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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  Ive Changed My Mind - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By N1128Q - September 17 - 8:43 pm

  I originally posted a glowing review of this car but Ive changed my mind. Over the past 2k miles, Ive replaced the transmission shift valve, had the oil breather valve break (and went through a court of oil in less than 2k miles), and now have the MIL indicator on all of the time, for reasons unknown. The windshield seems to scratch if anything gets on it. Plus, the car has developed annoying squeaks and rattles. At the 10k service, Im going to have the dealer go over the car with a fine tooth comb to make sure everything is checked out. The dealer is fantastic but the car is not. Very disappointing as I really liked my 2004 Passat.

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  Great Choice - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By jwalt300 - September 17 - 12:16 am

  Ive had this car for just over one year, but have already put 41k miles on it. Had a very small problem early (round 3k miles), where the passenger seatbelt light came on. Dealer fixed it and Ive had no problems since. Im averaging 41mpg (up and down hills/mountains) commuting to work, and Ive gotten as high as 55mpg on "normal" trips. MPG under city conditions not as good (avg maybe 32-36), but still not bad. The more you stay on the highway, the better your mpg. Good leg and shoulder room for tall people (Im 63). Seats could be a little more comfortable, but maybe its because I sit there for longer periods.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Clyde - September 16 - 8:50 pm

  I have a little more than 8,000 miles on my 2002 1.8T 5-speed and so far it has been a great car. Great performance and I have been averaging nearly 28 miles per gallon. I also looked at an A-4 but couldnt see spending the extra money for the Audi. I like the Passats styling and the interior quality is excellent as is the Monsoon sound system . My only complaint is the cost of routine service at the dealer, but theres always Jiffy Lube.

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  moneys worth - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By jim roy - September 16 - 10:00 am

  i am a previous vw owner, 01 jetta diesel, auto trans.. this is my 5th vw. i wanted a passat as soon as i read they were coming out with the diesel. the car is all i had expected & more, very comfortable, quick, economical 40.7 mpg @ average speed of 74 mph on the interstate. wife loves it!!!!!

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  Love This Car! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By vwLUV - September 15 - 10:00 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. I find it difficult to stay under 80 mph on the freeway. It handles great! It also is very luxurious inside. It has a very comfortable ride. I had a 99 Passat before and the changes they made are great. Especially the cup holders. The Monsoon stereo sounds amazing. I love this car. Im extremely happy and satisfied with my purchase.

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  30000 mile report card - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By grillman - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Just hit 30000 miles. At 24000 miles passenger side power window motor replaced under warranty. Numerous squeeks and rattles. Window washer fluid resevoir leaking now.

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  Nice Car! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fred A. S. - September 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the Passat very much - it is a quality car. I find instrumentation difficult to read in the daylight. VW surely could have done a better job designing and lighting controls for daylight operation. It rides like a champ!

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  German Engineering - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jamshid - September 8 - 11:53 pm

  The 2006 Passat is indeed a solid and contrary to the previous models, a luxury car. The interior offers a lot of space, which makes it comfortable for a family of four as mine. With its front and rear air bags, solid construction, and lots of other security measures, it gives you a perfect feeling safety. The build quality, as can be expected from this car manufacturer, is perfect. With its 200 hp, 4-cylinder engine it offers a powerful car with good fuel economy. It is simply fun to drive this beautiful car.

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  2007 Passat Wagon: Value, Quality, FUN! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steven Myers - September 8 - 3:20 pm

  VWs 07 2.0T Passat Station wagon is a hoot. Powerful and agile, it longs for the Autobahn and no speed limit. It looks (and drives) like a much more expensive car. It comes loaded with standard features that might be money-making options and possesses a number of very avantgarde features, this Passat is worth a hard look/purchase. Even the low-end version comes replete with the safety, efficiency, comfort, and engineering features of a luxury vehicle. On the Interstate in MD I got 37 MPG on 87 fuel, with the air conditioning running. It is fast off the blocks with its Tiptronic transmission (with three modes: auto, sport, standard). Im glad I bought mine - Id buy a second Passat if I had a larger garage!

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  Great Car Except for Service - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By johnirish - September 7 - 2:00 am

  My wife & I have very much enjoyed the 99 Passat. Weve found the 4 cylinder turbo to haveexcellent acceleration. Very good ride, comfortable seating, excellent interior space, good sound system (though the AM has failed.) Scheduled maintenance has been pricy in my estimation - $335 for the 40K checkup. The dealers service manager is obnoxious and not does not respect the customers time. A service appointment takes all day even though you are asked to arrive at 8AM. I was going to try another dealer, but have been told they are worse. Because of VWs "attitude" I doubt that I will by another Passat even though I consider it the best car Ive ever owned.