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:

• 

  Pretty Good except for CLUNK - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By ejmurph - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Took delivery $29900 of Blue Silver w/ black from Patrick VW/Saab in Auburn,Ma. Good to deal with.Wish the drivers seat was larger - the lower bolster digs into my thigh. Acceleration has to be mangaged with a deft toe feel versus just booting it from a dead stop...otherwise, it just lags and can be scary if youre darting into local traffic. The ride is terrific, not quite as good as my 02 Saab 9-5 but very fun and reassuring. Gas mi. is 21.5 mpg in mixed driving. Unfortunately, Ive experienced the dreaded low-speed clunk. Fortunately, with help from the forum, the dealer pursued the factory on this and has scheduled a visit to correct the Trans. Control Unit.

• 

  Dont buy if you drive a lot - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By R.S. - June 21 - 1:33 am

  I got exactly what I wanted with this car. Comfort and good quality. Its quiet as well, and designed well inside. From the outside its boring (which is fine with me, but bad if you drive to impress). But the build quality is excellent. The finish resists minor bumps and scratches. I had a minor fender bender and it didnt even scratch the bumper. It has three really bad points, though. First, it has terrible mileage (14 miles/gallon around town, which gets pricey when you also have to use 91 octane fuel ). Second, the fuel tank is small, so I only get 190 miles per tank. Last, the steering wheel takes a lot of effort to turn. Thats fine with me, but my wife wont drive it.

• 

  Perfect family wagon - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By driver in Atlanta - June 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought this car new and have loved it. The ride is very smooth and the car just feels solid - very nice on the highway. Leather seats are well worth the extra expense.

• 

  Love the 2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nick - June 16 - 5:46 pm

  I just took delivery of my 06 Passat 3 days ago, the first night I sat in it for 2 hours figuring all of the options out. The upgraded Dyna Audio system with the XM radio is sweet. The leather is really nice, the sun/moon roof is very quite even wide open. The transmission is cool with the 3 different options. Regular drive, sport and tiptronic. I have not even gotten to the smooth ride and quickness. The lease special is the deal. I traded a 2000 Jetta.

• 

  W8 Passat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Man - June 16 - 1:00 pm

  This car has given me nothing but joy since I bought it. The design is great and the comfort super. Also, for a V8 engine is is remarkably fuel effcient. They are hard to come by, but well worth the extra effort to find one.

• 

  Excellent ownership experience - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fishman - June 16 - 3:46 am

  Hands down the best car Ive ever purchased. Traded in my A6. The Passat still looks great even after 2 years and 22,000 miles. The only problem Ive had is the windshield washer not working which the dealer fixed right away. Other than that just regular maintenance. Im getting first class treatment from the dealer. They treat me better than the Audi dealer (Don Rosen) ever did. I am using regular gas and still getting 36 mpg on the highway, 25 mpg around the neighborhood. The interior is so solid. Not one creak or rattle. It has been a pleasure to drive and I will definitely be looking at the Passat CC next year.

• 

  grey ghost - 2015 Volkswagen Passat
  By dale madden - June 15 - 10:32 am

  Comfortable with lots of room and a huge trunk. Simple controls. Fun to drive. Acceleration and brakes are a little touchy. This is my second VW and they still havent gotten rid of the rattles. Going to have to take it to the dealer to see if they can fix the one in the drivers door cause its driving me nuts. But I still love the car. Good value.

• 

  Bad Decision - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By bauerinav - June 14 - 5:39 pm

  Bought a 2005 Passat in Nov, 2010 (less than 2 months ago). Its been in the shop 5 times already with the engine light on. Each time its supposedly fixed, yet within 2 weeks the light is back on again. Thank God its still under warranty - car only has 60k miles on it! Issues have been:misfire, MAF, oxygen sensor, computer update, and vacuum seal. Im beginning to think the car will need to be traded in before the warranty expires! VW has not been helpful at all. Wanted a vehicle with a great service department - have yet to experience that. Shouldve kept my Saturn - at 150k miles it had less issues!

• 

  Great German Marvel - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jey - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Except for some reliability issues and improperly trained technicians at services, this is a great car. VW must ratify these issues before they become out of hand.

• 

  Theres just something about the wagon. Its sexy - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By john john - June 12 - 4:09 pm