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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  First VW, first diesel = Dont know why I waited! - 2013 Volkswagen Passat
  By sheepleking - April 21 - 4:33 am

  Traded in a 2011 Rav4 Limited because the fit and finish (i.e. squeaks, rattles, road/wind noise) were terrible. I looked at countless vehicles and finally looked at the Passat. Once I read everything I could, scoured the reviews for any negatives (there werent any) and convinced my wife that diesels arent what they used to be, I took one for an extended test drive and was hooked. Fantastic fit and finish, little or no wind noise at highway speeds (75 to 80), solid "thunks" when the doors are closed and no odd noises from the cabin. Overall - Very happy and look forward to years of quiet, 40+ mpg drives. Ill post follow-ups every few months (as comments) for anyone interested.

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  Fine Car for Big Dogs. - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mumphry Rauschenberg - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This driver is over 6 feet tall and almost 300 lbs, and the Passat is the only smallish car I find comfortable. Interior dimensions are generous and headroom is still good with the power sunroof. Seats and seating position are perfect. Wierdest feature: Multi-function display on dash informs you in a teutonic way ("Refill washer fluid!!!"). Unexpected feature: Lock the car 3 times and the sunroof closes.

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  Excellent Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lenjoe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for six weeks and 4000 miles. In one word "excellent". Very stable at highway speeds and you have no fear of rollover like you would with an SUV. It also give great mileage. On the high ways at 75mph, I get about 31-32 mpg. Overall I have had 26mpg in mixed driving.

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  fun car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By eman1t - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the 1.8t stick for pickup and fuel economy. Chose the leather interior and couldnt be happier. Overall a fun car to drive

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  pass otty - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By matt hew - April 16 - 10:00 am

  luv the feel and performance, wish the styling were more defined

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  Excellence, Perfection - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Anthony Passati - April 15 - 10:53 pm

  Its morning and I cant wait for the drive to work. My 2006 VW Passat makes a commute wonderful. What a fantastic car. I upgraded from the Jettas and dont know if Ill ever go back to a Jetta? Unless I can afford both. Buy one, lease one....whatever...Get in one!

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  Nice car to drive, but unreliable - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By tonester - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car with 15000 mi and remainder of 48/50K warranty and started experiencing problems within 2-3 wks of owning it. The stock 16 in rims started leaking, VW wouldnt fix. Replaced all rims and tires with VW 17 in and that fixed it, cost me alot. A/C went out, VW said it was fine, but after 3 attempts they finally replaced, EVERYTHING, turned out the car had the entire A/C replaced before I bought it. Next, window switches peeled, and didnt work correctly from the 1st month I bought the Passat. Hit the switch to go UP and the window goes DOWN. VW never fixed this even after trying over 5 times. Radio never worked correctly, again VW refused to fix. Rear hatchback is a joke.

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  Love this car! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By lori - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Passat for 2 1/2 years now and I just love it. The car is fun to drive, has a ton of get up and go, is great on gas and I cant say how many compliments I get on the looks. I have the upgraded tires/rims and the car is extremely sporty with a grown up look. I just turned 20,000 miles without a problem. The paddle shifter is fun for sport driving and the turbo lets this baby move! I highly recommend this car!

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  Decent - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By K - April 14 - 3:50 am

  Bought this car after having a Jetta. Loved the Jetta; do NOT love the Passat. Gas mileage 23 combined at best. Recurrent problems that were "fixed" (front headlight shakes, lock/unlock button wont work, one of the locks stuck, window stuck open, screeching noise from dash when cold out and using fan, burning brakes smell) and the seat heater was burning me through the seat. (they repaired that for free though). Will not buy again!

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  Trusted freindly passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By steven rhodes - April 10 - 3:13 am

  We bought the car used and some initial issues and vw stepped up and fixed them with no questions and even replaced some items that we did not expect. The car handled great had plenty of pep when needed and we averaged around 27 mpg. Now we do not have a lead foot but the car on the highway at over 75 still got over 30 mpg. Now after over 140k it is a sad parting as we move up to a mid size suv.