major problem with their car. I have almost been stranded twice with the coil problem. Once I was at the dealer & they told me I would have to wait until the following week to get it fixed. It is a really simple thing to replace . I called a friend (Mechanic) & he knew right away & told me to buy a coil at the dealer & he talked me through changing it. It was a trial & error method because I didnt know which one of the 4 was bad. It turned out to be #1 coil. 2 weeks later # 2 died. I replaced it & the other 2 & have solved my problem. I hope the new ones are more reliable! Also had to replace a front axle

• 

  Engine Sludge/Awful Quality - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By GT - October 3 - 6:56 pm

  I have 8 2007 Passats that I use as TaxiCabs. 3 engines and 4 transmissions have already gone. Granted, we put alot of miles on it, but the turbo engine just does not stand up. Computer requires multiple visits to the dealer for reflash and these cars are absolutely draining the company wallet. Ive always owned Audis and VWs and never had so much trouble. Absolute money pit.

• 

  consistency - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By stefi - October 2 - 2:00 am

  First fell in love with Passat overseas. This is my first brand new Passat, but even two different used Passats were so well built and reliable, I had to have a new one. I never worry about this car leaving me stranded with mechanical problems. Besides routine maintenance, I have not seen a mechanic in years! Buying a Volkswagen is a perfect way to enjoy smart,solid German engineering without the prices of Mercedes and BMW!

• 

  VWPassat GLX Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By J.Haidar - October 2 - 2:00 am

  If you have not bought one, please do and you better go for the best,GLX.

• 

  I Love It - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By chrisfromnh - October 1 - 5:00 am

  Before I bought my Passat, I test drove almost every competing car: Accord, Altima, S40/S60, Fusion, Charger, Mazda, etc. I also drove a few Certified PreOwned Volvos and Audis. In the end I chose the Passat because I felt for they type of car I was looking for, it was the best value. I have not been disappointed.