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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  Solid German Built Sedan - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BigDsB5.5 - April 30 - 11:46 pm

  I love this car, its my second VW, and after coming out of a GTI with the same motor, it did feel a little doggish, but the car weighs more, and also has an auto tranny. But its great, very comfortable cruising at any speed, and extremely smooth. Anyone looking at a 3 series needs to get over the brand hype. This is similar in size to a 5 series, but for a much reduced price, and you dont sacrifice too much by way of features. I wouldnt choose anything else.

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  2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By motorjim - April 27 - 2:40 pm

  My 2006 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T is great when it is not in the shop. Mine has been in the shop for five different problems in 7,000 miles. It is very glitchy. I am very concerned about ownership post warranty.

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  VW vs. BMW - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Carlos N. - April 27 - 5:40 am

  I own a 2005 BMW 530 with the Prem. and Spts Pkg. On 12/1/05 I bought a VW Passat 2.0 T Pkg. 2 with 17" wheels, Dynaudio, and mats. The car listed for $30,000. This car was for my wife, but now we seem to like the VW as we go out in it more than in the BMW. For the size of the engine, it is probably the best for the money. I highly recommend the car. I am thinking about getting a 3.6 All Whell Drive Passat with GPS ($40,000). It seems to run like a BMW 550i for $22,000 less.

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  VW Passat TDi - 1997 Volkswagen Passat
  By sky - April 27 - 4:13 am

  My 1997 Volkswagen Passat TDI drives well, and gets great fuel economy (50 at high altitude, 45 @ sealevel). However, this is the worst car I have ever owned in terms of non-drivetrain repairs. the quality of construction and materials are very substandard. I have experienced repeated component failures, and have had to make repeated repairs for same item. Owners of newer ones (2004-2005) have reported identical and worse complaints. this car has very shoddy materials and worksmanship. My 83 Toyota (340k miles) is more reliable than the VW ever was.

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  Definitely Not a Camry! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ken - April 25 - 3:30 pm

  The Passat 3.6 4Motion is quite an awesome car! I did months of extensive research on buying a replacement car for my wife; deciding between the 2007 Camry, 2007 Infiniti G35, and the 2006 Acura TL. Although the Camry is a better value, the Passat is so much more fun to drive! The G35 and TL were just too expensive and lacked interior rear seat room. I have two teen sons over 6 tall and they have plenty of room in the back seat. The value for what you get in the Passat is awesome; you get Mercedes/BMW amenities for a Buick price! Although the car listed at $40,000 (sport package, fully loaded), I was able to get it for $33,000 from the dealer, as they were hot to get rid of the 2006 models; making it an incredible value!

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By BassDSSO - April 24 - 7:10 pm

  I admit that I am a VW fan and after anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Passat TDI, I can positively confirm that I still am a VW fan. I absolutely love this car, it handles great, the power is amazing (I live in Duluth, MN with lots of hills and climbing the hills is no problem at all), and the performance in mileage has been wonderful (32mpg in city, 42mpg highway). The cabin is very comfortable and the seats are made for long drives with lots of support. Plus the stereo system is totally awesome!

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  Waste of Money. Do not buy. - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Angela - April 24 - 1:56 pm

  I bought a 2006 VW 2.0t passat, with 48,000 miles in may of 2009. This car is a piece of junk. Thank goodness I had a certified pre-owned warranty on it, good until 75,000.2 months after buying this, a transmission valve (I think that what its called. Not much of a car expert.) broke. Repair costs totaled $1400.00, which I didnt have to pay b/c of the warranty. 5 months later, the check engine light came on. VW told me that my gas cap wasnt on tight enough. I took it to the dealer, $2200.00 worth of stuff wrong. Once again, all covered under warranty, thankfully. Last week, had to have the car towed from work. Engine gasket broke and pcv valve bad. $500.00. Trading it in tomorrow.

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  Burns Oil - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By rrosborough - April 24 - 11:09 am

  I bought my Passat brand new off the show room floor. I was thrilled to have this car. It looked good, ran good, and for the first 50,000 miles I didnt have any problems. Then I began to realize that it burns oil ridiculously. I took it in to have the dealership run an oil consumption test, and of course they said it was fine. Told me it burns 1qt of oil for every 1,200 miles. So I had the option of not driving my car as much, getting oil changes sooner, or just plain ol adding oil. Either way it really sucks. Took the joy of my car away from me. Im pleased with it, but I dont like having to keep up with the oil consumption, adding oil, or changing oil more frequently.

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  Whats with the side chrome moldings - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Go2guy - April 23 - 4:30 pm

  Looked and drove the Highlander Limited, this Passat, and a Camry XLE. This Passat impressed us the most. I just bought the car and when I went to pick up the new car. It turns out both of the passenger side doors had badly damaged chrome strips. I refused to take the car until they were replaced. The manager said the problem with the chrome strips happens in about one in 20 Passat Wagons...he said the manufacture published a bulletin warning dealers about the problem. Im worried the car might have structural damage and the dealer is pulling my leg. Does anybody out there know anything about this problem? I pick up the car in two days. Sure would like to hear about the door issue.

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  German Stalwart - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By kissfan - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Not even a hiccup of a problem after $65k. The fuel economy has been terrific, averageing 30 MPG during my daily commute. The performance is solid and the fit and finish is industry leading, as expected in VW/Audi products. Cup holders are insufficient, but usable. New passengers in the car alway comment on the interior lights. Love the turbo, next to no lag. Say no to Accords and Camrys and make a statement.