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:
Showing 961 through 970 of 3,322.00-
No more VWS - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By 3RDVW - January 19 - 5:36 amIve owned Jettas before, but this Passat is pure junk. Its been in the dealership more than with me. Replaced Throttle Valve Control, Crankcase Breather Valve, CV Joint Boot, Catalytic Converter, Compressor Condenser, the list goes own! It also has intermittent noise when accelerating (but only I can hear it). Bought extended warranty-at present Ive spent $400 this year already in deductibles.
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Passat not as good as honda or nova - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
By cpassat - January 17 - 10:46 pm1st new car ever bought, came from a Chevy Nova with 280K miles, Mazda Protege with over 225K miles, my VW has died at 142,000 miles from the dreaded oil sludge issue. Didnt have any other major problems, car stills looks good, all the interior parts work well, but not willing to spend $5K plus to fix it, admit to now being disappointed in the car. I will not buy another VW.
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still going strong - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By Steve - January 17 - 8:40 amIt has held up well through the years. It still looks stylish and is more attractive than the new iteration. It is heavy but very solid without rattles. The sport package with a six speed turns it into a sports sedan. No mechanical problems other than normal wear and tear. There are not many of these on the road and I suspect even fewer with a stick shift. The seats have held up well and show very little wear. The radio and cd player are still working well which is something that I couldnt say about my 91 passat. I see no reason why I cant keep this car for 10 more years since I only have 50,000 original miles on it.
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Great German Sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
By Ty - January 16 - 3:20 pmI really like this car. I purchased this car mostly for my 70 mile commute (which climbs over 2000 feet!) It handles great on the curves, climbs the 10 mile 7% grade in 5th gear (I have the 5-spd manual), goes as fast as you want, and gets great MPG for a car this size and with this much power. In comparison to the 01 Acura TL is replaced, the Passat is not quite as plush or fast, but it was about $5K cheaper (as a CPO) than comparable TLs, and is a very suitable replacement with more personality than the TL. I am a little worried about keeping it for a long time, but Ive put 22k miles in 8 months in all conditions (summer, snow, hills, ect) without any problems. So far, so good!
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nice and tight - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By Jimbo - January 16 - 3:40 amThats the best way I can explain the handling and ride. I just leased the Passat 2.0Twith pkg. #1, cold weather pkg. and 17" rims for $390 a mo. for 36 mo. sign and drive. Ive had a Honda Accord EX-V6 before and I thought that was an excellent car, but this VW is really what driving is about. The 17s really make the difference. Good luck to all with the vehicle!
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Great Car for the Money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By CRAIGF - January 9 - 11:03 amI bought my Passat with 20,000 miles on it and have drove it 25,000 flawless miles in the last year. My only complaint is the expensive service. Otherwise it drives similar to my Mercedes 380E. The Passat is a great road car.
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2002 Passat Wagon, 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
By Sedrick Mitchell - January 7 - 2:00 amI bought this care new and it has American Specs. We live in Europe and this car is really great on the European roads. It gets great gas mileage and is fun to drive.
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By MN Commuter - January 7 - 2:00 amI have owneed this car for 5 months. It has been a pleasure to drive. It is very responsive - good fuel economy. I looked at Honda Accord and Saab 93 - the Passat was better handling than the Honda and matched or beat the Saab in handling and roominess at a lower price.
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Feels good to be in a new Passat - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
By B5_Passat - January 3 - 10:00 amMy previous 99 GLS V6 Passat was the victim of a rear-end collision - this GLX replaces that car. In intervening five years, VW has added a lot of amenities - too numerous to mention. The car has the right balance of performance and practicality. The V6 is smooth, quiet, and very responsive. OnStar is an interesting addition to the Passat. Time will tell if this is a valuable feature. Overall, I was pleased with the purchase - $26K plus tax and 1.9% financing. This is pretty good considering MSRP is $31,430.
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Love it! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
By keelime - January 2 - 12:40 amEven though Consumers Report gave the Passat a bad rating, I liked the handling better than any of the other cars I test drove - Altima, Camry, Accord, Prius, Acura. Before I took the leap, I called the service manager at several VW dealerships and asked them what kinds of repairs they were seeing. Everyone I spoke to said that they saw very few repairs for the 07 Passat and thought it was the best car in the VW line. So I ignored CR and took the plunge. Im glad I did. The car handles like an expensive European sports car on turns. It is comfortable, stylish, responsive and reliable.
