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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  Exceeds Expectaions - 2014 Volkswagen Passat
  By dankocke - October 14 - 9:33 pm

  Having gone through literally a dozen or more of newer type cars over the last decade I can safely say that this car lives up to and exceeds expectations. No car is perfect and there are a couple of annoyances such as the traction control (too intrusive), or the slow navigation unit; but car is fantastic. Ive had it 2 months and average right at 40mpg all the time. I just took it on a 1100 mile trip and averaged 42mpg going between 75 and 84 mph. Also, acceleration is great all around. This is only the third car Ive owned that exceeded gas mileage (others were 2013 Mercedes and 2008 Golf GTI). Overall the car is solid with no rattles. Its an excellent family car.

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  Worst Car ever owned - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By tb - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive never had a car that was in the shop more than this car. It started off in the shop at 8,000 miles, and had problems ever since. I just traded it in at 37, 650 miles b/c the engine went. I thought bc I was spending more on this car that it would be better in value, that was NOT the case at all. DO NOT get a VW if you are looking for a new car; this car was more trouble than its worth!!!!

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  Do NOT buy a VW - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By egrace - October 10 - 2:00 am

  VW of USA customer service is the worst. Dealerships (both Ive been to) are the worst. Reliability is not great. A lemon. Cant wait to sell.

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  Fun N Groovin - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fun-N-Groovin - October 9 - 11:23 pm

  Love this car so far. We traded out of an 03 BMW 5 series and feel like we upgraded. The ride is quiet and comfortable, the engine is responsive on the highway, the back seat is roomier than what we had, especially legroom. The free Sirius satellite radio is a plus as well. Overall, we feel like we got a sweet ride for a lot less than what we could have spent on an equivalently equipped Audi or BMW. We purchased the mocha with tan interior and it is a great combo.

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  VW did well with the redesign... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By jamesd44 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven the heck out of this car so far, and have had no problems within 25K miles. It is by far the most comfortable car Ive ever driven out of three that Ive owned (Acura, Cadillac, Chevy). Im a big fan of the styling and for a base model with some additional packages, I feel like I received an excellent value for what I paid. One beef is with the handling, I wish it werent so soft. My other drawback is the short warranty (I purchased an extended warranty to take care of that, though). All total (car + warranty) I paid less than $26K. The dealer was a pleasure to work with and their service dept. is the best.

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  Great Value! - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By LSLBoiler - October 9 - 9:00 am

  If youre looking to replace an SUV, this is the car for you. It gets great gas mileage (32-33 hwy/24-26 city), has lots of usable and easily-accessible cargo room, and has a very comfortable ride.

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  wow what a great car - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By cheri - October 8 - 2:00 am

  By pricing this car with edmunds and other internet sites, I purchased this vehicle for 27,759, it was 800 over COST not invoice, a fair profit for the dealer of less than 4 percent(msrp was 30,375, invoice was 27,187 plus 550 destination fee) holdback for this vehicle was 895, so that leaves you lots of room to negotiate! good luck

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  Love It, but Want More! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By Omnix - October 7 - 11:50 pm

  Its a good thing VW redesigned the Passat, because the new design is great, but not perfect. Auto-off bi-HID headlights, full-power (memory) seats, and auto-dimming mirror should be standard in a car in this price range (regardless of trim level). That being said, the rest of the features that this faux-demure sedan offers is great. The 2.0T engine offers plenty of power and the aftermarket is rife with upgrades to extract even more grins. That power is balanced with a luxurious feel that is often reserved for the Lexus and Benz-class owners. This car is a real contender against the Maxima, and some other low-end luxury vehicles. If you buy one, read the owners manual to find even more novelties.

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  Like the car but very poor headlights - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By caseydog3 - October 7 - 7:15 pm

  i bought this car in July and overall Ive been pleased with it EXCEPT for one extremely important thing. The headlights are terrible. I traded in a 1999 Nissan altima for this car and never had one problem seeing at night. Not only did the passat not come with foglights, but the low beams arent the projector type. The combination of the two is very poor. Now I had to go to a specialty shop to inquire about custom headlights just so I feel safe driving at night. I did a test drive during the day with this car and all the others. I never even considered this would be a problem. I called the dealership about it and they dont even make upgrade headlights for the passat in U.S.

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  Love my Passat 8 years later - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Don - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This was and still is my first VW. I love the way it handles, even now at 133000 miles on the odo. Original clutch. Only issues were with ignition coils and radio(replaced under warranty years ago) and a power window regulator (last week). Last week, VW also replaced the trunk lid and remote trunk release -- there was a rust spot at one of the license plate lights and this moisture had caused the trunk release to malfunction. My dealer experience has always been excellent. Sure you pay more than for an independent, but the guys at Hunt Club VW (Ottawa Canada)understand the value of customer service. My next car will be a VW.