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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Best Value on Market - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Luigidk - October 23 - 10:00 amWe drove Camrys, Accords, Solaras, Saturns, Volvos, BMWs and just on a whim decided to drive the Passat. No other car for the money touches this car. Why anyone would touch an SUV over a Passat wagon is tough to imagine. Safety, performance, fun, economics, storage space, handling, not one of these features comes second to any SUV out there. Dont bother with the V6 or W8 - the V6 only offers 20 more HP and worse economy - why spend the money? If you want the W8 - you are looking for performance - get a vette! If you drive this car and appreciate car value at all - it will be a done deal...
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2005 Passat TDI Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By James Witt - October 21 - 8:30 pm2005 Passat TDI Wagon special order exact color, trim, leather, OnStar sets this wagon ahead from everybody. Tiptronic one finger up / down shift, corners flat, smooth ride 29 mpg city.
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Major Ride - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
By 2006VR6 - October 19 - 9:16 pmNormally get rid of a car that Ive purchased after 2 years. This one is a keeper. Fun factor over rides the fixes it has needed that were covered under warranty. Headlamps that bend were replaced, & auto 6 speed was flashed. Well optioned sedan that is almost the size of an A6. Only thing missing is cabin adjustable suspension. Kudos to VW. Rides super and will put a smile on my face when I ask her to respond. Picking up second Passat in two days - an 08 Lux Wagon 2.0T (chain driven) that is also optioned very nicely. Replacing our 03 Allroad. Really - No baloney/just lean venison and buffalo :-)
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best sedan around - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By jolene riley - October 16 - 10:00 amI think this is the best car there is to drive. It has all the comfort you need in a car. Excellent safety features.
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brakesease - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By HAROLD KFARE - October 16 - 10:00 amoverall very pleased,especially with the service department with the dealer
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GREAT CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By JOY PERINO - October 16 - 10:00 amMY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE SO FAR HAS BEEN GREAT. I OWN THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND SO FAR I HAVE 18,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE SUMMER I TOOK MY FIRST ROAD TRIP WITH IT AND I MUST SAY THE RIDE WAS AMAZING. VERY SMOOTH, QUITE, RELAXING RIDE.
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Who is your Daddy? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By mjc1106 - October 16 - 10:00 amThe passat GLX is sweet! I have only had the car for a month but every time I get in the drivers seat I get excited to be driving my new car again! The ride is tight! Get the V6, makes it more fun, everything is better with more POWER!
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VW Passat review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Mike Bickers - October 16 - 10:00 amI am very pleased with my 2003 Passat. I considered the usual competition including the Camry and the Accord, but both were typical Japanese plastic and lacked any distinctive features. The Passat is really a European car (the only one of the VWs actually made in Germany, not Brazil, Mexico, or Hungrary. The Passat has exceed my expectations in all areas from performance to gas mileage. It was an excellent choice.
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Crappy transmission - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By JaeP - October 16 - 10:00 amIve had many VWs for over 12 yrs. 5 to be exact. This is a nice vehicle no doubt about it. It would be that much nicer if the transmission had a better brain or some adjustment possibilities. Dealer couldnt do anything. Id like to buy a W8 Wagon and would like the Auto but not until they improve the tranny. Id stick to manual.
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Worth a little extra $$. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By FieldingMelish - October 16 - 10:00 amI only considered 2 models, the Passat and the Nissan Altima. The quality of the Passats interior and the handling was so much better than the Altima. A great car.
