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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  Fun to drive but too many problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By adam - December 2 - 10:10 pm

  Car has been sent back to dealer six times for different repairs. After driving 3,000 miles, car was broken down on busy street. Every December, when weather gets cold, the malfunction light was on since purge valve was broken. Last year, trunk wont latch. Last month, a engine pipe was broken. Now, when applying brake, a lot noise from passenger side dash board. From begining, Driver seat lowers on itself after driving 300 miles in about a week. Dealer installed new seat but new seat has same problem. Now, vw and dealer reject to do anything since they dont know how fix. One of technicians in the dealership said that his 2004 Jetta has same seat problem.

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  Passats are Lemons - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallbrunette - November 28 - 4:03 am

  Please check out Consumer Reports before buying a used or new Passat. In May I had to put in a new battery, I was told by VW that it had to be replaced. A month later or less I had left it in the airport and the battery was dead again. I was told by VW ALL car batteries need to be jumped if left for 3-4 days (I am not lying). I had to bring the car back five times before it was corrected. I cant tell you the time, money and frustration and most of all stress this has caused me. I have owned three Volvos and have NEVER had such problems. I also had to put in new brakes within 20,000 miles. Go for the proven cars - Toyota and Honda. This car is planned to be obsolute at 50,000 miles.

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  This is a disappoinment - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By ken - November 21 - 7:56 am

  I bought this vehicle as new. Great style, works fine in two years until last year when suddenly the oil light came on 4000 miles after last oil change, took to the dealership and they told me the engine is burning oil in 1 qt. per 1000 mile, which I suspect even higher, the warranty forfeited because I didnt keep all the oil change record. the maintenance is fairly expensive overall, I took the car to the same dealership recently for battery change and it cost $400. I already regret buying it and am telling my friends not to buy it.

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  lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg - November 16 - 7:43 pm

  Ignition coils go bad between 50-75 K miles. Major design flaw. VW will not claim responsibility for this issue as I have contacted them. I dont mind 3 or 4 recalls and countless other items that had to be replaced during the warranty, but it is unfair for the owner to pay for ignition coil replacement, which seems to be a common issue with this engine. Ask any VW owner or dealer.

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  Missed Opportunity - Poor Quality - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By dfwtdi - November 14 - 2:37 pm

  Let start by saying VW designed this car for people like me at they got my attention. I went out and bought one. In favorite features I will list what I love but: In my 2012 Passat TDI I get a pretty loud fuel sloshing noise from the back. The dealership confirmed the sound exists in other 2012 Passat TDIs as well. This sound is at its loudest when the diesel tank is about 1/2 to 3/4 full; it makes loud thuds (diesel sloshing sounds). The VW service manager is very helpful but he says that is a design flaw and VW does not have a solution for it right now. He says may be if enough people complain they will come up with a solution. Besides this I have at least three different rattles fixed.

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  Test Drive Carefully and Completely - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By FastFred - November 3 - 7:33 pm

  Ive driven the VW for one year and I am unhappy with it. The dashboard instruments cannot be seen in the daylight! AC display panel is a joke, dark and almost illegible. The Monsoon radio on AM cannot be tuned in clearly. The dealer says: Thats typical of VW radios! My cars gas mileage is quite low for a V6. I am averaging 13-15 mpg around town, 20-23 mpg on thehighway. Overall, consider a Honda or a Toyota for the same or less money.

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  GLX Passatt - Review After Four Years - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed Owner - November 2 - 1:10 pm

  The Passat is not a reliable / dependable car. Mine is on its third set of new REAR rotors and fourth set of pads in 37,000 miles. The first three times were under warranty (dealership asked NO questions). They made it seem like it was a problem with that year of car. Now, after the warranty is expired, they are refusing to accommodate us with new back brakes and are claiming that we always paid for the pads (which wasnt the case). The radio stopped working and was replaced (no questions asked). You cannot change your taillights and headlights. Ours burned out about seven times! Also, this car has had problems with its electrical system, throttle lag (which is dangerous), and its serpentine belt has already been replaced - tires too.

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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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  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.