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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  First VW and will not be last! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sigem - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I personally did not have enough moola to upgrade into the higher models, but needed more room than the Jetta. The Passat GL was the perfect car for me. It had everything I needed and even more! The power is kind of weak, but for the price and the budget I was completely satisfied. I was also comparing it against the new Honda Accord and Camry but those look boring! I also want to add that the dealership I would highly recommend you guys to goto Lithia Volkswagen in Concord and meet up with Hoang. The didnt pressure me into any other models, and were really nice. So if your in the Bay Area, California go take a look at these guys.

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  Good Car, But dont buy it - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By zluan - September 4 - 12:22 pm

  Its rly a good car, but the small problems will make u in trouble, i m going to sell it b4 60k miles.

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  Lemon of a 2000 passat - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By tbond - September 4 - 7:43 am

  I forget how many times this lemon of a car has gone into the shop. Bought used from some person who much be must happier now. "Emissions workshop" several times . Water pump dead at 35k. Heater doesnt work. New head gasket required at 70k. Coolant leak. Radio died. Rear seat cupholder broken. Thousands of dollars in repairs that simply should not be required in the first 5 years of a cards life. Great car to drive but wouldnt want to own one.

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  expensive repairs - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By FRANK - September 2 - 7:33 pm

  i bought this car brand new. loved the design and the roomy interior. the glx has many options that the 2008 have. the front brakes were very expensive $750 at the dealer and rear brakes $600. the electronics gave me lots of trouble a module failed and cost me $800 and engine light $300.

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  Winter fun in Style - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By loyalist - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the style of the automobile. It looks great inside and out. I sell real estate and wanted a car that would present a respectable and professional image, and impress but not intimidate my clients. This car shines in winter driving. One time, early on, driving on freezing rain I did a bit of a four wheel drift, but within a few days I became one with this car. I did not use studded tires this past winter- it did not need them. The stock Michelins are awesome all season tires- the car seems to stop and corner as well or better than my 1996 Passat GLX did this past winter with studs. This is a great car for our family.

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  Nicest car I have ever owned - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By mark_j - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have always wanted a European styled sedan but could never afford one. That changed when I purchased my Certified PreOwned 99 Passat GLS V6. What a wonderful car! Compared to other family sedans, it has wonderful handling, adequate power, luxurious well appointed interior, and excellent safety features. However, the car has been in the shop several times for: New exhaust cam, cam chain and tensioner; new control arm(s); new tie rod end; and now is making a mysterious front end noise that no one can identify. Someone speculated the new noise was coming from the differential (!!!)

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  I love my Passat! - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By samster - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car has been dependable, comforatble and a pleasure to drive. There is PLENTY of room for back seat passengers, and the amount of cargo space is amazing. I have had to make several long distance temporary moves for my job. I can fit all of my essential housewares/clothes/belongings in my sedan with no problem!

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  Love my Passat!!!!! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By tiffanyrenee - August 26 - 4:04 pm

  I bought my White, Passat 2.0T Komfort in 2011 used with 49, 000 miles. I had an oil consumption problem at first. I had to add oil every 500 to 600 miles but the VW dealership ran three oil consumption test found that there was a problem and fixed it. Other than some other recalls I am now at 83,000 miles and love the ride. I keep up the maintenance, bought new tires, new brake and rotors, and I am good to go. Did I say I love this car? I do.

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  Stay away - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By cuse311 - August 23 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years now and while it was fun during the warranty period, lately it has been a real drain on my finances to keep it running. Problem after problem keeps showing up from sensors, coils, thermostat. If you like to be punished then go out and buy one, otherwise stay away. This car is very unreliable and very, very expensive to fix.

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  Its almost everywhere perfect car!!! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tim - August 22 - 5:23 am

  I have been so satisfied with my Passat Performance 200HP 207TQ is good enough when I need power and its comfort as well as my dads E350. Surprisingly, it still has great fuel economy I can get 60 MPH/ Cruise 37.5 MPG 65 MPH/ Cruise 35 MPG 70MPH/ Cruise 32 MPG In local way, I usually got more than 25 (26~27) Not to mention that it looks awesome in and outside. I dont know whats gonna happen in the future though but the Reliability is so far so great. and I can kinda feel this build Quality which is so much concerned by VW I love it so much!!