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2013 Volkswagen Passat

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Overview

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2013 Volkswagen Passat Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 8.1

Last year, Volkswagen completely reinvented the Passat mid-size sedan, and aimed it straight at the heart of American shoppers. Bigger, conservatively styled, with lots of standard equipment and a lower price, the Passat retained its German driving feel even though VW now builds it in Chattanooga, Tennessee. For 2013, the Passat continues to deliver great value for money. It plays in the tough heart of the market, where the iconic Toyota Camry and Honda Accord set the beat and more edgy upstarts like the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima play counterpoint. But the new VW Passat is carving out its niche as a comfortable, affordable 4-door with good space, lots of features, great road manners, and an honored spot on KBB's list of the 10 Best Family Cars of 2013.

You'll Like This Car If...

Looking for a roomy, mid-size sedan that offers an assortment of powertrains and lots of standard content? Like the idea of genuine German driving characteristics with a Made in America label? Want it all for a starting price in the low $20K range? Check out the 2013 Volkswagen Passat.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Although starting around the $20K price sweet spot, options packages and higher trim levels quickly push the 2013 Volkswagen Passat into $30K territory. And if you're looking to make a visual statement, the sharp-looking Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima will draw more attention.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

8.1
Driving Dynamics

7.9
Comfort & Convenience

7.9
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.5
Value

8.1
Safety

9.9

How It Ranks

#13

out of 19

MPG

#11

out of 19

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.6 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Volkswagen Passat Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

After its thorough remake last year, aimed specifically at attracting more American consumers, Volkswagen's mid-size Passat sedan is little changed for 2013. Some tweaking inside makes the center console's cup holders and storage space more functional, and a rearview camera is now offered on the top SEL trim level.

Driving the Passat

2013 Volkswagen Passat Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions The Volkswagen Passat sedan has grown substantially to appeal to North American sensibilities, but even though it's now a larger, heavier car, you'll still be rewarded with a refined road-going...

experience. Its suspension – including a 4-link independent rear setup – cancels out most road imperfections, and body roll is nicely controlled on tight, curvy roads. The base 2.5-liter 5-cylinder is the volume leader of the Passat's engines and is a perfectly fine around-town commuter, but if you want more zip in your drive, the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine is where you'll get your smiles. Its minimal turbo lag and lusty low-end torque make a trip of any length a more pleasurable experience. The final feather in the VW Passat's cap: Whether you choose the inline-5, the TDI or the V6, this German sedan is one quiet ride. That's a good thing, because with segment-leading rear legroom, passengers sitting there won't need to yell to be heard.

Favorite Features

FENDER SOUND SYSTEM
Fender, the electric-guitar icon, is making its first foray into automotive audio. The Passat's optional 9-speaker, 400-watt system developed with Panasonic provides clear, well balanced sound.

TDI
Offering up to 43 miles per gallon on the highway, this clean-burning diesel engine can return nearly 800 miles per tankful. Whether you can survive for that long without a rest-stop break is another matter.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Details

2013 Volkswagen Passat Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The 2013 VW Passat isn't flashy inside. Think clean lines and tasteful – but not overdone – chrome highlights. Lower-end Passats can look vanilla, but moving up to the Premium level adds an Autumn Nut Burl wood-trim detail that brings some visual interest to the cabin. Base S models come with standard cloth seating surfaces while SE models get V-Tex Leatherette and SEL models receive the full leather treatment with suede-like "Dinamica" inserts. And on the subject of seats, thanks to the Passat's longer wheelbase, rear-seat passengers now enjoy more legroom than in any other current mid-size sedan.

Exterior

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat may not be as distinctive-looking as the Passats that came before it, but its clean styling should serve it well over time. It is sleek and subtly angular in appearance, sporting a 3-bar horizontal grille and pronounced side crease lines that draw attention to the sedan's increased length. This length also allows for a more sizable trunk – with 15.9 cubic feet of space, it's a nearly a cubic foot larger than the trunk in the Honda Accord, which the EPA classifies as a large car.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For just over $21,000, a 2013 Volkswagen Passat S sedan (inline 5-cylinder) comes equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, hill-hold control, cloth seating, automatic dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and a 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance program. Hoping for a USB port to plug your mobile device into? You'll have to move up to the top SEL trim to get it.

Optional Equipment

With a lot of available options, packages and trim levels, it's easy to equip a 2013 VW Passat the way you want. Noteworthy items include Vegan-friendly V-Tex Leatherette seating, a Fender Premium audio system, an iPod interface and the quick-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission. For a little more oomph in your daily drive, a 3.6-liter V6 or the strong but frugal 2.0-liter 4-cylinder clean turbodiesel engine are also on the menu.

Under the Hood

The 2013 VW Passat sedan offers three engine choices, which greatly affect the character of the car: a 2.5-liter inline-5 shared with the smaller Jetta, a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 diesel (TDI), and a 3.6-liter V6. There are four transmissions available: a 5-speed manual (with the 2.5), a 6-speed manual (TDI), a 6-speed automatic (2.5) and the DSG 6-speed dual-clutch automatic (TDI and 3.6). If how much you spend at the pump is important to you, you'll be interested to know that the TDI can return a class-leading 43 mpg on the highway when matched with the manual transmission. In order to get comparable fuel economy in any other sedan, you'd have to move down out of the mid-size segment.

2.5-liter inline-5
170 horsepower @ 5,700 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/32 mpg (manual), 22/31 mpg (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 2,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/28 mpg

2.0-liter turbocharged diesel inline-4
140 horsepower @ 4,000 rpm
236 lb-ft of torque @ 1,750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 31/43 mpg (manual), 30/40 mpg (automatic)

Pricing Notes

A base 2013 Volkswagen Passat S, with the 2.5-liter engine and manual transmission, starts at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $21,640. If you prefer an automatic, that means the Appearance Package (includes alloy wheels) for another $2,100. A full-boat SEL Premium package tops $31,000. The TDI turbodiesel Passat spans a range of $27,000 (SE) to $33,700 (SEL Premium). The 3.6-liter V6 engine (DSG automatic only) starts around $30,000 for an SE and climbs past $34,000 for an SEL Premium. The Passat competes in the crowded mid-size segment, which includes heavyweights like the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, as well as value-oriented rides like the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata. Check KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price to see what local transaction prices are running. In resale value, the Passat falls behind the Camry and Accord but bests the Optima and Sonata over time.

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2013 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.6

Out of 10

Based on 57 Ratings for the 2012 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.9/10

Quality

8.9/10
Reliability

9.3/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

8.8/10

This is an AMAZING vehicle that has good value.

By DasAuto. (GA) on Monday, July 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great price for fully loaded diesel variant."

Cons: "No rear heated seats, Slow Nav system."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Passat is a fantastic car it is from a brand well known for quality vehicles and this one does not disappoint. Even though the base Passat is $7,000 cheaper than the last generation it does not feel cheap or cheesy. The exterior is nicely styled but at the same time not overly out of the box such as the design of a Nissan Leaf. However I believe the design will fair well over the years. One downside about the exterior is no H.I.D headlamps even on the highest trim. The interior is a absolute delight with wood trim and a soft touch dash. Even though the wood trim is fake (Obviously look at the price tag) it still looks good. However the interior does have some negatives like no rear heated seats and the Navigation system is EXTREMELY lagging in performance. The interior mostly is full of positives like an optional Fender sound system with a powered sub and the ability to play back movies on the Nav screen. Overall the Passat remains a solid choice if your looking for a huge Mid-size sedan. Also not to mention the diesel noise is practically inaudible inside the cabin and the fuel economy is over what VW claims."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great driver with excellent mph.

By jack (TX) on Sunday, July 28, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 41,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Enjoy every minute in it."

Cons: "Nice if rear seat had a/c vents. Newer models do."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Always enjoy driving in it. Was driving 400-700 miles/wk. Power and mileage both very good. I've been getting 44-48mph all around average depending on how easy/hard I drive. Comfort as driver and passenger exceptional. Twice had to hard brake and was very pleased with stopping power (didn't think I would stop in time). Handling is what would be expected from German engineering. The car is tight and handles poor roads well. Sticks to road. Turbo assists when power needed. Tranny exceptionally smooth and the Sport "S" gear setting holds shifts longer for even greater off the line performance. I purchased a '68 Camaro SS 396 for my first car. I'm older now, but have not been as pleased with a vehicle since then."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I love this car!

By dlt88 (FL) on Tuesday, July 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 10,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Love how it drives, spacious interior, great value"

Cons: "I honestly can't think of any. I truly love the c"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I never knew it was possible to love a car this much. It drives so well, is comfortable, plenty big, and with a huge, comfortable back seat, looks gorgeous, love the Bluetooth, moon roof, and customer service. Couldn't be happier!"

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I love my car!

By Kinger (OH) on Sunday, July 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "stylish, comfortable, and fun to drive"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The car is everything I wanted, it has ton's of room and an incredible sound system. Also the perks of a Navigation system and back up camera. I did not want the extra expense of a diesel engine, so I went with the 2.5l. The V-6 has lots of power, but the fuel economy is not as good as the 2.5l. The car rides great and gives me the comforts and efficiency I was looking for in a car."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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MPG much higher than advertised

By Jake (KS) on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "fun to drive and fuel economy"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned this car for only 5 weeks so this review is based on satisfaction of a new car. My car has 1,000 miles of local driving and is consistently showing 38.9 MPG with the TDI. A couple of friends with Jetta's said I will easily get 48 MPG on the highway. Went with the SEL, navigation, Fender radio/speakers and, so far, the handling is extremely good. I researched the TDI Passat for several months before the purchase and I am pleased with my decision."

8 people out of 8 found this review helpful

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ON Sept 13 I picked up my VW Passat TDI in Auburn

By snoopi (NV) on Sunday, June 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,364

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"WA. and drove to Las Vegas,it was fun driving the distance. Once I got settled in Las Vegas I had the misfortune, a small dog ran into my car( the dog survived) the front end did not. After a couple of days the front plastic piece fell down, first I thought I have a flat tire, due the noise. Some nice soul came to my rescue and kind of fastened it... After this mishap it was suggested I buy a Panzer plate and have it installed which I did ( paying close to $300.00) After the 10 000 miles oil change, and driving up to Alaska, another thing happened, in Oregon, good thing was, some young fellow came to the rescue and fastened the front end with baling wire, me and my wired together HILLBILLY car made it with out another glitch all the way to Alaska. I have not have it repaired, it cost so much more up here, as soon as I get back to Las Vegas I will have it repaired. Since it happened twice to me, maybe the front plastic could be riveted in/on? While I am writing the faults, might as well mention the fan (air/heat)it is super noisy. I am sure it could be made WHISPER QUIET, the technology is so much more advanced now. Other wise it is a beautiful car to drive. The mileage is impressive!!! I am looking forward to buying a VW again in the future"

2 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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