2013 Volkswagen Passat Review: Dependable & Luxurious Midsize Sedan

Alex Showalter
Sep 13, 2022

The 2013 Volkswagen Passat lasts around 250,000 miles with only minor fuel pump and stereo system issues. At $9,946 to $12,164, it’s a good value for an entry-level European sedan with plenty of room for passengers.

VehicleHistory Image
likeFilled The Good
The interior is extremely comfortable, there’s more cargo space than other sedans, and the suspension is very smooth.
dislikeFilled The Bad
Base engine is weaker than other midsize cars, braking distances are long and ownership costs are higher than competitors.

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat a Good Used Car?

  • Overall Rating 8/10 – We give it a high overall score based on it’s good reliability, safety scores, and luxurious interiors for the price. 2013 is a good year for the VW Passat. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, powerful engine, and fuel economy.
  • Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are nice for an affordable midsize car. The seats are comfortable even for larger people, cargo space is larger than rivals, and the stereo system is easy to use.
  • Reliability 8/10 – 2013 is a dependable year for the Passat. Models from 20072020 are all excellent choices with no widespread mechanical issues.
  • Performance 7/10 – The standard 5-cylinder engine is average, and the V6 offers great power for a sedan.
  • Safety 8/10 – The Passat is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star overall rating in government crash tests with 5-stars in the frontal and side impact tests as well.
  • Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 26 MPG, which should get owners about 480 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Fuel costs are about $24 cheaper than average at $181 per month.
  • Value 8/10 – Prices are reasonable on the Passat for a German sedan, and you’ll find some upscale features for your money that are missing on sedans in the same price range.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Keisha K
This vehicle is fuel efficient even though it may not seem like it at first. Also, five cylinders is pretty good too.
I love this vehicle. At first, I was worried about the running lights, but I have found them to be beneficial. The Passat has a HUGE gas tank, so fill ups are expensive, but the gas lasts for a while. So, it matches up.
accountCircle Sydney G
The passat has some amazing features.
I absolutely love my passat! You've got push start, back up camera, heated seats, sunroof and many more options. It is especially perfect for a first car option in my opinion. I have had my passat for about 7 months and I couldn’t be anymore happier with what I chose. Great gas mileage as well!!
accountCircle Claudia B
Volkswagen actually owns many luxury brands such as lamborghini and Audi.
I highly encourage anyone to purchase a Volkswagen passat. I have been driving my passat for 5 years now, and haven't encountered any problems. It performs exactly how it should, as long as the owner is diligent when it comes to routine maintenance. This car truly is the pinnacle of reliable. The interior is good, not luxurious, but good. In my opinion, the outside is stunning. This car could be described as borderline luxury for a very reasonable price.
accountCircle Jose B
Diesel. Cheap. And good quality.
It is wonderful easy to drive and easy to fix issues in it, it does not used a lot of gas, it is a diesel I would recommend this car to everyone to buy it and recommended that to their families and friends. It is wonderful easy to drive and easy to fix issues in it, it does not used a lot of gas, it is a diesel I would recommend this car to everyone to buy it and recommended that to their families and friends.
accountCircle Mariana E
It's a moderately affordable vehicle that's great for everyday driving but is always sleek and stylish.
It's an extremely reliable car that's also very fun to drive. It's a very smooth ride and handles well.
accountCircle Adam S
It has really great gas mileage. It gets around 35 miles to the gallon.
It is a really nice vehicle. It has leather seats and the seats have seat warmers in them. There aren't any complaints that I have about the vehicle. It is a really nice car and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a dependable vehicle.
accountCircle Lauren H
2013 Volkswagen passat tdi se w/ sunroof and navigation review- life-changing.
Car is extremely reliable- had it for 4 months and have yet to have a single problem. Comfort 10/10. Features include Bluetooth which is extremely important for me. Performance is amazing, speeds up quickly and can stay up to speed easily. The only problem I have with it is the inconvenience of refilling the def fluid every couple tanks of gas, but that is just how you have to take care of a diesel car. One tank of gas can last me 2-3 weeks as someone who commutes 30 minutes a couple times a week for work which is amazing. Diesel is often cheap as the lowest gas price or lower which is also a nice perk of driving this car. I have a friend who drives a 2014 Audi a4 (Volkswagen and Audi are made by the same company) and the cars really are the exact same just with a different brand.
accountCircle Dave S
Pros and cons of a passat.
There is a lot of space interior in this car. Not only does it drive very smooth but it handles very well. Surprisingly good on gas. Very affordable luxury vehicle. Very secure and safe vehicle good for families. Huge trunk space, with back seats fold down storage is very good. The brakes are very hard to change in the e break and cause problems along with the brakes based on set up. Parts can typically be expensive for this vehicle as well.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Lauren G
It does not feel stable on wet roads & will slide when turning or trying to stop.
Slides in the rain. Alignment always off. Needs new tires every two years. Will not stop quickly if needed. Slides in the snow and gets stuck. Will never buy a Passat again.
accountCircle Mary C
2013 VW passat 4 door manual transmission.
Suspension is not very strong for having a turbo engine and being a manual transmission. I feel every bump in the road. The brakes do not come with squealers attached so your changing the rotors with brakes causing a huge price tag to the cost of brakes. On the plus side it has plenty of legroom from any seat and great on road trips.
accountCircle Paul J
Reliability
I actually wouldn’t recommend this car I’ve had mine since 5/30/13 purchased brand new and have had several issues outside of the known recalls I had to replace Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement Crankshaft Position Sensor Replacement With only 44,000 MI it was just out of my 3yr/36000 mi warranty and the dealer says they were defective but I needed to pay for them will never ever buy another crappy VW in my life!!!
accountCircle Ryan O
It is a nice looking car with motor issues.
The interior of the vehicle is nice. It is leather and has a sunroof. The car has had to have a number of expensive parts replaced on the engine to keep it driving. It gets good gas mileage and the tank is only about $40 to fill. Also I have had real trouble with one of the headlights and had to have a mechanic rewire them.
accountCircle Ashley K
Nice drive and good looking but with lock issues.
The car drives great and is easy to handle. Great trunk space and ample leg room in the back seats. Touch screen radio and sunroof are nice. It has had many electrical issues from the start. Sometimes you cannot unlock the driver door and have to click lock/unlock multiple times before it works. Also very low to the ground and scrapes a lot.
accountCircle Hope B
Heated seats. Not too interesting but definitely a bonus
Reliable vehicle, works and drives nicely. Uncomfortable for driving long periods of time, average gas mileage, close to the ground. Black interior gets very hot in the summer, handles accelerating okay, good brakes. AC and heating work fine, functioning radio and Bluetooth phone connection. No Bluetooth music streaming options. Built in GPS
accountCircle Christian M
Reliable, gas saver, sleek.
My car is very reliable and definitely helps me save on gas... Because I have a older model I do not have a screen display or anything fancy but I love my ability to connect wirelessly via Bluetooth connection. Overall other than the tech aspects I highly recommend this vehicle.
accountCircle Laura M
Great gas mileage, fun to drive.
I have not had any mechanical issues in the 5 years I have owned the vehicle. It gets great gas mileage, is reliable and comfortable. I wish the leather seats were softer. There is a lot of trunk space. The reason I gave it a rating of 3 is because I want something with all wheel drive for the winter.

What Do Critics Say About the VW Passat?

  • Consumer Reports says the 2013 Passat has an excellent spacious cabin, with above-average owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Passat a 4.3/5 praising the smooth suspension, but doesn’t like the long braking distances.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Passat at 4.5/5 and enjoy the entry-level luxury, but owners don’t like the higher than average repair costs.

What Common Problems Does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat Have?

The most common complaints on the 2013 VW Passat include fuel pump failures, a broken clock spring, and stereo system issues. Overall, these problems are typical for a midsize car from 2013, but the repair costs are higher than most competitors due to the expensive parts.

Fuel pump failures are the most widespread issue reported by owners at around 50,000 miles. The pump overheats and wears out as it ages. Replacing the pump fixes the problem, and costs around $1,200.

A broken clock spring is another complaint owners have with the 2013 Passat, which happens at around 80,000 miles. The clock spring is the cable that goes to the steering wheel, and the spring wears out and breaks. Replacing the clock spring costs about $700, and fixes the issue. In some cases it’s covered by a recall and can be changed for free.

Stereo system issues are also reported by owners in the first 20,000 miles. Owners complain that the stereo is slow, restarts, and is not responsive. There is a software update that VW dealers can install which improves the performance.

There are 8 recalls, average for a midsize car from 2013. The most serious recall is for electrical connectors, which can get water corrosion and short out. Volkswagen will replace the electrical connectors for free, which solves the problem. Many of the other recalls are for air bags which are common on all makes and models.

How Long Will the 2013 Volkswagen Passat Last?

A well-maintained 2013 VW Passat lasts around 250,000 miles, which is only 50,000 miles less than top-rated competitors like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average at $724 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Since most 2013 Passat models will have over 100,000 miles, buyers should be prepared to replace items including the air bag crash sensor which costs $400, engine oil level sensor costing $300, and the A/C drier assembly which costs $400 as well.

accountCircle Toney G

I runs great and very reliable. I have 80,000 miles on it and I hope to go another 80,000. It does have a few chips in the paint but engine runs great.

accountCircle Brittney C

As long as the Volkswagen passat has been in the family, there has been no problem whatsoever. It is a great family car, and definitely comfortable during long trips.

accountCircle Heloisa A

It is a reliable vehicle, is a reliable vehicle and the best one I ever had. The best one I ever had.

accountCircle Justin F

It is decently reliable. I have had to replace a few components here and there but has been fairly reliable.

accountCircle Taylor A

It is very reliable, German engineering is superior to most American made cars that I have owned, but the electric door system can definitely be a hassle and it can be expensive to take it to a dealership anytime something besides the oil or brake pads need fixing or replacing.

accountCircle Skyler B

It is pretty reliable. It’s not a great winter driving car, but overall it’s quite reliable. The clock spring went out on my car, but it was a recall so it is all good and I have not had any other problems!

accountCircle Alexis H

My Passat has always been reliable. I've never had a problem with it! Low Maintenance and gets me from point a to point b safely.

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Passat a Good Value?

Yes, the 2013 Passat is a good value for a German car. Blue book prices range from $9,946 to $12,164, making it cheaper than other midsize cars like the Honda Accord or Mazda6. When new, the price range was $20,845 to $33,525. Depreciation is worse than average, losing about 12% of its current value per year.

How Is the Technology?

The technology is okay in the 2013 Volkswagen Passat compared to other midsize sedans with a nice stereo system for the money, but everything is only average compared to other cars from the same year. There’s no advanced safety features available, which are found on some competitors.

What are the Different Models of the VW Passat?

There are four models of the Passat offered for 2013 from the base S model all the way up to the luxurious SEL.

S is the entry-level model with:

  • 16-Inch Steel Wheels
  • Cloth Seating
  • Keyless Entry
  • Cruise Control
  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • 6-Speaker Stereo System With 3.5mm AUX

Wolfsburg Edition is a step up, adding:

  • 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Leatherette Vinyl Seating
  • Power Driver’s Seat
  • Heated Front Seats
  • USB Connectivity

SE is next in the lineup and adds:

  • 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Seat Air Conditioning
  • Chrome Exterior Trim
  • 8-Speaker Stereo System With Touchscreen

SEL is the luxury model and has:

  • Dual Zone Climate Control
  • Leather Seating
  • Rearview Camera
  • Wood Interior Trim
car
S w/Appearance
170 HP 25 MPG
car
Wolfsburg Edition
170 HP 25 MPG
car
car
TDI SE w/Sunroof
140 HP 34 MPG
car
SE w/Sunroof
280 HP 23 MPG

What Engines Come In the VW Passat?

  • The base engine is an average 2.5L 5-cylinder which makes 170 horsepower and gets up to 26 MPG.
  • A step up is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 280 horsepower while getting around 23 MPG. Performance is great, going from 0-60 MPH in 6.4 seconds.
  • An available option is the efficient 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel, which generates 140 horsepower while getting up to 35 MPG.

What Colors Does the VW Passat Come In?

How Comfortable Is the VW Passat?

The 2013 VW Passat is a very comfortable midsize sedan offering excellent seats and high quality interior materials.

Passenger space is excellent with plenty of room for taller passengers in the back seats.

How Is the Storage In the VW Passat?

The trunk in the 2013 Passat is larger than many other sedans on the market, with enough space for 4-5 suitcases.

VehicleHistory Image

What Are the Differences Between Years?

The seventh generation of the VW Passat was introduced in 2012, and replaced by the eighth generation in 2016.

2012: Redesigned exterior, new engine choices added, and more passenger room.

2013: Optional rearview camera available.

2014: New 4-cylinder engine option, and Car-Net stereo system offered.

2015: Slightly more fuel-efficient diesel engine available.

2016: Complete redesign with standard camera, new safety technology, and upgraded interior.

How Does the VW Passat Compare to the Competition?

The Volkswagen Passat is a great midsize sedan if you’re looking to buy an entry-level European car, and it ranks well against other midsize sedans from Japan and America.

The Volkswagen Jetta is another competitor from VW, which is about $2,000 cheaper. Steering is more responsive in the VW Jetta, while the VW Passat has better power and passenger room. We recommend the VW Passat since it’s a more practical choice if you need to carry passengers.

The Honda Accord is another midsize sedan that’s about $1,500 more. Technology is more advanced in the Honda Accord, but the Volkswagen Passat has a more comfortable interior. We recommend the Honda Accord since you’ll get more features for your money, however both cars are excellent long-lasting choices.

Ranks #2 Midsize Cars by Owners

1
car
4.54
2
car
4.47
3
car
4.46

Do Owners Recommend the VW Passat?

accountCircle Toney G

Yes, I love it. I have add some things to it to make it peppier. It is a nice well built car. After it is paid off I will keep it as a second car. Not sure I can part with it.

accountCircle Brittney C

The Volkswagen passat is a great vehicle, and very reliable. There are many amazing features such as heated seats and a great sound system.

accountCircle Heloisa A

Of course yeah. Just expend a little bit of gas but it is a really good car. It is a reliable vehicle.

accountCircle Justin F

It's not a terrible vehicle. It is fairly reliable, gets decent mileage per gallon and is fun to drive.

accountCircle Taylor A

I believe that the 2013 Volkswagen passat 2.5 liter se is a good vehicle for a multitude of reasons. It gets exceptional gas mileage, comes at a decent cost, a sunroof, a pretty powerful sport mode for a base model car, and the durability of German engineering. The only downsides to owning a Volkswagen passat that I could really list are the electric doors that are common among Volkswagen, and the fact that just like any other foreign made car, it has to be taken to a dealership for work besides changing oil or brake pads to be done. Aside from those two things, I really have nothing bad to say whatsoever about the vehicle.

accountCircle Hazel Abear H

I have had a really good experience with my Passat. I keep it happy with oil changes and car care, and I have had no problems! The only thing that hasn't been good is that my clock spring was not working, but found out it was a recall in the car and it’s all good!

accountCircle Katie M

I love my Passat. Easy to drive and I always feel safe in it. It’s a lot more spacious and comfortable than the Jetta

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Robert on February 20, 2023
Comfort and performance in the V6 Wagon
Only had one minor issue that cost more than expected to repair thanks to Aussie isolation Tax. Parts from EU cost a fortune down here, so a simple PCV fix cost 4 digits. Apart from that, this has been a fantastic vehicle over the past 4 years I've owned it. The 3.6 litre V6 has plenty of power in Australian kit out. 300 bhp straight out of the box, and with premium fuel, it still delivers that power ten years into its life. With upgraded tyres on 19" rims, it sticks to the road like a flattened goanna. Fantastic car to drive. Adequate aircon even west of the ranges, great sound system and easy Bluetooth phone connection makes a long drive seem like a casual trip to the shops. Plenty of storage space around the passengers (on their lovely leather seats). Plenty of space in the luggage area. The bland invisible styling melts this car into the traffic, but it comes with a spirited wallop in the back when you put the foot down. Can't really complain at all about this car. Love evey hour behind the wheel.
accountCircle Carson L on June 24, 2021
The passat amazing quality.
My vehicle is a 2013 Volkswagen passat tdi sel premium and I do not see any foreseeable problems except it runs on diesel motor fuel which is more expensive than usual gas operated vehicles. The gas mileage is wonderful and is very reliable. For the comfort it is incredible and has many features such as great stereo and heated seats.
accountCircle Christine M on June 23, 2021
Volkswagen passat great car.
I really enjoy my Volkswagen passat. It drives beautifully and is very comfortable and it responds great. It has great features and looks wonderful. It has many fabulous features too like cruise control and heated seats that are adjustable and very comfortable too.
accountCircle Claire K on June 11, 2021
Volkswagen passat: your next vehicle!
It is amazing! Super reliable, and I have never had problems with the battery dying or the engine going out. I absolutely love my little passat. It is comfortable and there’s plenty of space in the back and front seats. I wish the trunk was bigger, but there is still a very reasonable amount of space! The drive... It is amazing. I feel speedy and it is such a smooth ride. I really recommend this car!
accountCircle Gerry B on June 11, 2021
My car review and features.
I like the acceleration, comfort, reliability,, safety features.. I do not like the expensive parts and repairs. I like that this car runs like a sports car.. It is also good in gas usage., and uses only unleaded regular. I have more than 100,000 miles on my car and no major repair was done.
accountCircle Kyle M on June 8, 2021
A small overview of a passat.
My car is comfortable and drives well. I have a silver, 2013 passat. Recently I had to get my clock spring replaced as that part had broken. Later found out it was a recalled part so no cost. It is a nice, reliable car that usually has few issues. My air conditioning does not always work the greatest due to the hot Florida heat and having to park outside, but it is not unbearable and it gets going after a few minutes of driving. I have a tan interior, with tan leather seats that are durable and easy to clean. There’s plenty of space in the trunk and if you still need more space, you can put down the back seats of the car. The air conditioning in the backseat could also be better as it is just a small vent, but it is not terrible. It is an expensive car to keep up with, but again it does not have issues often. I have a 17-gallon tank and only need to fill up every 2 weeks or so. However, it is about a $36 fill up each time. The car has seat warmers as well which are extremely helpful during winter months and has plenty of storage space as well. The brakes are quite sensitive, which is great especially for new drivers. Mine are quite loud sometime though. Overall, I definitely recommend this car as long as you can afford to keep up with it.
accountCircle Pam P on June 3, 2021
Electronic easy to use to troubleshoot problems.
This car is reliable and lots of room for passengers and hauling boxes. Trunk size is big. Other than usual maintenance, the car runs very well! Helpful electronics to help with troubleshooting when a problem arises! Very easy to maintain. Ride is comfortable and car is easy to drive.
accountCircle Amanda P on June 3, 2021
Luxury sedan with low price.
Huge sedan with great amenities. It can comfortably fit booster seats in the back seat with plenty of legroom up front. Enormous trunk, fits large stroller and tons of bags. Quiet ride, good sound system. The s drive really sets it out of the ordinary.
accountCircle Jennifer W on June 2, 2021
2013 VW passat a low maintenance comfortable vehicle.
This car has been low maintenance... Haven't had any issues with this car and is comfortable to ride in.. It uses a synthetic oil blend and gets changed every 6000 miles instead of the typical 3000.. I love that my phone connects via Bluetooth to the car for hands free driving.
accountCircle Paul L on June 2, 2021
A decent sedan for the price.
Overall a pretty solid car for the price, have had some issues with things like the windshield wiper transmission though. The navigation system is also incredibly mediocre and missing tons of addresses; however this should be a non-issue given the built in Bluetooth audio and the map itself being fairly reliable.
accountCircle Derrick W on May 27, 2021
Great car, but expensive.
I love the car, but the maintenance is very expensive to keep up with. I originally got the car to save on gas which it gets about 32-34 mpg. Things that would cost $20-$30 on a domestic or Japanese car to fix usually cost three times that to replace on the passat. I have had a couple of major issues like the fuel throttle box needing to be fixed cost almost $2000. Other than the maintenance expenses, the car drives really well it is smooth and comfortable.
accountCircle Christina M on May 10, 2021
Gray passat with sunroof, amazing speaker system and 700 miles to a tank.
Adblue goes off all the time my running light goes in and out. Tires are easy to puncture. It had a nice system if you like bass and the sunroof leaks sometimes. Amazing on gas mileage, I get around 700 miles to a tank and it is only 40 dollars to fill it up depending on where you go.
accountCircle Laura M on May 4, 2021
Great gas mileage, fun to drive.
I have not had any mechanical issues in the 5 years I have owned the vehicle. It gets great gas mileage, is reliable and comfortable. I wish the leather seats were softer. There is a lot of trunk space. The reason I gave it a rating of 3 is because I want something with all wheel drive for the winter.
accountCircle Jeff Z on May 2, 2021
Love this car man it is good.
It is awesome because you have all the amazing features stoat you could get imovie the mpg and it goes nice and tasty and I love how comfy it is and I love how I can pull it into park and I love the connection I wish it had backup camera. I do not know how you live without it.
accountCircle Davey D on May 1, 2021
From ‘the bug’ to the se. It is not your grandparents VW!
I love it. It is a stick shift. You feel the driving experience. A slight rocking at a red light, preparing to move on. Downshifting into the turn. Good acceleration into merging traffic{ ie: freeway} the interior cleans up quickly and looks super after using an interior cleaning wipe! Also, the stick, I think, allows me more control in rain and/or snow.
accountCircle Jerome R on April 11, 2021
Wonderful car! Like I said, I do not have any problem with it.
Haven't had any problems so far! Interior is pretty nice and space is pretty good since it is wide. You can drive it for a long time and saves you so much gas and money. No problems with driving it at all. I may keep it for a long time since I do not have any problem with it.
accountCircle Nicholas H on April 8, 2021
Front wheel drive Volkswagen.
My car is great, it is reliable and holds a solid a tank of gas. The worst part about it however is it is front wheel drive. This makes it really hard to drive in any impending weather. It slips and slides around in rain, sleet, snow which makes it not the best car for all purpose driving.
accountCircle Brandon H on April 8, 2021
I love my Volkswagen! And so does my future wife!
My right mirror fell off while pulling onto the freeway. The gas mileage is a big plus! Seats 5 comfortably. The trunk is large ( which I like a lot ). Another problem is the oil change. Since it is Volkswagen, it requires a fully synthetic oil. So the cost is much higher. Very reliable vehicle.
accountCircle Katrina R on April 3, 2021
Very reliable and comfortable ride! Love my Passat.
The inside is spacious. I do not like the radio very basic and looks just like older versions of my car. Smooth ride. Has a huge trunk. Minor things I would change but overall car is great! I have had the vehicle for 6 months and haven't had any mechanical issues.
accountCircle Keisha K on April 1, 2021
This vehicle is fuel efficient even though it may not seem like it at first. Also, five cylinders is pretty good too.
I love this vehicle. At first, I was worried about the running lights, but I have found them to be beneficial. The Passat has a HUGE gas tank, so fill ups are expensive, but the gas lasts for a while. So, it matches up.
accountCircle DESIREA M on March 27, 2021
I like this car because it is large, therefore it is a comfortable ride. I am also a huge VW fan so you could hand me any VW and I would find something I love about the way it is built. The passat is also newer compared to my last two VWs! 2001 and 2003, reliable into the 200k club!
It is like driving a land yacht, extremely roomy, comfortable, and a smooth drive.
accountCircle Tommy S on March 26, 2021
My VW passat and how I love it.
I absolutely love the ride quality of the car. The interior is plush and comfortable. The sound system and factory navigation is well built. The fuel economy is outstanding for a bigger sedan. There is plenty of room front and rear. I Haven't had any problems out of the car.
accountCircle Ashley M on March 22, 2021
This car is great on gas. Very reliable and durable vehicle.
I have not had any problems mechanically. Very great with gas! Only issue has been Bluetooth when it's randomly stopped working here and there. Other than that it has been excellent! Performance is average. Has a smaller engine. Comfort is great! Even though this is a stick it has cruise control. Also has auto lights so I never have to worry about turning them on and off throughout the day.
accountCircle Madison K on March 20, 2021
I love the radio and the heated seats.
Great nice riding great on fuel took this car from Minnesota to Florida and back and no problems. It has a great stereo system and heated seats which is great in the winter. I love how it rides and has a lot of room. I have had problems with the car and it gets me where I need to be with no issues.
accountCircle Lauren G on March 20, 2021
It does not feel stable on wet roads & will slide when turning or trying to stop.
Slides in the rain. Alignment always off. Needs new tires every two years. Will not stop quickly if needed. Slides in the snow and gets stuck. Will never buy a Passat again.
accountCircle Desiree K on March 20, 2021
I would think it would be how to keep it maintained.
The vehicle has proved very reliable to date. It has a smooth ride and drives well. I like the options it has. I dislike the fact that I have put way too many miles on it. I have no complaints as it has proved to be a nice vehicle and I have had many compliments on it.
accountCircle Derrick W on March 19, 2021
Great ride, but expensive upkeep.
It is a great car the maintenance is just really expensive. Everything seems to cost 3 times more than a domestic or asian counterpart. O2 sensors, brakes, oil changes, all normal things just cast a lot more. The only major issue I have had was the throttle box went out, which that was $1000 to replace & then the ac air compressor started to leak, and I was quoted $1800 to fix that.
accountCircle Jose B on March 19, 2021
Diesel. Cheap. And good quality.
It is wonderful easy to drive and easy to fix issues in it, it does not used a lot of gas, it is a diesel I would recommend this car to everyone to buy it and recommended that to their families and friends. It is wonderful easy to drive and easy to fix issues in it, it does not used a lot of gas, it is a diesel I would recommend this car to everyone to buy it and recommended that to their families and friends.
accountCircle Carter W on March 19, 2021
Volkswagen, passat. Amazing performance, comfortable drive and very reliable.
I have no problems with my vehicle. The performance is amazing, and the interior is very comfortable and has a lot of great features. I love the silver color of the outside of the car and the black leather interior. The trunk is very spacious along with the interior of the vehicle. The car gets very good gas mileage and also drives very fast. It is a little expensive to fix or for parts, but rarely has any problems, whether cosmetic or performance wise.
accountCircle Stacy L on March 18, 2021
It is a good family car and does well with gas.
I love the car in general. I like the way it rides. It gets good gas mileage. But our particular model seems to be a lemon.
accountCircle Katie F on March 15, 2021
Passat are a great family car.
I like our 2013 Volkswagen Passat because it is reliable, comfortable, and easy to drive. We've made no repairs to it except for routine maintenance like brakes and tires. It is also a spacious car with a huge trunk.
accountCircle Todd D on March 14, 2021
VW passat review/ good but not great.
Car has been reliable with good gas mileage. Service is expensive so I would consider a different car for my next purchase. It has a smooth ride and have had few problems. It is a very comfortable car, a/c is not the best but seat heater is great. I would consider purchasing another Volkswagen.
accountCircle Kathy G on March 13, 2021
Good size back seat and trunk.
Good car. Not too many problems. I feel safe in it and do not worry the small stuff. I do wish it had a sunroof though. It gets very good gas mileage and looks very nice when all washed and waxed. It has plenty of room in back seat and the trunk has plenty of room for all my needs.
accountCircle Brittany M on March 11, 2021
This car runs smooth and very dependable.
Like -color, roomie, size, ride, trunk size, Bluetooth. Dislike not much fickle technology and expensive upkeep.
accountCircle anikke G on March 10, 2021
My car has the most amazing gas mileage.
This car is amazing on the highway, I love how quickly it gets up to speed and maintains speed without compromising the gas mileage. It has lasted me many trips cross country and I can drive just over 500 miles on one tank. It is incredible, and I also love the sunroof. Driving around town is the best in this car, and I truly adore everything about it.
accountCircle Brent H on March 9, 2021
My beautiful Gray Volkswagen
I own the basic barebones edition and I am happy with it. Great gas mileage, sound system and handling. I travel all over the country and it hasn't failed me yet. If you are looking for a car that can handle a ton of miles and drive as smooth as butter then you're in luck
accountCircle Brittany B on March 8, 2021
Leather interior as well as seat heaters. The heaters work extremely well.
The inside is made cheap and the drivers airbag has a lot of problems but it is a beautiful car on the inside and is very reliable. The car is extremely comfortable as well and the technology in the car is easy to set up and use. The car has a touch screen for the navigation and radio and steering wheel controls for the radio.
accountCircle Janice D on March 8, 2021
Good storage. Good steering. Easy parking. Great gas mileage.
Lots of legroom. Great gas mileage. Good trunk space. Riding smother. Great car. Good body. 5 cylinder. Unleaded gas. White. Good strong body. No rust. Drives great. Bluetooth. CD player. Good storage space. Two Bluetooth hook up. New brakes tires. Central air. Good heat.
accountCircle Kevin P on March 5, 2021
I love the sports version of my car.
I have had this car for 3 years now and it is the nicest car I have had. It has been very reliable for me but with 85,000 miles on the car now we will see how reliable it is as it gets older. I love the sport edition of this car. I would very much consider buying another Volkswagen when I need a new car.
accountCircle Victoria J on March 1, 2021
The bold and sophisticated car.
I love how smooth it drives and how it functions. I love the sunroof on a hot day. I love that it has an alarm. I love the leather seats and how small it is. I love how it makes me feel and look. It expresses my personality. It is bold and sophisticated.
accountCircle Tori S on February 25, 2021
2013 Volkswagen passat intriguing tech.
I love the fact that my car has Bluetooth, it can be remotely started, and has navigation, among other things that are great. There is a rear-view camera. The trunk is huge!! Do not even get me started on the fact that there are heated seats for winter time. The gas mileage is also a plus, I can go a month before I have to fill my tank up again. It is diesel though but I prefer diesel.
accountCircle Jamie C on February 23, 2021
2013 Volkswagen Passat- my favorite car.
This car has a touch screen with Bluetooth and a back up camera. It has heated seats and you can have 4 presets for the driver seat positioning. It gets roughly 32 mpg and about 40 mpg highway driving. It handles well and is a smooth ride. The back seats and trunk are very spacious. This is my favorite car that I have ever owned/driven.
accountCircle Lauren R on February 23, 2021
Great car, good features, wish it had AWD.
Very comfortable and spacious for being a sedan. The only issue for me is that it is not all wheel drive so it is not Optimal for driving in the snow or bad weather. It rides nicely and the touch screen in the middle is helpful and that, along with the dashboard controls, are aesthetically pleasing.
accountCircle Mary M on February 20, 2021
Technologically challenged.
I haven't figured out all of the gadgets yet. I bought the car second hand and haven't had the time or inclination to investigate. I also do not have the technology to use some of the stuff. I am pretty simple and just want to get from one place to another safely and reliably.
accountCircle Ricardo L on February 20, 2021
Be a passat owner. Volkswagen know how to make a quality vehicle.
I bought my 2013 passat used and to date no major issues. I love the 5 cylinder because it has great pick-up and smooth gear transition. The overall comfort and ride of the vehicle far outweighed my expectations. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to friends and family as a great vehicle to purchase.
accountCircle Kelly P on February 17, 2021
The Volkswagen Passat is smooth riding vehicle that has great gas mileage.
The car overall is performing well. It runs smoothly and you only have to worry about getting gas every two or three weeks (depending on your travels). It seats a family of five comfortably. However - putting a baby sit, along with a booster can make the back tight for older children or adults. We are always informed by mail, if there are any recalls, and what we have to do; along with where we need to go.
accountCircle Alexander C on February 15, 2021
The best car I have owned so far!
No problems, love having the diesel version and it drives perfectly. The interior is great and comfy, it is very quiet with the windows up. The sound system is pretty good and Bluetooth works great. It is very roomy and has a very large backseat. The trunk is big too. It drives great in the snow with even just decent all season tires.
accountCircle Abbie C on February 15, 2021
The 2013 VW passat is expensive to take care of.
The VW passat is reliable but has expensive upkeep, such as high prices for oil changes and parts that need replaced. Gas is on the higher side but affordable and gets 500 miles when it is filled up all the way. Very spacious and comfortable for long drives.
accountCircle Mike Y on February 14, 2021
The car is very sturdy to drive. It feels as if you are driving a tank.
Love the light blue color. Gas mileage is very poor. Rides like tank which is good.
accountCircle Alicia M on February 13, 2021
It is a very sporty looking car!
The vehicle runs great gets excellent gas mileage. It is comfortable and cleans easily. It is easy to drive. However on the downside if the radio messes up it is a real pain to get it reset and the oil is very expensive as well as a new battery. It is a German vehicle and it's a little more expensive to maintain and upkeep.
accountCircle Nicole W on February 12, 2021
I love the style and interior of the car. It runs well and very reliable.
It would be nice to have a sunroof on the car. Parts can be expensive and are inconvenient to replace on your own, have to bring it in to have a lot of services done that are simple due to lack of availability in store. . I love the car. Style, reliability and several features are awesome. No complaints other than part expenditures and lack of availability.
avatar Alex Showalter
Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.