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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  Best Car I have had! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Zablan - August 19 - 2:56 pm

  This is easily the best car I have had and continue to have. It is extremely reliable considering I do push the car hard and never service it more than once a year/ It now has over 285000 miles on the clock and still runs perfect. I also have a Audi A4 (2007) and daughter has a BMW 530 (2006), its definitely a better car than these and a bargain on fuel consumption, maintenance and insurance. The only problem I have is the velvour interior attracts dust and looks out of date now and the build design is boring. But if your not worried about its looks then this is probably the best car in the world. Note its popular with cabbies hence must be reliable and cheap to run.

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  2010 Passat - 2010 Volkswagen Passat
  By TB - August 19 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Passat as a commuter car between Sacramento and San Francisco Bay area. After 7000 miles in eight weeks, Im averaging 32 MPG while driving 75-80 MPH. The car is a wonderful cruiser with excellent performance and handling. At 63" and nearly 300 pounds, I have adjusted the seat and steering wheel so that I am very comfortable during my daily three hour and 190 mile commute. The armrests are perfectly positioned to further create the ideal driving position. The DSG transmission and the turbo engine really make this a fun car to drive. The optional 18" wheels really turn an average looking car into one of the best looking sedans in this price segment.

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  An experience. - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By limee925 - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Liked the car for the ability to transport 2 German Shepherds and humans comfortably. Plenty of room and very comfortable with the heated leather seats and pretty good gas mileage. The steering was pleasantly weighted and got heavier the faster the vehicle moved, giving a feeling of solidity and feeling well planted and secure. Cruised well. Unfortunately after a mere 8000 miles of ownership, the engine compartment combusted today necessitating a 911 call to extinguish the flames.

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  NEVER...EVER...AGAIN!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michelle - August 19 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car brand new in 07. "Service Now" light has appeared on dash since first oil change. Electronic E-brake has left me stranded, and now rarely works..gets stuck on daily. Interior "chrome" has peeled on shifter, as well as peeling on door lock buttons. Xenon bulbs have had to be replaced on both sides, twice..$165/bulb!! Drivers side heated seats only worked for one year. Rear seat has loose stitching in spots...seat has only been used a handful of times, ever. EPC light illuminated on dash and caused expensive repairs to fix. Door lock sensor became stuck on and needed to be brought in for service. Engine is now experiencing tremendous turbo lag. DO NOT BUY!!

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  Best overall in its class - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rock - August 14 - 12:00 pm

  Looking for SUV/AWD wagon? The 4motion came out on top for value in my book. SUVs are unsafe and too expensive on gas. Plus they cost more than the VW when loaded. The VW handled way better than the Outback VDC, although the Subey had a little more power. But for the same price, go for the better styling, more fun to drive, better resale of the VW. I did.

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  No Problems-Love it - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By caz - August 13 - 10:33 am

  This is my 2nd Passat; I had an 03 as well and both were purchased new. Ive never had any issues with either of them. The 1st had 97K on it when I sold it, my current has 80K. Im considering waiting for the new Passat CC to come out. I prefer German cars over Japanese.

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  Best Value Going - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Matthew - August 12 - 10:13 am

  This car is one of the best values, hands down. It is the quality and feel of a BMW for the price of a Nissan. The interior is high quality and the car feels heavy and solid. Has pleanty of power on the road, and the indigo instrument panel makes the car feel like the cockpit of a small plane. Highly recommended.

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  VOLKSWAGEN: No longer for the "VOLKS" - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mcVT - August 11 - 9:16 pm

  After about five weeks, the transmission in my 2003 Volkswagen Passat failed (fortunately the warranty covered it, at no cost to us). Throughout the time that we have owned this car, we have had it in the shop for warranty issues more often than we like. There is always for some molding or other annoying piece that really has no business failing off. Despite the legendary quality of German engineering, little problems with this car have been getting to us, like the windows freeze shut at the slightest hint of ice and you cant open the rear hatch without unlocking it. It has been difficult as a family vehicle, particularly with two young kids and a dog. It is just too small for our family. Other than that, it has been a great car.

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  Passat 1.8T gl - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ron Sawicky - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 17 cars since starting to drive and I can honestly say that this is the best car I have owned. I actually look forward to driving it to work each day. I would buy the same car again without hesitating one moment. Considering the available competition, that says alot!

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  Fun to Drive, Very Luxurious - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Yak - August 10 - 9:30 am

  My 2001 Volkswagen Passat is a great car. It is fun, reliable, comfortable, and really feels like a luxury car. I get many compliments when I give people rides, or pick clients up from the airport with it.