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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  Beautiful Car! - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By louuuuu - October 5 - 12:56 pm

  I bought my 06 Passat Value Edition as a leftover for about the same price I was quoted for a Solara or an Accord Coupe. I drove all three the same day, and there was no choice really. The Passat was head and shoulders above them. It felt like a vehicle that was several thousand more. I took it on a long trip recently and got about 30 mpg on the highway.

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  Passat bests more expensive rivals - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By bbhall - October 4 - 2:00 am

  We bought a Passat GLX after comparing with Audi A4, Volvo S60, and Infiniti G35. The S60 is a stodgy drive, the rear seat not roomy enough to regularly hold 2-3 adults comfortably, and service costs are high. The Audi provided a similar driving experience but felt cramped, especially in the back, and the CVT made the car lurch and surge. The Infiniti is all about acceleration and handling, but ride is a bit rough and interior not up to the VW standard, and styling is a little kitschy. I paid more for the Passat, but I got the better car. Passat competes well with entry luxury brands and functions better as a family car.

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  Could improve in everyway - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pierre B - October 4 - 2:00 am

  I liked the exterior design of the car, and thats what fooled me in to buying this one, first of all, it seems like it does not have a windshield, it is very noisy, and it kills gas, I get around 170 miles to the tank in the city and about 230 miles on highway, these are the real numbers, dont be fooled with 21 city 30 highway, if your grandma drives the car, you can save gas but if you try to keep up with everyday traffic you will consume around 12 mpg in city and 18mpg on highway.The trunk leaked water in the first month. And dashboard creaks from every point when its cold out and rattles when its warm, this maybe a lemon.

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  Vrooooom! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By SKEEMEISTER - October 3 - 11:40 am

  Went to test VW Passats and was aimed to purchase a more economicaly solution to a new car (1.8T engine). After test driving all 3 engine types the W8 was the only option I could see worth my $$$. The engine is smooth and powerful enough for me at 275HP. Good MPG for an 8 cylinder(have gotten up to 25+ on the highways cruising). It rides like butter around town and on the freeway it is a dream. The AWD(4motion) coupled with snow tires handles like no car I have owned in the snow. The manu- tronic transmission is a but sluggish at times. Overall a great car with more than enough performance and luxury for me. Debadge the lid and you will defientley have a sleeper.

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  Great car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mare - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I love my Passat. It handles very well and it is comfortable and roomy inside. The interior is beautiful. It has a lot of little things: the rear view mirrors go down when youre backing up (and theyre heated!); there are 3 garage door buttons; the drivers seat has memory; the windsheild wipers "know" when its raining... the list goes on.

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  I will NEVER buy another VW! - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By snowylmh - October 1 - 3:24 am

  Bought my car as a certified used in 2008. Of all the vehicles Ive ever owned... this one has left me stranded on the side of the road the most. It doesnt even matter if its not a major issue, it costs a TON to fix. It cost me $960 to put in a fuel pump! Six days after I gave birth to my son, it left us both stranded on the side of the road when leaving his dr appt due to the ignition coils... a recall that happened years before I bought it certified used-- but they didnt bother to replace it before selling it to me. I have spent far more than this vehicle is worth on the constant repairs. Cant wait to sell it! Never will buy another VW. Specialized everything... total hassle!

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  Electrical Problems - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By Troy Gilbert - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I based this car based on a recommendation and the lack of competition. Within 40,000 miles I have had to ake this car back numerous times for electrical problems. I have gone through three sets of headlights and three electrical clusters (Not sure of technical term). This cluster controls all interior lights within the car. Fortunatley I bought the extended warranty or I would have been in trouble by now. Each time I have had this cluster replaced it has managed to go faulty again within a year. To date we have spent almost $4,000 in maintenance related issues on this car.

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  German precision - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By RussRamz - September 30 - 10:00 am

  A silky smooth cruiser with a virtually silent W8 powerplant coupled with the finest 6 speed stock transmission I have ever driven (I dont like automatics much anyway). The clutch takes some getting used to, but it only takes about 15 minutes in traffic to become proficient. Once you do, youll likely understand why most europeans prefer them over automatics.

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  Great update - 2006 Volkswagen Passat
  By dman - September 26 - 6:56 am

  This is my 5th Passat and by far is the best match of performance / styling and saftety offerred to date. Ive enjoyed all my Passat sedans over the last 8 years (I enjoy buying or leasing every 1.5 to 2 years). I wanted to wait for the V6 put decided to get most of what I wanted with the 2.0T. The upgraded sounds system DynaAudio is superb and the controls for the stereo / MFI are excellent. I love having XM radio. Performance wise, it is quick of the start and corners nicely. Theyve done a great job at reducing the turbo lag issue. Im experiencing about 25 MPG in my day to day driving (40% highway). A few people have come up to me when I park and comment on its great looks!

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  Review of the 2007 Passat 4Motion Wagen - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By charles edmundson - September 26 - 1:43 am

  The electronics in this vehicle stink! The sensor wipers only work when it is not raining. The steering wheel touch controls only work sometimes. The air bags light comes on for weeks at a time, then just goes off. The low tire pressure light comes on, even if you completely empty the tires, fill them up correctly, and even overfill them. Also, the folding back seat is poorly designed. My other car is a Volvo xc70. The guys in Germany should buy a Volvo and study it. I got the Passat, because I thought it would be weird to have two of the same car. What a mistake. I should have gotten two Volvos. The price was about the same. I cant wait for the lease to end.