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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  Good Car!!! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By mike - February 8 - 4:33 pm

  Very good car for the price, and the overall quality is great. I will not hesitate to purchase another one..

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  Fun to Drive to Dealer for Repairs - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tickle1 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had this "VW Certified" pile for 13 weeks and it has been to dealer 7 times, 3 times in 1 week, twice in 6 days, check engine light, oil leak, burned headlight, interior trim falling down, cam adjuster, o2 sensor, timing belt tensioner, you name it. Looks and rides good, but I live 1hr from the nearest dealer, so thats 14hrs spent driving to and from the dealer for repairs. The car only has 52,000 miles and this is uncalled for. Will demand buy back or take necessary action to have it bought back.

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  Style and Dependability - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By MatthewVW - February 8 - 10:00 am

  After 4 years, my Passat still has a lot of punch and is a lot of fun to drive. Never had any significant problems. The factory stereo is good, but not awesome. The cup holders are too small. But other than that, no complaints.

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  1ST TIME VOLSWAGEN OWNER - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By LILWAGS - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I GOT INTO THIS CAR AFTER HAVING A SUV FOR MANY YEARS. BIG ADJUSTMENT BUT I LOVE THE NEW CAR. I HAD A PROBLEM WITH MY CD PLAYER BUT THEY FIXED IT IMMEDIATELY. JUST A LOOSE WIRE. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS CAR TO ANYONE. ITS AGREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE.

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  Great So Far! - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cvance - February 5 - 4:16 pm

  This is my third VW, first Passat. I really enjoy this car. The parking assist is really nice. I am a lazy parker now. My dealer told me that I could use regular unleaded, and I do. No complaints about performance. Rain sensing wipers can be finicky. I really have no major complaints. I get compliments on the car and ride. I am pleased.

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  Our new Passat - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By D. Heilbun - February 3 - 6:46 am

  After looking at many mid size cars we recently chose the new 2006 Passat sedan. We were looking for a sedan that was roomy, safe, comfortable, with good gas mileage for our family. The new Passat stood out from in a crowed market. We previously owned a nice Mercury Mountaineer but the low gas mileage and constant rise in the price of gas was killing our budget. Even though we have owned the car for only a short time we are so impressed with all the features of the 2006 Passat.

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  The R-lines sleek design and handling are A+ - 2017 Volkswagen Passat
  By Corey C. - February 2 - 7:07 pm

  The R-line has a beautiful sporty design compared to the base S model. The 19in aluminum alloy wheels are stylish and really grip the road allowing for great tight handling; and the R-lines cabin is quiet even with the larger tires. Combined MPG is higher than EPA estimates of city/hwy 23/34, Im currently getting about 31.5 (half hwy, half city). What makes the Passat R-line stand above its competitors is its technology and low price. The central info-entertainment system is far superior to its competitors including the Camry, Optima, Legacy, and Madza 6. Also, it comes in a few thousand below the base prices of several of its competitors, making it an affordable yet very reliable option. As an added plus is the size of the cabin. Its huge compared to other midsize sedans. Overall, very impressive for a vehicle in the low 20s.

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  For New Models - 2009 Volkswagen Passat
  By DFt Lauderdale - January 31 - 3:03 pm

  For a car listed for 29k a middle of the road final product. I have rattles in the dash area from one end to the other. The dealer cant fix. The light interior color on areas where dirty shoes will come in contact are impossible to clean. Like lower doors and where speakers are placed which also will be damaged when someone gets in and presses there shoe to hold the door open or just scrape when getting in or out. I do not drive much so not hampered by bad gas mileage. But for a four its a nice car.

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  W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ursus43 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I really like this Passat. It is fun to drive, it has power and it is getting better gas mileage than it claims or I expected.

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  I cant believe it - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jwilliamsoh - January 30 - 9:50 am

  Long story short; I used to own a company and drove MB as a rule. Now things are very different so I still wanted German and went with a VW. The top part of the engine has been rebuilt twice as the timing chain broke twice. Now I was a LITTLE late on a couple oil changes; like 2k miles, not THAT big of a deal (for other cars). Now with 78k miles the car is starting to tick again and it is under 3 years old. Now I have driven a lot of miles but drive (slow) due to some points I drive the speed limit. Take off NORMAL, stop normal, no driving fast or racing. Also because funds are tight I need to get the most out of the gas. I average (for the past 8k miles) 23.7 mpg.