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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  An Unknown Treasure - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ermin - February 16 - 9:26 pm

  There is so much hype surrounding Japanese cars that the Passat remains relatively unknown and overlooked. The car is outstanding, it oozes quality everywhere you look. The other day I left it at a public parking lot in a posh neighborhood and the guy who drove it back to me said, "This is a really nice car." This from a guy who sees all types of cars in that neighborhood. The car drives so well, its responsive, fast, comfortable, and it has so many optional features Im still discovering some of them after one month of owning it. In fact, after I checked Accord with all added options that come standard in my Passat, the Accord was actually more expensive. The Passat is a family, yet sporty sedan with a German touch!

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  Absolutely Excellent till now - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By dechatts - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I never had to go to a shop to fix anything other than the standard 5K oil changes and maintenance. Given 90% of my mileage is highway, I havent replaced any part of the car till now except the front headlights at 42K miles. Well every time I go on trips and drive around in a lousy compact car, I realize how I value my car so much. I have driven this car at 100mph occasionally over brief periods although I would advice against doing it. A crash at this speed is a ticket to instant death. It is truely a autobahn car. Last time it was a little duel with a Audi TT roadster who finally decided to drive behind me for the next 30 miles.

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  UnGermanlike Engineering - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - February 14 - 5:20 am

  Worst car we have had for frequent & expensive repairs. Now at 73,000 miles. Since 60,000 we have spent a ridiculous $6,000 on repairs. AC compressor and evaporator $3000,timing belt repair $1400. Brakes $800. Our air bag warning light is now on $400 to fix. VW service told us that after warranty "Its your problem." Mercedes repairs are same or less-less labor charges since better design.

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  VW oh VW... - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By HARDCORE VWer - February 13 - 5:30 pm

  I have had 11+ Volkswagens and loved them all. The outside is very well done on the new Passat and the interior is very large and elegant compared to the older Passats. The car is surprisingly nimble being so large (bigger than a 3 series). The handling is great on my base Passat and the fuel economy isnt bad (it does have a big gas tank though).

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It is fun to drive and is very stylish in the interior and exterior.

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  Its not my fathers VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fritz - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Finally bought the car I wanted. Interior looks like a car costing $10K more and exterior style and finish is classy. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is smooth with just enough firmness to give confidence in the handling. Instruments at night are just plain cool, and Monsoon stereo sounds great. If Im this happy in 5 years it will be worth every penny.

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  Best for me! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bob S. - February 13 - 2:06 am

  I needed an "all wheel drive" vechicle and I have tried and dislike SUVS. Very few options in this category under $40K; various Subarus, Infinity G35, Audi A4. I drove the Passat and was convinced it was my best choice with a comfortable cabin, more than adequate passenger space, and great performance. Goes through the snow and handles bad drivimg conditions with ease. Actually fun to drive in the snow. The V6 has a nice low toned growl, like a well trained and tuned muscle car, and the 280 H.P. is strong through all 6 gears. For a relatively large car the all wheel drive handling is superb. What more can I say, if you like to drive, need comfort, space, and all wheel drive, give her a go!

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  Excellent Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joylin - February 11 - 10:43 am

  When driving the 2007 Passat, you feel like you are driving a BMW, Audi or Mercedes without a huge debt. I love the inside. this car has a lot of power for a 2 liter engine and it is very good on gas. It has a lot of details, specially inside. I have never had any problem with it at all. It is an excellent choice for a long term car.:-)

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  W8 the car youll love to hate - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By zerowheelspin - February 9 - 9:56 am

  After picking up the most grown up car Ive ever owned, I find my self in a Love hate relationship.. I bought it right off lease with 24k on the clock on 4-13-07. The first of the problems was the ac went it the first week right before a trip to the fl. Keys. The roof trim keeps popping up at the rear over the rear window. Window regulator broke, over head interior light stay on, sun roof opens for no reason, trunk lock broke, head light washer non opp, cv boots leaked, trans torque converter replaced, brake booster vac line. The list goes on I just dont have the time or space. By the way as of 8-31-09 this car only has 49,290 miles on the clock.. If you ask me stay clear of VW! All lemons!

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  2006 Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By terry atkins - February 9 - 6:13 am

  Iecently bought a 2006 Passat 3.6 with luxury package 1. Man will this car move. It delivers great performance and I love the handling of the car. The premium sound system is great along with the XM radio. I love the blue/red dash at night and the dual climate control. I drove a Toyota Camry, Nissan Maxima and BMW and this car had them all beat.