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 one in years - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By Doug Haught - July 27 - 5:25 pm

  Absolutely NO problems. Excellent performance, responsive and all the acceleration you need when merging into high speed highways BEFORE I found I was lied to by VW about ecology. Modifitction is expected to ruin economic advantage of the vehicle which was why I bought it. I wont be holding on to this one and it will be my last.

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  Sporty family vehicle! - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dale123 - July 27 - 1:02 pm

  I am overall pleased with our 2012 Passat we purchased from Birmingham Luxury Motors in Hueytown, AL. The car handles great, has plenty of power and holds THREE car seats comfortably. This is the first Volkswagen Ive owned and Im very happy of my purchase. Im 6 5" and I have ample amount of room and the trunk space is a huge commodity.

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  Go for it - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By davef - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a demo w/ 4,500mi. Very please with ride and comfort. Everything very tight. Radio reception leaves something to be desired but with a CD in the Monsoon sound system is great. Also stereo system just did not wrk one day. Took to dealer who pulled plug and replugged. No trouble since. Some areas of "chrome" molding are foggy. Dont know why. Acceleration a little delayed but when it kicks in watch out.

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  You Wil love It - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By outdoors_394 - July 27 - 2:00 am

  We love Our 02 Passatt. It is comfortable on long trips, good accelaration, love the Monsoon sound system. Have received lots of compliments on the looks. Black on black. A few small problems occurred but were taken care of by VWs warrenty.

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  I love driving this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By almica - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased my Passat a month ago, and I just cannot stop admiring all of its wonderful features. I got leather package, Monsoon surround sound system, EPS extras and, of course, manual transmission. The handling of the car is breath taking. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who truly enjoys and appreciates driving a high quality vehicle.

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  Reliability - Long Term in Question. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chicago M - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Two topis of concern are the paint finish and the transmission. To start off,the paint has oxidized in some places and scratches too easily. The other more troubling area is the transmission which has just been replaced by VW. The question I have is this car a lemon or what else is going to go wrong. This car is too new for this kind of trouble to happen.

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  Such A Shame... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobignacio - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ride, comfort and interior is exceptional. Over the past year, however, weve had it in the shop several times...engine coils. An engine coil seems to go bad and the "Emissions" light will go on. We also had to have the drivers side seat belt replaced (it wouldnt release after button pressed). Now, there is a burnt rubber smell coming from under the hood and it is very noticeable when the heater is on...it is going back to the shop. We love this car soo much, however, the constant problems have persuaded us to replace it...Such a shame. Oh yeah...the Emissions light came on again today (1/28/03).

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  Disappointed - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By shark - July 23 - 11:10 am

  This otherwise enjoyable and luxurious family sedan is proving unreliable in the long-term. My repairs in the past nice months include: new vacuum hoses; rear brake rotors; power steering rack; and inner/outer tie rods. To add insult to injury, VW dealers charge outrageous rates for routine service: $575 for 40,000 mile service; $60 for oil change; $140 for a brake fluid flush! Sadly, with the mounting repair and service costs, its time to ditch this pariah for something much more reliable.

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  German Quality at a Bargain - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ask - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Shotlisted the Honda Accord EX and the Passat 1.8T. The Passat was a hands down winner. The interior is well appointed. Good quality materials used. I got the luxury package and the leather seats are just great. Although the Honda has far greater horsepower, the Passat felt more solid on the drive and handling. Do not make your choice before driving this baby.

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  Great German Car - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By mbehn - July 16 - 1:19 pm

  Have had this 09 since 8/09. It runs flawlessly and is a very enjoyable family sedan. Storage is HUGE, performance is tight and torque is excellent. High end smooth comfortable ride with great control. Most of the benefits of Audi w/o price tag. Great bargains to be had (this one was $5K off sticker). No, not as cheap as a Camry or Honda, but much more style, class and fun to drive. This car is a sleeper and soon to be changed and produced in Mexico - its a buy.