Volkswagen Passat consumer car reviews and road tests

Volkswagen Passat TDI 130 SE 2002

I recently purchased second-hand one-owner Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI 130 SE, in Reflex Silver. This car is absolutely superb. It returns about 48.7 mpg, is fantastically reliable and is a perfect family saloon.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 tdi sport 2005

Without doubt the worst, most unreliable piece of expensive junk I have ever had the misfortune to set eyes on. In the last 12 months it has had all four injectors replaced (to be fair under warranty). This was completed at the VW main dealer in Belfast. Within 20 miles oil warning light came on and lo and behold the dreaded oil pump failure. This resulted in an oil pump replacement and a new turbo costing £2400.00. VW customer services didn’t want to know, according to them "there is no known fault", (apparently they don’t look at the thousands of posts online!), although they did say to retain the receipt "just in case". I have just walked back from a local specialist in the rain as the handbrake is now refusing to work at all. Can hardly wait for the quote to fix this latest fault on my premium people’s car! On the plus side at least I am getting plenty of fresh air and exercise!! NEVER EVER AGAIN!

Volkswagen Passat B5 TDI pd100 estate 2003

Forget all the glitz. With a Volkswagen, you ain’t going to get any. They’re boring to look at and as bland as your grannies pantry. What you will get, however, is a well built, reliable and easy to maintain car. My Passat is running faultlessly at 184k miles. It’s going in the new year, as I want to grab a low miler of this model if I can and run it until it drops. Proof of the pudding as they say is testing it? Well as Volkswagen’s hold their values so well, even high mileage cars and you rarely ever see any broken down, I’ve decided this is the way to go. Been there with Mondeo’s, Peugeots etc and they’re history. Pay a bit more for a Passat with full service history and enjoy.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140BHP 2007

The good side: Good saloon, done almost 10000 miles without any problems; a strong car, VW have surprised me it is the first German car I have ever bought. The bad side: It has started to eat oil like no tomorrow, I had a oil change at 55k and the car has just hit 61k and now wants more long life oil? So what I’m saving in petrol I’m now spending in oil! I’m just wondering if Japanese petrol’s are the future? Not good economy, but reliable!

Volkswagen Passat R Line 140bph 2009

Had this car just under a year old on 7,000 miles. Just hit 90,000 miles and have only had one problem with the car going into slow mode due to a faulty sensor at just under 60,000 miles. I’m hoping to get another 60,000 out of it before I change it. It’s been good to me so far but I have kept it serviced at the main dealer.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 tdi 170dsg 2008

Shocked at all the problems with the injectors, oil pump, fuel pump, dpf and now something is making a noise! Very, very, very bad to maintain. It’s very fast, but it’s no good after the warranty.

Volkswagen Passat 2011

In the main the car is fine, but the auto brake does not always release or apply when you park! I have been to the dealer three times, but they never replicate the fault; granted it is intermittant so I have recorded the cockpit, but Volkswagen UK and the dealership will not accept this as proof of the fault. I recommend you google Passat handbrake.

Volkswagen Passat TDi Sport 2.0 2006

Just to let everyone know that this model and subsequent diesels up to 2009 were prone to injector failure, but Volkswagen are now offering free repair and replacement if you have this problem. I have just heard that they will refund my costs of repair incurred this Autumn which amounts to £1700.00, even though I did not purchase my car from a main dealership. This is an important piece of information for anyone with or thinking of buying a Passat TDI, in case the same thing happens to you. Best of luck.

Volkswagen Passat Tdi sel 170bhp 2008

For those who have called it a slow thing; I have had mine for three years and have never had a problem. It is a solid, reliable and refined car and this is my second. It’s got all the gadgets and toys you would find in a luxury car. Like me, buy a 17bhp  and you won’t be disappointed. If you are, well I’m sorry.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 2008

The model is great, interior space is roomy and is a good enough family salon car. The electrical part of it is also not bad, however its plagued with too many problems plus as always the parts are very expensive, which is a disincentive. The interior for all its aesthetics is creaky and makes too much noise. The gears to don’t change smoothly after you start changing oils.

Volkswagen Passat 2010

I have done 20k in less than one year of ownership. A great car. Economical at an average 55mpg and I have got close to 65mpg and best range was 920 miles with 15 miles left. A huge boot and good interior space. Noisy interior squeaks often though. It is underpowered and needs frequent gear changes at low speeds. The electronic brake is no problem, I always leave it in gear as per the operating manual. To start the car on on a hill you need to press clutch in fully then the accelerator and the car drives with no problems. The 3 dc outlets are great for all mod cons requirements including the one in the boot. At speeds of 80+ (autobahn) the mpg drops to 45, at 90mph this, equates to 37-40mpg not bad for 1.6 tons. Lag in cruise control acceleration noted. Relaxed driving and variations in the lumbar support region ensures a chilled driving experience. Variable service, have got up 18k previously, this appears the norm. Please note when driving hard keep an eye on the oil level! Variable service also is for cars that have not been driven hard. Hope this helps.

Volkswagen Passat 2006

It’s boring to drive.

Volkswagen Passat 1.8

Best car ever. Don’t buy another car, just buy german cars. Passat is my best ever car. I have driven many cars but I decided to buy Passat 2004 1.8t. And yes, this is the car I must drive. I recommend it to everyone who is looking to buy a car.

Volkswagen Passat TDI 110 1997

To the guy who has 210000 miles covered, mine has now done 310,000 miles and economy just seems to get better! The MOT is due this month and my wife wants a change so the car is going, but how can you sell a car with those miles on? I am prepared to give the car to anyone who promises to carry on running it. I do not have the heart to scrap it and take £150 when it has served me so well, what a motor this has been!

Responses to this review

I had an issue with my 2007 Passatt turbo engine. It was not moving from 3rd gear. Took it to vw and was told a sensor went bad - Lori from United States of America

I would take it for £150...and keep it going - Tom Unknown from Berkshire

Volkswagen Passat 2011

Great car.

Volkswagen Passat Tdi 2.0 2006

The Passat is a great car to drive, why does every single person have one every corner I turn I see a Passat, so they must be good cars? So I decided I need to buy one cause my old Lexus, is200 which I loved had to go cause it loved to drink. The first drive of the Passat felt very stiff the gears, the seats, the steering, I thought I was driving a tank, in my dreams. But I knew it was safe family car and I thought it will be more safe but still watch out for the seats, I hate the seats, everything else about car the looks great over all. Buy one, you will save on fuel only on long drives.

Volkswagen Passat SE TDI 140 Auto 2007

I bought the car which is a Passat SE TDI 140 Auto 2007 just over a year ago now with about 60,000 on the clock. It’s not been a bad car to drive until problems start to occur. It’s now in the garage having a new injector put in; driving on the motorway no warning whatsoever the engine cut out completely shutting down everything in the car. This certainly is not SAFE driving and costly at just over £800 to have the injector put in and am told this is a common problem with the new diesel engines. Not happy at all.

Volkswagen Passat 2011

It’s a sh*t car.

Responses to this review

Quite an outspoken opinion. Doubt this Mr White has even seen this car let alone driven it as I have. Sure it’s not the last word in performance, but as an economical, practical and safe vehicle it has few equals. Also it will hold it’s value better than most of the mainstream. In these straightened times, many will be swayed by the amazing economy of the bluemotion versions - Greg Rowen from Cambridgeshire

Reviewer above, what a kn*b - Matt from England

They really are a pile of sh1t! I had a 2006 Passat 2.0 TDI 140 S, had 80k miles on it and had to be taken back to Volkswagen many times in the space of 3 years with faults such as a dodgy handbrake which always failed. I woke up one morning to find it across the road half way in the neighbours living room as it ploughed through their front window. The engine management light kept appearing, in the first year it used far too much oil, I was always topping it up. Furthermore the boot lid always popped up for no reason when stationary or on the motorway. Volkswagen took it away for 10 weeks to run diagnostics on the car, finally after 2.5 years of hell it was fixed! I currently have an Insignia 2.0 CDTi SE which is absolute rubbish too! Just ordered my new company car, a Peugeot 508 HDi 163 Allure. Before I joined the company my personal car was a 407 HDi 136 SE, was a fantastic car! Hope my 508 is going to be good too... Jonathan from County Antrim

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 Tdi 140Bhp 2006

Bought my Volkswagen 2.0 Tdi 140Bhp 2006 a year ago. After 3 months the fuel injector failed whilst driving on the motorway, really dangerous, while driving on fast lane as car stopped still, cost me £800. Now the driver door is not opening. Good drive plenty of room in the car, but costly repair bills are downside.

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 20v petrol 1999

Very comfy car, plenty of power. It has done 205,000 miles, but still drives like new. Only 30 mpg, which is a bit of a down side, but it is safe, reliable and quick.

Responses to this review

Just shows you newer is not always better - Noel Freeman from Ireland

Volkswagen Passat 2008

I have this car from 6 months old and is now at 70000 miles. First I had a problem with the dpf filter, which blocked and made the car go into in limp mode, I spent £2000 to replace it. After 1 month it had problems with the gearbox which is tiptronic; when I change gear it jerks three times then drives ok. Even if I rev gear or change gear the same thing happens.

Volkswagen Passat 2005

Only had eight months and already looking to get rid of first problem with keys had to be replace and reprogramed and that was the fist 2 months then last week #2 injecter went at a cost of £500 to replace and the car stopped dead on a busy road, major safety issue I think VW! I dread to think if I was overtaking a lorry and this happened. I will not buy another VW.

Volkswagen Passat 130 Highline 2005

Powered by 19TDi 130 BPH. Brilliant smooth running car, good economy; late 40’s on short runs and 54mpg on long. Love this car.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9tdi SE 2001

Apart from well known problems with blocked drains leading to water in the battery compartment this has been a brilliant car. Over 7 years and 150k in my ownership it has proved to be extremely reliable, very comfortable with loads of room for passengers and luggage and an average 48mpg with very mixed driving from high speed motorway cruising to pootling down to the local shops. I wish they still made this model I would have another. Not that I need a new one I think mine has got years of life in it yet.

Volkswagen Passat 170 2007

This car has been very good, but its also had lots of problems. It’s fast and handles well with the sport setup. The bearings went in the gearbox, needed a new brake servo unit, as I nearly crashed when the brakes failed. Three new EGR valves, new rear shocks, new hand brake switch, 2 glove boxes, ECU and a new injector. All this happened outside of warranty. Eats tyres (good job it’s a lease car). It eats the miles and it’s been driven on the motorways for hours. Verdict: good car to drive but could be expensive once it’s done 100,000+ miles.

Responses to this review

There’s definitely a problem with the 2007 Passat re: the gearbox, and the worst service in the world is in Egypt - Rania Fahmy from Egypt

Volkswagen Passat Wagon 2008

I have been leasing a 2008 for 2 years now and the car is burning oil. VW Canada says its "normal". The car burns 1/2 litre of synthetic oil every one thousand kilometers and VW says it’s within the spec!! Also a few other issues, for example driver seat motors stopped working, but were fixed.

Responses to this review

VW manual does state that it can use up to 1 litre per 1000 km - Bal Sanghera from England

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 2006

The Volkswagen Passat has been a very poor car. Turbo failed, clutch failed prematurely, inside cabin rattles and squeaks making the cabin ambience unpleasant. The electronic parking brake is useless and fails essentially when ever you need. It sticks on when setting on a hill or similar, leaving you sat at junctions unable to move. It also has a habit of letting itself off from time to time. I keep coming back to finding it sat in the middle of a car park somewhere. The engine gearbox combination is a poor marriage making the car hard work around town - you will be stalling it constantly until you have got used to it. Equally unless on open motorway, in the Passat you will find yourself endlessly changing gear in a hunt for power or some activity from the turbo charger to move it along. Don’t push it at all on winding roads, it is very prone to understeer whilst the steering does not give enough feedback for you to know what is going on with the car. It is strictly for straight labrador in the back driving. Fuel economy is OK on longer journeys but in real world driving expect 36-41mpg. It does OK on motorways. If you have a labrador, drive 3 miles to walk that labrador in the woods on a daily basis, then this is probably a good car. Otherwise I would advise steer clear and choose another option. This car is plagued with faults. Not a nice car. There are plenty of better options out there.

Responses to this review

I couldn’t agree more with David. I’ve had mine 6 months after owning a Bora for 6 years. It’s just had a new turbo, resealed injectors, a new tandem pump and a new injector wiring loom. A grand total just short of £2K on a car with 45K on the clock. Performance and economy aren’t something that apply to this car. All in all, a real disappointment! Ged Chauveau from England

Yep, I usually read reviews thinking only negative views get placed but now I understand why. I have a 06 2.0TDI and its my worst car ever. Rattles in the dash, very annoying and way too expensive to fix. Hard on oil, hard on diesel, 40mpg ish only. Hard on tyres. The brake is total rubbish, terrible idea. Lovely style I reckon, which is why I bought it, better than Avensis or vectra or other family saloons, big and sharp looking but otherwise very poor. Also do VW really have to have such a spartan cabin, come on, all others have stereo controls on the wheel! I’m so sorry I purchased this car, (I hear the Jetta is much better) and I hear the turbos in the 2.0 go a lot. Looking for a Ford Mondeo now, should have kept my old Mondeo - Alan Mc Donnell from County Down

Volkswagen Passat 2003

Nice roomy, reliable car with a 5 star security and safety rating.

Responses to this review

I agree with the good write up on this car, it is the best car I have owned and I have been driving for 50 years. It’s so well made and cheap to run, the only fault I have found is to change the side light bulb, it’s a real pain and do not attempt it, injuries will be sustained, take it to the dealer. Local VW agents here in Sligo are not good but there are very good garages that specialise in VW’s, one is run by a German guy and he is spot on. Finally, I am very happy with the car and would recomend it to all - David Large from Ireland

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 petrol 2002

This is a superb vehicle. I have a false hip which makes getting in and out of smaller cars somewhat difficult. In the Passat I feel relaxed and totally in control; in particular the engine has enough spare capacity for rapid acceleration if one needs it. She tools round the sharpest bends with ease and one hardly knows that one is turning, no tilt of "hunting" even on roundabouts. Steep hills are eaten with ease, and the vehicle performed well in the recent snow when even BMWs were struggling. The Passat, I feel, is the Pullman of cars. Not quite your Bentley or Morse’s Jaguar, but a supremely reliable and comfortable car that loolk smartb and acts similarly.. Oill capacity is a bit limited so a frequent change is recommewnded; cambelts can be dodgy too. Internal and external trim is superb. We live 200 yards from the sea and no rust can be seen, even though the winds blow hard in these parts.

Volkswagen Passat s tdi 140 DSG 2007

This Passat is not what l was looking for at all. I say this because: DSG is very uncomfortable changing gears (it makes me look to others like I am a very bad driver); when slowing down it makes a big push - very, very uncomfortable. The engine I’ve got has only done 22k and is now in the garage. When the engine is cold I really have to rev it up to help the gear box to change and the engine to work. It has been very disappointing. The failure to accelerate is apparently something I am not alone with - it is a common problem for this particular type of car. My problem is that l want to be able to give it back or swap. Very upset; very, very, very.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI S 2006

Beautiful looking car which has aged well with typical VW quality, doors close with a satisfying thud but inside they seem to have dropped their standards a tad. In summer my dashboard, although it felt solid used to creak and groan quite a bit. Enormous boot with loads of passenger space in the back. Handling is impressive but at the expense of comfort with a slightly harsh suspension. The 1.9 is underpowered for size of car and noisy too but delivers excellent mpg - around late 40’s on short runs, 50+ on longer runs. No faults over 24k miles with only one service at 18k. But the worst thing is the push button handbrake (an annoying gimmick) which doesn’t always release when it should. The jury is out if it’s a fault or not but it only needs to do it once or twice before you lose confidence in it. You can’t even quickly jump in the car to roll it back on the driveway without belting up, closing doors, talk about big brother. VW need to drop it. Would I buy another? I’ve had a lot of VW’s in the past but sadly no.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 2008

I have always owned a VW ever since I could drive, this latest Passat is faultless, with smooth "torquey" power delivery, and simply eats up the miles. I covered around 450,000 miles in my 1998 Passat and this just proves how reliable they are, this is on the same turbo, gearbox and clutch! Service bills were never extortionate and the standard oil and filter changes when required have kept all my VW Diesels in good working order. The Passat in particular drives like a hot hatch cornering well and picks up rapidly when you wish to let yourself loose on the road! The car has plenty of space for luggage and passengers. The one main feature I love about VW however, is that the interior and bodywork alike wear very well with age, and friends and family could not believe the condition of the upholstery and bodywork on my 1998 version when it had covered such high mileage. My latest Passat has only re-affirmed my belief that this is quite possibly the best middle of the range passenger car in its class. A real tribute to VW.

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 automatic 1998

I have been driving it for nearly 10 years. Bad sides: The interior is very simple and does not have high quality materials. The engine is a little bit noisy during acceleration. High fuel consumption. And the worst of all, the 4 speed auto transmission sometimes refuses to change to a higher gear unless you reach 4500 rpm. Good sides: A very strong car, nothing has gone wrong since I bought it. Roomy. Good road holding. Very comfortable and silent suspension. I would certainly buy a newer one.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9 tdi se 100hp 2004

Long line of diesels...2 Mondeo’s, 3 Vectras, 2 Peugeot’s; then a BMW 318i (2002). Not impressed by the BMW’s thirst for petrol I decided to go back to a diesel. I got my current 2004 Passat tdi at 2 years old and have had it 2 years now; normally change after 12 months but it is the best car I have owned; definitely beats the BMW hands down in so many departments so I am not parting with it yet... Now covered 120k and never fails to impress.

Volkswagen Passat TDI 130 HP 2005

I have the 2005 exclusive model TDI 130 HP. This car is very strong. Unbelievable fuel economy with very powerful power plant. I test drove many new models but I believe that the Passat is still number one. I have heard that VW is changing TDI technology to CRDI (Common rail diesel injection) type diesel technology with the model of 2008. I’m not sure what that does and if it is worth changing my car to the 2008 model.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI 130 2005

I have had a couple of diesel cars before and I drive a lot of motorway miles, none have impressed me until now. The VW Passat is unbelievable; it is very comfortable, loads of space for my kit and for people travelling with me, and it out-performs most of the 2-litre petrol cars I have driven. I still get over 50mpg. Mine has done 120,000 miles and there are no rattles or knocks and it is still very comfortable. The only bad side I can say is it took me until being 38 years of age before I discovered this car. Without a shadow of a doubt this will not be the last one I buy.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9 TDI SE 1998

215,000 miles and still going strong. Unbelievable fuel economy with loads of room for passengers and luggage.

Volkswagen Passat 1998

This is one of the best cars on the road for safety.

Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE 2005

My 3rd Passat, Better than last model, Very good drive & solid, had a few re-calls but not let me down 39K miles. changing to a Golf tomorrow hope it’s as good.

Volkswagen Passat 1.9 s tdi

The power delivered from my 1.9 tdi is impressively phenomenal yet smooth. The road holding is made all the better by an impressive electronic stabilisation programme. Carries the driver and four adult passengers in extreme comfort, and also has a massive boot capacity. Mpg is the best I have ever experienced, and I have had lots of diesel saloons, Ford, Rover, Peugeot, Vauxhall, in my experience none compare to the VW. Oh, if only I'd discovered it sooner!

Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2.0 TDI 140 SE

This is a good solid saloon, I have read other reviews from people who seem to have had problems with theirs but I have to say, knock on wood, so far mine has been extremely reliable and has given me 9K miles of enjoyable driving.