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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  great car - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By crowdlr - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Very good performance, safety and looks great! The cup holder is the only drawback, but it does work.

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  Great for comfort and handling. - 2000 Volkswagen Passat
  By fridaynight - December 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car as an alternative to a minivan b/c I was commuting. At the time I had one child and one on the way. It handles excellently and is very comfortable to sit in. You can fit a lot of stuff in the back and theres plenty of leg room in the back seat for the kids in their car seats. You can also comfortably fit 2 car seats and one adult in the back, or 3 car seats. Great acceleration even with the A/C on and low engine noise at any speed.

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  Im Hooked - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ILuVmyVW - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just turned in my 99 Passat for a 2003. I love this car! Why spend the extra money for an Audi? Hondas cant compare. Smooth ride, excellent handling, excellent braking, safety - bar none, looks and feels like a luxury car.

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  Second Passat...Even Better! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By nedsogto - December 31 - 7:40 am

  We had an 04 Passat GLX 4-Motion that I loved except for poor gas mileage. We just got the Passat 2.0T w/ lux pkg 2, 17" wheels, Dynaudio and navigation. We just love the "riding on rails" stiffness of the new Passat! The added size pleased my family and me greatly. The navigation system plus compass makes my on the road job more enjoyable. Even with only 300 mi. on the odometer Im getting high 20s mpg vs. 20.4 for the 04 4-Motion. I really didnt need the AWD so Im happy to get the better gas mileage. This cars build quality (like on the 04) is superb! My friends who are "car guys" love it...and so do I!

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  My First Volkswagen - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By trashman00 - December 29 - 6:26 am

  I recently leased this car because it caught my eye while working one day. The interior space is awesome!! We are big people all over 6ft. Legroom to spare all around. Fun to drive when shifting to Sport-Mode. Great bang for buck!! All my neighbors seem to love it. My only gripe so far is the car doors make a boing sound when closing them. I dont like that and find it annoying. Overall Im pleased and I would recommend this car for looks, interior space, and decent performance.

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  Safety at the right price - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By fischer - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I have 30,000 miles on my 03 and have no major prolems. Handles very well in the snow and the ride is very good on rough roads. Gas milage on the highway is 30 mpg or better. I have a manual and get 20 mpg or better in city driving. If you drive the car hard and fast you will not get good gas mileage something like 18/24. The Passat runs better on premium, enough that I feel it.

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  Better Than Expected - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By tourqer - December 25 - 5:31 pm

  I have just over 1800 miles on a new tdi sel and have become more satisfied with it the more I drive it. How a car this big with this much power gets 45 MPG still amazes me. The interior is top notch and feels like your in a much more expensive car. The only complaint is that the driving experiance VW is known for has been dulled to some extent. This car is more of a long distance cruiser that has very good handling as opposed to the sporty sedan of old. All and all this car is a winner in my book and worth a look.

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  Job well done - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By jake - December 23 - 2:13 am

  Currently I am braking in the car. It only has 235 miles. The gas mileage is 22-27 city, in mixed highway and freeway driving on regular unleaded gas. My dealer told me that you do not have to use super. I think that after the car is broken in, that the gas mileage will go up. I took the car out in the rain today and it handled great it was a pleasure to drive. The electronic assisted steering and the 4Matic are just great. Thats about it for now will advise more later.

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  Loooove it! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Christine - December 22 - 8:46 pm

  I owned an Audi allroad before purchasing this Passat and aside from the curb weight difference - I didnt get the 6T engine in the Passat - Id choose the Passat over and and over again, hands down! It drives, rides, and feels better than the 2001 Audi! I looove it! It looks awesome, too!

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  First Class Automobile - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ncerrone - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I owned this car for one year, and would never drive anything else. The car is built very well, and drives very well. The 1.8T engine is great. It is smooth and very quiet with little turbo lag. I get 27 mpg around town with a manual transmision. The car makes very little road noise, I have hade people fall asleep driving 90+ mph not knowing or feeling the speed whatsoever. No car on the market can compare to the Passats fit and finish and quality componets in that price range. The car also gives you more room than a 3 series BMW, C class Benz, S 40 Volvo, and Audi A4.