The Volkswagen Passat was once a relatively popular mid-size car in the U.S. Before its discontinuation in 2023, the Passat had been a staple in Volkswagen‘s lineup since the 1970s. In 2013, nearly 110,000 Passats were sold in the United States.
The Passat was known for its spaciousness, comfort, and quality. All these features make the model a go-to for smaller families that need all the space they can get.
The model is also cost-efficient, as the combination of features and price makes it a slightly cheaper option than competitors like the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
With decades of upgrades and fine-tuning, it begs the question, what are the top Volkswagen Passat models of all time?
2004 Volkswagen Passat
The 2004 Volkswagen Passat is a well-rounded sedan that has garnered positive feedback from owners. To this day, it remains one of the most popular models in the Passat series thanks to its drivability and upscale interior. The 2004 redesign is notable for its mix of performance and comfort, appealing to a wide range of consumers.
The upscale feel of the 2004 Passat is due to its excellent build quality and materials. It also has an all-wheel drive feature that’s appealing to consumers who live in areas with rough weather conditions. Owners today still praise this model for its longevity and reliability, stating they’ve never had any major issues with their car.
Of course, this model comes with downsides. Some have pointed out that upper-level models are relatively pricier than other competitors. And while the Passat is known for its spaciousness, some drivers don’t think that the 2004 model’s rear seat has enough room and that it has confusing interior controls.
- Engine Specs: 1.8L Inline-4 Turbo
- Weight: 3,350 lbs
- Power: 170 hp @ 5,900 rpm
- Torque: 166 lb-ft @ 1,950 rpm
2009 Volkswagen Passat
The 2009 Volkswagen Passat is known as a vehicle with a good balance between comfort and handling.
This Passat year also comes with upscale interior appointments and a powerful turbocharged engine, giving it a nice performance boost. The available wagon body style also adds versatility, giving consumers an option between a wagon body style or a midsize sedan.
The 2009 model is a generally comfortable daily driver, thanks to its spaciousness, ride quality, and high-quality sound system.
The only downside to owning a 2009 Passat is its cost. Maintenance and parts can be pricey, which is an issue considering owners reportedly have had problems with their electrical system.
- Engine Specs: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo
- Weight: 3,344 lbs
- Power: 200 hp @ 5,100 rpm
- Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
2017 Volkswagen Passat
The 2017 Volkswagen Passat boasts a roomy interior, a quiet cabin, and a smooth ride, offering a comfortable and fun driving experience.
It has a spacious backseat and a large trunk, making it a popular choice for large families. The model is also known for being fuel-efficient, making it a good daily driver.
There are a few cons to owning this vehicle. For example, some owners mentioned the infotainment touchscreen is smaller than expected. Others have also complained about electrical system issues and occasional road noise.
- Engine Specs: 1.8L Inline-4 Turbo
- Weight: 3,263 lbs
- Power: 170 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
2018 Volkswagen Passat
One thing that sets the 2018 Volkswagen Passat apart is its turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides quick and eager acceleration. While prior Passat years performed well, the 2018 model is a cut above the rest.
Like older models, it features ample cabin and trunk space for small and growing families. It’s also a great choice for drivers looking for a fuel-efficient vehicle that handles well. Overall, it’s a good candidate for a reliable and comfortable daily driver.
Some downsides to driving a 2018 Passat include high maintenance costs, a smaller infotainment touchscreen, and occasional transmission issues.
- Engine Specs: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo
- Weight: 3,274 lbs
- Power: 174 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1,500 rpm
2021 Volkswagen Passat
Lastly, the 2021 Volkswagen Passat is considered one of the best model years due to its advanced technology. This model comes with Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. And while these features don’t affect performance, they can help make commuting less stressful.
All in all, the 2021 Passat is still one of the best and most reliable models Volkswagen has to offer.
- Engine Specs: 2.0L Inline-4 Turbo
- Weight: 3,314 lbs
- Power: 174 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm
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