Used 2010 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
VW stands for VERY WORST!
I bought my 2010 VW Passat (2.0T TSI) used about 9 months ago. I did not buy it from a VW dealership, but did my homework and saw that all maintenance was consistent and up to date. It rode nice and and was okay for comfort and the body and engine looked to be in good shape. Blue Book value at the time was about $8200 and I picked it up for $8000. Within 3 months, I noticed a coolant leak. I took it to a VW mechanic (not the dealership) who told me the auxiliary water pump casing had cracked. There are two water pumps on this vehicle and both are plastic. So I had the water pump replaced at a cost of about $600. About 2 weeks later, I have another coolant leak. this time it is the main water pump. Another $600 out the door. The mechanic told me he has been seeing this problem with all VW TSI engines from the years 2009 - 2011. The problem, as he can figure, is that there is a seal between the pump and the block. The design VW has makes sure a piece of this seal is sticking up. When oil contacts this seal, it swells causing the water pump casing to crack. That was his thoughts, though I'm not convinced it isn't just oil hitting the plastic that causes it to embrittle and fail. So now I have replaced both water pumps and think I'm good to go. Not so. About two months later, I have another coolant leak and it is, again, the main water pump casing that cracked. This looked to be caused by a little oil that was slopped during an oil change. That's all it took and I'm repairing this car, again. At this point I posted it for sale online because I see it is a dog. The blue book has now dropped to about $6500. No takers for a couple months and then, you guessed it, another coolant leak. I had the car in for the 120,000 mile maintenance a week before and the mechanic inspected the water pumps and everything was good. So I take it back to him and yes, the water pump failed again. This time the source of the oil that caused the leak was a failed PCV valve. During the aforementioned maintenance, this was checked and found to be working fine. It was not part of the maintenance, but my mechanic checks a lot more just to verify common failures are monitored. In this case, the PCV valve, which coincidentally is another cheap plastic part, failed causing the interior pressure of the engine to build, blowing out pretty much every seal on the engine. Oil sprays out, coats the water pump, and the water pump casing splits, again. Now I am looking at basically a $3000+ fix. Needless to say, it is now being offered for sale as a parts car. VW has been contacted throughout this period and, not surprisingly, has not responded. My feeling is that VW talks a good story about customer care and loyalty, but they really don't want to hear about problems, they just want you to pay to fix them, over and over. This feeling isn't just that they ignored my complaints, but go to their website. Try and find a place where you can actually lodge a complaint. It doesn't exist. There is a link for feedback, but it is really geared around feedback for their website, not for their products. You can eventually dig around long enough to get someone that will tell you to email your complaints to vwcustomercare@vw.com. Do yourselves a favor...avoid ALL VW products.
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
It is a junk car
Bought a brand new car. DSG transmission never worked properly, car was jerking and leaping forward after complete stop. Owned it for 7 years. In the first month, VW dealership replaced the clutch, mechatronic unit, transmission, auto-hold button, antenna module. After warranty expired, I had to replace break pump, some valves, coolant pump, tires, and fuel pump, rear shock absorbers, and mechatronic unit again. Antenna module/radio is not working again. Front sway bar needs replacement. Car was maintained and service per manufacturer recommendation and has driven less than 15,000 miles per year. This car handles the road very well above 60 miles/hour and has a disante milage. Has awful acceleration, that is a big delay at lower speed.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Komfort PZEV WagonMSRP: $5,9958 mi away
- Komfort PZEV SedanMSRP: $7,999665 mi away
- Komfort WagonMSRP: $9,999712 mi away
Quirky but I love it
I bought this car new at the end of its production run. It has 38k now. My previous car was a 2003 Passat. This Passat is bigger and more luxurious than the old design. It is quiet, smooth riding and powerful. It is commanding on the highway. Great for my long legs. Sorry they left off the automatic window closing feature. The quirk is the electronic transmission. It clunks and lurches into first gear. I hated it for a long time. But I love everything else so much that I have come to accept this weird behavior. Mileage is 31 to 33mpg on the highway. Transmission feels european if you like that. I plan to stay with the car a long time.
Very nice
I looked at several used cars before buying this. I was looking at the CC mainly as I felt the two VW models had more value than the other entry level luxury cars (BMW 3 series, MB C Class, Lexus, A4, CTS). I paid about 5-8k less for my passat. I know I gave up some performace but couldn't justify the extra for a little more pep as the speed limit is still 70. This car does cruise at 80 plus very smoothly though and dtill has some power left. I did go with the Passat with the ground effects and this really makes a huge difference on the look of the car. Put the same model side by side and it looks completely different from the more stock Passat. It wasn't really on my list until I found one.
7+ wonderful years
VW Service is outstanding. Only issue is the wheels have corrosion from the winter salt.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Quality & Saving
Great build and quality with exceptional gas mileage, within first 3,000 miles have 650 miles trip with best result of 30 mpg. Power is exceptional for a 4 cylinder and turbo, interior is very quiet and ride quality little too soft in my own opinion, highway speed the steering response turns to ultra sensitive - "great feel". Quality made with incredible savings on gasoline usage but calls for premium fuel. Have consistently gotten 400 miles from full tank of gas with 50/50 town/highway driving. Wagon is versatile with great looks; adequate amount of room for hauling with family of 4. Turbo lag noticeable but once whines up, power rival a V6 - makes it very fun to drive, cruises GREAT!!
10,000 Mile Review-
I was between this and the Ford Fuzion V6. In the end, the entry lux interior won my wife over so hence the Passat. This is a nice clean sedan. The interior is impressive with soft touch dash and clean teutonic lines. All reports of a hesitation at start are correct. It feels like half a second. Drive this car around for awhile before making darts into tight traffic. All in all this thing scoots for a 4 banger. Steering and handling is not on a BMW level of communication but its good, really good for this price point. The cabin is quiet.
First VW - Very Good but not Great
I've had my 2010 Passat for a few months, and for the most part I am happy. I totally agree with the other rave reviews of the spirited 2.0 turbo engine, and the incredibly smooth DGS transmission. It's very stable at highway speeds, as it should be coming from Germany. My only real complaint is the intrusive road noise on uneven pavement - there is a lot of that where I live around DC. I have also noticed some annoying rattles in the driver's door and dash, but I don't know if it's just my car since most people rate the fit & finish very highly. Great fuel economy and plenty of power for every day drivers. I especially enjoy the low end torque pushing me back in my seat.
2010 R36 Wagon Perfect Family Wagon
My second VW (had a W8 wagon last) has given no problems. In New Zealand this car is $45k cheaper than than the 3.0D Audi and comes with all the extras I need. The ESP allows a little four wheel drift fun when seriously provoked but always feels completely in control. Normally driven by my wife with three kids seats in the back it runs around town but still overtakes most anything on the open road in less than 100m
Transmission shot with only 65K and VW won't help
I have had this car for only 6 months, it only has 65K miles on it, and the transmission is shot. VW won't help me because I didn't buy it through a VW dealer. My car is parked, still have payments, and have to somehow come up with 4300 dollars. Don't have it. Fuming...VW needs to stand behind their product, this car is young, I've been totally ripped off...do yourself a favor and don't buy from VW.
2010 Passat
I purchased my Passat as a commuter car between Sacramento and San Francisco Bay area. After 7000 miles in eight weeks, I'm averaging 32 MPG while driving 75-80 MPH. The car is a wonderful cruiser with excellent performance and handling. At 6'3" and nearly 300 pounds, I have adjusted the seat and steering wheel so that I am very comfortable during my daily three hour and 190 mile commute. The armrests are perfectly positioned to further create the ideal driving position. The DSG transmission and the turbo engine really make this a fun car to drive. The optional 18" wheels really turn an average looking car into one of the best looking sedans in this price segment.
Am i being catfished
took it to the dealer for an oil change and was told the car would not start after. First diagnosis was timing chain. Check out ok. Next they said it was the camshaft, started sounding fishy but we had a warranty but was told the warranty would only cover 2500 of a 4200 dollar bill, when i told them i could'nt afford that they said they would consider taking it on trade for something else. I don't know what to do about this
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
What’s Reliable
Well to sum it up as tenth anniversary Passat owners , the interior is still perfect! The rims are great and the paint. Vw should be ashamed of themselves and any manufacturer for selling a car new and otherwise at any price and then sticking the owner for constant repairs and failures due to Poor design and poor quality. Transmission failure -80,000 miles , fuel pump failures, redundant coil failures, oil leaks etc. Always maintained, CPO car, no more Vws. Even with the $$$ warranties, the constant issues make it so that the car is at the shop as much or more than it’s driven. Manufacturers are sheisters. Any car from Any manufacturer having constant issues should be bought back. The consumers money doesn’t break down so why should the vehicle consumers purchase not be held to the same standard. Oh yes and word games from Vw- and empty promises when a part causes other parts to fail.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
DSG Nightmare
17,000 miles now, and going in for the fifth time in an attempt to fix the severe hesitation from a complete stop. The rest of the car is great, but the way the transmission works drives me crazy and ruins the whole experience. It's potentially a very dangerous issue if it decides to act up when pulling out into traffic.
Amazing Car
Purchased 2010 Passat wagon February and could not be happier, excellent workmanship and plenty of power with great gas mileage. The interior design and comfort were two of the original things we liked viewing different cars at a local car show. Our dealer let us drive the car over 70 miles for our test drive and we were sold. So many features are included this car, quiet very little road noise. Our first road trip was about 400 miles and averaged 32 mpg unbelievable for this car.
2010 Passat Wagon
Gave my 2001 Passat Wagon to my son a bought a new 2010 Passat Wagon. A little disappointed that I did not pick up on the manual adjust passenger set but am happy with the rear hatch automatic open/close ... good trade off as I am usually in the car by myself. Got 34 mpg on my first long trip of 200 miles using regular gas (I know they say to use premium).
High Quality with Performance & Style
Due to recent Toyota safety issues, I switched to my first VW. From the outset, I was very impressed by the design, performance, and safety ratings of the Passat. The base model has almost everything you need, including a very fine AM/FM/SAT receiver with 6CD changer and above-average speakers. All controls are intuitive and easy to understand, unlike many cars that present a baffling array of buttons. The power is astounding for a 4 cylinder, altho there is a slight hesitation from a stop. It climbs a long 7% grade without any obvious downshifting or effort and easily allows you to merge into freeway traffic from short freeway on-ramps. Handling is superb and the ride is very quiet.
Good Decision
27 mo. lease ended on our MBC300. Loved the Benz but could not work the numbers with MB Financial. Looked at replacements. Jetta, Mazda 3, Malibu,etc. Test drove the Passat w 2.0 and was sold. Engine,transmission combination very smooth and extremely powerful, just a wonderful match. We saved ten grand buying the Passat instead of the new C300. Very wise decision thus far. Frankly, the other car in our garage is a 2010 MB E 350 Sport. Another super car, however when given the choice I find myself opting to drive the VW. Crazy, I know! The Passat is just a joy to drive, no other way to say it
Zippy
Fun, fast, and can get you out of situations quickly. Comfortable to drive longer distances. Great on gas mileage >600 tank longer drives.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Biggest POS I could've dreamed of..!
I bought this used at 108K miles overpriced at $6k from a shystie private seller and it was broke day one. In barely 4,000 miles driven the following has been replaced: - wet clutch - camshaft sensor - camshaft unit - entire T60 wiring harness - etc. All this equalling about 10k$ worth of work. It constantly misfires on different cylinders and my go-to service shop already gave up on the car. The turbo lag is significant, the headliner hangs low from age and cheap glue, the cd player is broken somehow, and the audio system itself is trash like a muffled sound, the plastic handles to lower the second-row seating broke with slight pressure and fell apart in my hand, and there's a mystery problem that continuously causes the check engine light to come on. I also HATE that this car is NOT compatible with any remote start systems. The positives: it's a shame because it's a cute-looking wagon, it has pretty great space, it stands a good in-between height, and the seats are pretty soft and comfy unlike other vw I've sat in. There's enough body to make you feel "safe" while driving besides the general unreliability of the car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Car turns heads
This is my first car, I've always had large SUV's. I've only had the Passat just under four months and I've put 4,650 miles or so on it in that time. I love driving it. Its quick and handles the road great. The gas mileage is far superior than what I was getting so I cant complain about that at all. There's more than enough room in the back seat for three adults comfortably. The touch screen navigation is an awesome bonus. When I keep it clean (all to rare), heads turn to check it out. My only wonder/concern is how it will handle in the snow. I live in a fairly snowy New England area so I'm crossing my fingers that I'll be pleasantly surprised with only FWD.
Poor Quality and Service
Fuel pump failed in 700 miles. According to VW website, with Navigation option, park distance control is included. Mine came without, when questioned dealer he would look into it. Result was you bought it. Called VW customer care and they say buyer beware. They point me to terms and conditions and read liberally they can lie and you have no recourse. Car is not built according to website. Buyer beware
Awesome car for over 40's
Reliable, fun functional and fast
- Technology
- Performance
Amazing Vehicle
Could not be happier, excellent workmanship and plenty of power with great gas mileage. Interior design and comfort were two things we liked viewing the vehicle at a local car show.Our test drive was over 70 miles and we were sold.So many features are included this car is quiet.German build was another consideration not built in Mexico.First trip over 400 miles and averaged 32 mpg plenty of power. Considered VW TDI S/W and Subaru Outback we felt the Passat was nore car for the money and a better ride with more comfort. The wagon has plenty of room . Purchased all my new waxing stuff to keep her nice,white gold ,black interior.
Solid German Engineering & Build
Very nice car although little too mushy for my own taste, this is The 6th VW car in my family over span of last 20 years, can tell that VW can build them like no other, 2.0T FSI does a great job!(efficiency plus power) Engine lags a bit during initial take off but speed climbs rapidly soon after, cruises like a V6 and ride is quiet, predictable and SMOOTH; the steering does become very precise as speed increases. Interior detail is awesome - Japan & US should take note, German still way ahead of the game here - ergonomics with ultra tight tolerance. First tank of gas got mileage of 23 mpg from 50/50 mix hwy & city driving, not bad! Exterior fit and finish is EXCELLENT, great lines!!
The Passat of excellence
I came out of a 2000 Mitsubishi diamante LS, in shopping for a new car due to a blown engine, I evaluated Honda, Volvo, BMW, Toyota, Mazda and the Passat. By far this is the best buy, for features, power, appointments and comfort. As a 4 cylinder, one may think its underpowered, but the TDI turbo changes your mind as soon as you press the gas pedal. As noted in others, there may be just a slight hesitation at start, but then it takes off, I suspect this is due to the turbo revving up. Mine is jet black with corn silk interior. The blue tooth connectivity is awesome- Pares with the IPHONE perfectly allowing hands free, great radio and satellite radio. You got to drive it
First German Car
I had always owned/driven Honda and Toyota. This is my very first non- Japanese car. AND I AM IMPRESSED! The 2 weeks that have owned it, it certainly has been a great suprise. I got more for my money over Honda/Toyota.
Pure Driving Fun
This car is so enjoyable to drive that I actually look forward to going to work! One of the things I noticed is this car stands out on the highway with its classy looks. Having the turbo kicking in for quick acceleration makes passing others so much fun!When I purchased my car the window tag said 22/30 MPG well for the first 3 weeks I wasnt even close because I realized I gained a lead foot? LOL But when driving normally and doing the speed limits my MPG was exactly that 22/30. I actually got 32 on a vacation trip. I have read other reviews about slight hesitation but I can say if you depress the fuel pedal slowly it takes off very nicely.
Great Car
Traded in my BMW 328i for the Passat, so I was a little nervous that I was going to be "stepping down" in quality, etc. I just wanted a slightly bigger car that didn't rattle my teeth every time I went over a bump. I got just what I wanted with the Passat. It is very very quiet and gives a nice smooth ride - can't believe it only has a 4 cyl engine, but it has 200 hp and it gets down the road very well. So far, I couldn't be happier - nice comfortable ride and plenty of room inside.
Great Vehicle, would buy again!
Actually purchased this car via internet-telephone...the dealer was low pressure. The salesman was well versed in the car's features and professional. Would definitely buy another VW, this is my third and while the first one had it's quirks the last two have been a dream.
CUV to Family Sedan
I purchased my 2010 VW Passat last week and it was the first "car" I have driven in about 3 years. I thought the transition to riding low would be difficult but it was not. The Passat drives smooth and accelerates nice. This is the first European vehicle I have ever owned and I love it. Definitely would recommend a test drive!
Near Luxury product
Purchased the vehicle two days ago so haven't driven many miles yet. My gf and her two daughters have Jettas and Passats, which prompted me to buy one. Was able to 'haggle' a decent deal and got a very good interest rate. So far, the car is much more than I hoped for - great performance, comfortable ride, wonderful interior and good looking. Got the new "White Gold Metallic" paint... unique.
A Great Car
My wife and I both love this car, a 2010 Passat with navigation. We previously drove a 2007 Hyundai Azera, and the VW is quieter and handles better. I like the auto hold feature, bluetooth phone, and the Nav system is great (way better than the Garmin we used in the Azera). The seats are very comfortable, and the back seat has nice headroom. I've only filled it up twice, I think I'm getting around 25 or a little better mpg, mostly highway
Continuing the VW Tradition
Our fourth VW, the 2010 Passat retains a strong German character in ride, handling, interior design, and overall build quality. Great family car, with plenty of room for 4 or 5, comfortable front seats for all-day cruising, good power and fuel economy, and some very thoughtful design features. Just about the only reasonably-priced mid-size European car sold in the U.S. Weaknesses are slight hesitation when accelerating (plenty of torque and power, just a lagging transmission response) and the absence of certain features, such as auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic climate control, and rain-sensing wipers that were found in previous versions of the Passat and most major competitors.
The Pleasant Surprise
After 20 plus years of the popular Japanese makes I decided to try VW again. My 1980s VW experience was less than stellar. What a pleasant surprise. The car rides smooth, handles excellently, and build quality, so far, appears to be as good or better than the above mentioned makes I have owned in the past. The biggest and most pleasant surprise is the blend of performance and economy. With a light foot on the highway I can achieve 37 mpg. In the city I usually get about 25 mpg. Power from the turbo 2.0 four is another surprise, especially the torque. Its is faster than most normally aspirated fours and almost as fast as soon sixes. In summary I think it is a "keeper".
More than my money's worth!
The car is even more luxurious inside than out. When I drive in to work heads turn wondering who is in it .I personally love VW cars and this time I wanted all the goodies, well I got them in this car! I spent more than I originally wanted to but I'm not complaining now!
2010 Passat Review
Traded an 06 Jetta on the 2010 Passat. A great improvement over the Jetta. Good power and handling and better fuel economy. This car has a lot of road noise.
Perfect Fit for Family of Four
Upgraded from a Jetta 1.8T with a manual. I love the DSG transmission because it really does act as a manual, without having to row a clutch. Of course, my wife doesn't like it because it doesn't have the slushyness of an automatic. All the features I wanted without all the unnecessary excess... I mean really - who needs an auto dimming mirror, can you really not reach that? Very sporty - make sure you get APR to add 50 more horsepower.
Great car
The car is a pleasure to drive and is anything but a sole-less appliance. Some say near luxury, but its as nice or nicer than some "luxury" models i've been in. I think VW will miss this German car in the US next year.
Very Satisfied!!!!!
I was thinking of getting an Audi A4 when I traded my 2005 Jetta for my new 2010 VW Passat... but Im really happy with my Choice.. I read the other reviews of how people look forward to driving to work.. Well thats is how I feel.. I really enjoy the Turbo and the the car drives like a V6.. The interior is so well finished and the Audio with Sirus XM its a plus too!! Great style.. Luxurious yet still sporty!!!! Great gas mileage too!!! Really happy to own this automobile!!!