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 Looking Wagon for the Money - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jascon - December 27 - 10:00 am

  The only annoyance has been a sound in the right dash connection area that I havent had fixed yet. Other than that its a good solid wagon.

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  Love my VW!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grassyknollgunman13 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T 5speed is great. Not too expensive, and a great car. Rides nice, got some power and a great soundsystem. (Monsoon) The only 2 things Im not crazy about are the placement and design of the sideview mirror control, (knob on the door panel)and the front seat center arm rest. Its nice that it slides forward to be adjustable but w/ a manual tranny, it moves too much while shifting. Other than that, I would highly recomend this car.

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  FUN TO DRIVE BUT? - 2001 Volkswagen Passat
  By LAY LOW BAT - December 9 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR KIND OF EXPENSIVE WHEN YOU ADD OPTIONS. WAS NOT AWARE ABOUT IGNITION COIL PROBLEM. AFTER 19 MONTHS 1 COIL WENT OUT THEN 3 MONTHS LATER 1 MORE WENT OUT. TWO LEFT TO REPLACE WONT REPLACE UNTIL IT GOES OUT. THEY WILL REPLACE IT. ANY VW OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM?

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  bought new, owned for 6 years, 100k mile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - December 8 - 2:26 pm

  Bought car new in 2002 and just turned 100k miles. Problems...coil packs replaced by dealer when new...no charge. Cars manufactured prior to 7/02 had defects which VW took care of under warranty. Had engine sludge problem at 82k miles which vw fixed for free although technically out of warranty...changed to synthetic oil. car has had regular maintenance by VW dealer which provides excellent service. Car has experienced some minor issues (emergency flasher replaced, headlights burned out, etc.) but overall has been very reliable....no major engine or transmission issues. Very fun to drive, excellent ride on highway, solid German engineering. Bought new 08 last year....10k miles no problems.

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  A Couple of Tweaks Needed - 2012 Volkswagen Passat
  By robbykay - December 7 - 2:28 am

  This car is great. Very enjoyable to drive and loaded with all kinds of goodies. Excellent value. The Fender sound system is beautiful. Handling is nice and tight. Great car, so far. Ive only had it for 1.5 weeks, so hopefully no surprises. Tweaks needed: The touch screen interface is pretty slow. It usually takes a few seconds before theres any reaction. When highway driving, that can be an big issue. Also, the trunk is difficult to close. Im a 511, 200 lb guy, and when I give the open lid a tug, not only does it not close, it re-opens completely. I have to give it some effort for it to close on the first try.

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  Great Car - Poor Gas Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hzolla - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my Passat for 6 months now and really enjoy it. The Passat is quiet and has adequate pick up. I have experienced no quality or mechanical problems at all. I test drove the Volvo V70 and Audi A6 & A4 wagon and it was clear to me then, as it is now, that the best value amongst these is the VW. My only complaint is below - Gas Mileage.

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  Great car, expensive to maintain - 1999 Volkswagen Passat
  By JG - November 30 - 8:06 am

  I have read many Passat reviews prior to and after I bought my 99 Passat V6 w/5spd manual tranny. I loved the car when I bought it and still do. Having said that, I will agree with others that they are expensive to maintain. Lots of fixes last 3yrs. I have 130k mi on mine now and am ready to purchase again. I would love to move up to a 2007-2008 4Motion Passat but hesitate only because of the fixes Ive had to perform in the last three years. Will they happen again? Is the newly redesigned vehicle more reliable and the engine a better design that will need fewer fixes from 90k and up? I still love the design of the Passats, I would just love to have awd traction and an auto tranny

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  New GLX wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By awm34 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased an Audi A4 Avant for five years before replacing it with the Passat GLX wagon. Saved mucho dinero by discovering that the cargo & passenger capacity of the Passat was equal to the A6 that my wife coveted. New features also nice: in-dash CD, heated mirrors, HomeLink (not working yet for me).

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  Passat W8 Wagon - 2004 Volkswagen Passat
  By flyt34planes - November 27 - 11:23 am

  Overall our W8 is awesome. It rides and handles as if it is on rails. The scary part is that the faster you go, the car doesnt get louder. Our family feels very safe and secure in the W8. It is still under warranty - nothing major yet has gone wrong, but a few annoying little things. The worst "feature" is that the hatch requires a separate action to open, even if all of the doors are unlocked.

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  keys - 2007 Volkswagen Passat
  By captainandrea - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Just inherited an 07 Passat which is a lovely car but dont know if I would have chosen to purchase it. The first ordeal was the keys had been lost and the car had been garaged for 2 years. It took 3 trips (of 120 miles round trip) to visit the nearest dealership to get "keys". First I ordered a little black plastic thingy that had to be programmed to the vin# ($67) to open the car - no keys found inside. Then I had to order the outer remote key ($130) THEN I HAD TO TOW THE CAR to the dealership to have it programmed all together!!!!!! The entire ordeal took one week and cost me more than $500!!! SO DONT EVER, EVER LOSE YOUR "KEY"!!!