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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  Passat - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By shannyb - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Great car. I have had a couple minor problems with the glove box latch and the trunk latch not working, but both were easily repaired at no cost to me by the dealer.

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  Great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Maria - April 9 - 7:10 am

  Only had it a few weeks, but it is an awesome car. The only thing I would change is making the rear view window bigger to look out of. Love it, love the ride, the handling, the price!

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  Very Impressive - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert - April 7 - 1:56 am

  VW cut no corners in this vehicle. Quality craftmanship on the interior especially with the seats, dash board, access to controls and visibility. Very tight car with little outside noise. No rattles! Exterior is very attractive with features such as turning headlights. You can see and feel a lot of Audi in the car. This is my third Passat and will consider a 4th when time runs out on this vehicle. AWESOME CAR!

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  Never another VW - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By Earl - April 6 - 12:36 am

  This has been my worst vehicle I have owned,first Wagon sold in Oklahoma nothing but mechanical problems. Electronic sensors contnue to go out which are expensive to replace, 82000 had timing belt replaced plus other repairs, $1200.00 now all cylinders misfiring, another electronic sensor,$800.00 plus. The timing chain behind cam loose and chewed up plastic shield making shrill sound when running, cost to replace $1100 plus. If I had taken it back to dealer would be much more. If I can sell it after repaired for what it is costing me to repair it will be gone and replaced with an American made car. If you have more money than you need by a VW it will soon be gone.

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  2nd Passat in our garage - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Vdubtx - April 5 - 2:53 pm

  We just picked up a 2nd Passat. Our other is a 2007 luxury model. Great prices on the car with a maximum bang for buck. Stated fuel economy is only 28 on highway. I regularly get 32 with cruise at 65. I have driven Passats since 1998 when they came out with their redesign and have not been without atleast one since then. I love them for the fun driving and the great looks.

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  What a fun car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sanford12 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had more compliments on this cars looks than any car Ive ever owned and they continue after 2 years of ownership. I love the turbo and the Tip-tronic works great. This is a smooth driving car even at speed(120mph and it felt like it had plenty left)and carves through curvy roads with ease. The Home link garage door opener failed and the Monsoon radio, sound great anyway My biggest cripe is with the adolescents that pass as mechanics at the dealership, Theyre the gang who cant shoot straight and it sucks to have to make a trip back to the dealer because of the just plain lack of pride in workmanship and respect for the customers intelligence

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  The Bst Car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By MrsMissy - April 2 - 10:00 am

  We have always stuck to japanese cars but we decided to check out VW since our last experience buying a toyota wasnt too pleasant. After test driving this car we were sold! I always get compliments on how classy it looks. Our neighbors liked it so much they went and bought themselves one too!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Thomas Phillips - April 2 - 4:45 am

  Quite a car for the money. The 1.8T engine is peppy, if not strong and smooth like a V6. Two great fun options are the Tiptronic shifting and the Sport mode for the 6-speed transmission. This car has a lot of technology and is fun to operate. There is no native Navigation but there is interface to the iPhone and Android which is actually better than Navi because you are using your own phone which you know backwards and forwards. All the features are projected to the large info screen on the dash. This saves a good $1500-2000 from the MSRP. First day I had 3 adult passengers for a trip to a baseball game with two six-footers in the back who raved about the roominess and the ride. Gas mileage looks like as advertised. Happy with this car.

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  Oil Pump problems!! - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By NikkiB - March 28 - 9:10 pm

  I purchased my 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS model in July of 2002. In the three years that I have owned it, I had to replace the coils around 45,000 miles, and the oil pump at 60,000 miles. I just took my passat in for the oil pressure light coming on AGAIN, and found out that it will be $2000 to fix due to oil sludge. This is a VERY common problem occuring in the 2001 Passats. Please ask about this problem before you consider buying one...it is a very expensive problem to fix, and will continue to occur regardless of any repairs. I am trading my car in ASAP. Its a beautiful car, but its not worth all of the problems!!! Very unreliable.

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  I miss my Honda Civic - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Carpentier - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have four separate rattles. I can hear two rattles in the dash idling at a stop light from the engine vibration even with the stereo on. The transmission has a mind of its own. Shifting is often rough. I averaged only 16 mpg for the first 600 miles.