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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  Save Yourself a Headache - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lemon Gurl - December 21 - 6:03 am

  Please save yourself a headache and a lot of money. I have had a 2001 VW Passat for almost six years. This car has to be the most poorly made, overpriced, unreliable car that I have ever owned. Everything is ridiculous - you spend so much money just to own the car, then (starting at 20,000 miles) I was having problems with the vehicle. Every dealership I have dealt with was NOT customer helpful, didnt care about the buyer, and VW does everything it can to rip off its owners. Get something more reliable with your money! STAY AWAY from Volkswagen!

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  Fun to drive! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Paul Gagnon - December 20 - 2:00 am

  If you want the feeling of excitement when driving a car...this works for me. I look forward to driving my Passat every time I walk up and get ready to slide into the cockpit. Its the type of car that provides predictable performance and handling every single time you steer or tap the throttle. I find myself anxious to pass cars and getting onto freeways on and off ramps. The 4-Motion provides true zero steering at any speed without the challenges of typical rear drive understeer and front drive oversteer. The advertising is correct for this car....DRIVE ME!

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  Excellent, sporty, usefull wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nathenso - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Though we have only driven our VW for 3 months, we are exceptionally pleased with the quality, solidity, comfort, and ease to manuver. As far as reliability, we have had no trouble. Time will tell

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  unbelievable - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By aik - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its like driving a cloud. The speed will become legendary. It is a family car and a finely tuned racing machine. It is a pal, a friend and so much fun to drive. It almost knows what you expect of it and it delivers. The v8 engine is unlike any you have seen before. It takes your breath away.

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  Beware of 2.0T Engine on 2006 till 2008.0 cars - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Markus - December 18 - 3:08 am

  I have owned my 2007 VW Passat since 2008 and initially left a positive review on here on Edmunds many years ago. Yes, I have experienced many of the quality issues that you can read about in the various reviews here, but most had happened early enough to be covered under my warranty However, here is the real deal if your are considering the purchase of a 2006 -> early 2008 Passat with the 2.0T engine (engine code BPY). Now wonder the prices for those cars are so attractive now on the used market: Issue #1: This engine uses a timing belt. You really should check if it has been replaced (along with the water pump). I knew about the timing belt all along when I bought the car, but the dealership quote of $1200 to 1400 for this service was still painful. I ended up doing it myself (thank God for Youtube and Bentley Publishers), but it is quite an effort. I also had to replace the thermostat due (due to an error code .... seems to be quite common at that age / mileage). This $38 part would cost several hundred dollars to replace if done at the dealer due to the complicated mounting location. Issue#2: This is the big one. Please do your own research on applicable Web forums: The BPY Engine drives the high pressure fuel pump from one of the camshafts. The fuel pump plunger is driven by a dedicated cam lobe. Over time, a little part, called the cam follower can wear out and cause the fuel pump to start grinding on the camshaft. I immediately checked this on my vehicle when I first read about this, and yes, my cam follower had failed. I replaced the cam follower ($30 part) and am still driving the car, but now I am stuck. The damage to the camshaft is done and I cant really sell the car without disclosing this issue (would be unethical). At some time I will have to look into replacing the damaged camshaft ... estimating this to be a $2000+ repair, considering what was quoted for a timing belt replacement. This design issues on the BPY engine have been corrected from 2008.5 on, so stay aware from those older 2.0 T cars.

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  So Bad We are Selling It After 15,000 Miles - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dave Melichar - December 15 - 12:20 pm

  We have had this car for a bit over two years and it has been in the shop five times. The windows have stopped working twice, ocassionally the sunroof will refuse to close, there are pieces falling off in the engine compartment, the dash squeeks (the dealer refuses to even acknowlege it is an issue), the console cover would not close completely and the radio has been replaced twice. We have a two year old who when playing with the vents was able to break the vent louvers with one finger. You would think a car designed for a family would be robust enough to survive the two year old one finger inspection. All this in 15,000 miles. This is not what I would call a well designed car.

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  Happysofar - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By futzersGP - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Purchased GLX v6 in Nov O2. Treated very well by Dealer, Ernie Von Shledhorn Menonomine Falls Wi. (ask for Fritz great guy to work with) Great car so far, have heard there are some electrical problems, but approx 4k into this car not a single issue. Car has been a joy in every way. Love its quality, style,power and road feel. If this keeps up, VW will see us again.

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  Cost-effective Audi/BMW replacement - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nemakv - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Since the fall of 2001, I drove 30K mileage. Only the front day-time bulb needed to be replaced. Pros: overall an excellent driving experience that make this car a stand- alone valuable alternative to Audi A4/A6 or BMW 3 series. Because Passat model year 2001.5 - 2003 is based on Audi platform and power train, the built quality and engineering is of a premium luxury car for less. The safety futures exceed the industry standard for mid-size sedan. Cons: velour upholstery is retaining any possible lint and fabric imaginable. 1.8T engine, 20 valves turbo gem requires a premium gasoline.

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  Bimmer Killer - 2008 Volkswagen Passat
  By VR6Guy - December 14 - 6:16 am

  Love my VR6 Passat 4Motion! I bought this car down in Florida the day before I drove back to Jersey. I got to test out VW service within the first 24 hours, apparently some sort of recall wasnt done on it and my car went into safe mode somewhere in NC. Roadside came and got me in about 20 min, "Trip Interruption" paid for a kush hotel, my meals and a loaner. 2 days later I was back on the road. My Passat turns heads with its muscular looks, and I love when I can kick a 5-series @$$ off of a red light, or the kids in their 6 cyl Stangs.

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  So Far So Good - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - December 13 - 9:06 am

  I have owned 45 cars in 45 years and over the last 10 years have driven only Mercedes, BMWs and Acuras. This is my first Volkswagen and I cant say that I am disappointed, it has been an adjustment to come from a BMW 330CI convertible to the Passat 3.6. I can say however, that I do enjoy the 280 HP engine and the Dynaudio sound system. The car is extremely quick off the line and easy to handle at high speeds. I have had to readjust to front wheel drive which is my only real complaint, the styling is beautiful and has a great European look. I do wish I had not made such a hasty decision and done a little more research before buying. I did get the entire premium/sport/navigation package.