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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  What A Steal! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By VdubCrzy - May 26 - 1:43 am

  Just bought the 2007 Passat Wolfsburg edtion and I couldnt be happier! This is my third VW, two 2 Jettas and now this. The 2007 Passat is a drivers dream on a limited budget. When comparing this vehicle to others in the same class, BMW, Mercedes, Volvo and Acura, I was amazed at the amount of money I was able to save while still being able to ride in style. Heated leather seats, navigation, 6 disc CD changer, Tiptronic transmission, and a ton of safety features at no additional cost - how could you not fall in love. Its a NO brainer!!

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  My first car - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By lanczer - May 22 - 4:03 pm

  My Father has owned 7 VWs in his lifetime. When it was time for me to get my licence my dad gave me his passat. I got it with 170,000 miles on it and absolutely no problems. This car was bought new and driven everywhere. I have driven many cars and this was by far my favorite. Its a Luxury Experience with superb handling and performance for its size. Only a short year after getting the car i was hit by a drunk driver. i was driven of the road, went airborne, and ended up in the woods. All of the airbags went off and i was able to walk away completely unscathed. The care was totaled but needless to say this car saved my life. Just yesterday i bought another one. I cant live without my VW.

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  Great car with major problems - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By lajsdl;jaf - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We love this car, but weve had to replace the head gasket at 26K and the steering rack is shot in it = $2,000. Well never buy a VW again.

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  Just Right For Me - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By BeenEverywhere - May 21 - 6:00 pm

  I feel I have owned the car long enough to have thoroughly judged it. Mine is a fully loaded sport/luxury package minus the nav (won’t pay the price for a factory nav) I bought the car new and compared the BMW 330, Mercedes CLK, Audi and Maxima. For me the bang for the buck in the Passat was a winner. I am 6’4” and this car fit me best of all those. I regularly make 300+ miles and my back and legs do excellent! I paid less than most and more than others got a great deal for the package. A feature I refused to pay for but now can’t live out are parking sensors! There is a weird hesitation on the throttle that everyone deals with. It took me 6 months to master but now I don’t even notice.

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  VW Passatt GLS 2000 - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By m&j - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Since I purchased my 2000 VW Passat I have had absolutely no problems. The car has been excellent and has not required any major or minor mechanical repairs. I have driven the car twice to Florida (w/out stopping) and got excellent gas mileage (at 30+mpg!). Reliable, safe, economical and good looking!

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  Beats my Mazda 6 - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By KJBell - May 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car used as a VW Certified vehicle for my wife. Since, I own a new 2003 Mazda 6s, I was amazed at how well this car compares and excels vs. the Mazda. Once you get used to some of the quirky German engineering controls for wipers and onboard computer, all the controls become intuitive. This car is as fun to drive as any I have driven and when compared to my Mazda 6s, exceeds in just about every category. I especially like the cool blue glow of the instruments.The 4Motion is great in the snow and ice of New England winters.

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  6 year review - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjss - May 15 - 3:53 pm

  Wagon running as good as new....yes, there have been a few recalls and maintenance can be expensive ($75 oil changes). But maintenance is the key to these cars. I would never buy Used unless I had copies of all oil changes, etc...

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  From Honda back to VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By radin2son - May 15 - 5:36 am

  Planned to downsize from 99 Accord Ex & 02 Civic Si to 1 car in future, but VW pricing & incentives too good to pass up. My foreign car mechanic, who always said buy Honda or Toyota, vouched for the newer TDI engine and Passats. Hes not seeing problems in his shop. Wagon choices are few, and this one meets our needs. (This is not a "sport wagon.") Very happy with fit & finish, plus there are plenty of diesel stations nearby. Have to get used to startup; seems too slow, but more pressure on accelerator is too quick. Have to get used to this along with engine hum, not growl, and low rpms on tach. Letting 5 speed auto do its thing.

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  Expensive to Own and Operate - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lars - May 14 - 4:50 pm

  I bought this car new and still own it. At 67,000 miles the timing belt broke causing the valves to hit the pistons. This was covered under the warranty, but the dealer was very confrontational and I thought at one point that I may have to sue them. The ingition module has gone out twice, and now it has some other yet to be determined problem. If you buy one of these be aware the timing belt needs replacement (~$750) every 60,000 miles or you will ruin your engine and you need to uses synthetic oil in it

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  This is a Real Mans Car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By tommy - May 13 - 12:00 am

  I just bought my 1999 Passat three days ago, and it has well over 100,000 miles on it. I bought it from the original owner who kept the car as clean as a show room model car. I have a 2.8 litre V6 30 valve engine with a rare 5-speed transmission. I also have heated front seats, heated side mirrors, leather, sunroof, rear window shade, and every option I believe you can get. The 5-speed transmission is well worth the time, as I like 4 door performance sedans, the Maxima was another choice that I was considering, but when it comes to build quality and ride, i think the Passat took it hands down. On the highway the car is nearly flawless, hearing nothing but the sound of your own voice saying how happy you are to own this machine. I will buy another Passat.