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2013 Volkswagen Passat consumer reviews

$20,845–$22,945 MSRP range
side view of 2013 Passat Volkswagen
(185 reviews)
86% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.3
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.5
Explore the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
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VW Passat 2013 Diesel

Have had the car for six weeks now and it has been a true pleasure. I purchased the diesel Passat and was able to get it loaded and a great out of the door price. It was wonderful getting 632 miles on one tank of diesel or 38 miles per gallon in town. The interior design is wonderful and you swear it is a 6 cylinder with the highway power. I took one small highway trip of 40 miles and got 51 miles to a gallon---quite impressive. I also drove the new Ford Fusion and while the design is quite impressive, the steering is looser, the engine is louder, and power is weaker in my judgment. Besides, you will work to get 30 miles to a gallon on the highway with a Fusion and I will get 50 miles per gallon with the Passat. One small disappointment---I wanted the Passat in a six speed manual transmission. They have one, but it is a stock model, thus you cannot get any of the upgrades. Also, I rated my reliability as 5 stars, but I have only had the car for six weeks so I look forward to returning in six months for an update. Gezon Motors on Plainfield in GR Michigan are wonderful professionals.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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buyer beware

I bought this car for the gas mileage as I bought the TDI SEL Passat. Being that it was brand new I assumed that the GPS would be updated and function properly however it does not. VW Corporate knows about this issue and will do nothing to correct it because they claim it is an issue with Navteq the software manufacturer. I am now stuck with a new car in which the navagation system does not work! And I am offered NO SUPPORT from VW or the dealership (VW of The Woodlands, TX). Think twice about whether or not you want to pay for an option that DOES NOT WORK on a brand new vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Made for tall deaf people

Initially loved this car until I took it on a trip. The road noise is unbearable on pebbly freeways. Cannot use the hands free phone device because the party on the other end cannot hear you over the noise. If you are not at least 5?9? tall the forward slanted headrest put you in such an awkward position no amount of seat or headrest adjustment can take the pain out of neck and shoulders. Then there is the issue with the sliding cover over the accessory box between the seats. Try to place your elbow on it to adjust your body position because of the uncomfortable seat and it shoots forward or back. No I am definitely not happy this `driver comfort? issues of this car. Would not buy another. Sorry I have this one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 2.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 2.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Passat TDI 2.0 SEL Premium

We have had this vehicle for three weeks now and have 1700 miles on it. I previously owned a 2012 Toyota Highlander and was only getting 21.5mpg on the highway, with the Passat I am consistently getting 48-50mpg's on the highway. My wife and I have never owned a VW before let a lone a diesel, however, after reading the reviews we decided why not? Have not regretted the decision yet! My wife who is used to driving v6's loves this vehicle, and drives it everyday city highway mix about 35 miles on way and is averaging 43mpg and does not want to drive her 2012 Toyota Venza anymore. She loves the power, nav system, fender sound system, and the feel of the vehicle. This has been a great purchase so far and I have only filled the vehicle up twice. I am getting 600-650 miles per tank (dealer did not fill up vehicle originally only had a half tank). Best vehicle for a commuter or family that does a lot of driving we average 25k per year and this is a great choice so far.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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DIDN'T EXPECT TO LIKE A VW

My main reason for liking this vehicle is the gas mileage. I've been hard pressed to find a vehicle with better hwy milage (that's what I primary travel) that accommodates my frame (height etc) and doesn't look or respond like a toy. I travel over 700 per week and required something getting not good, but GREAT mileage, was comfortable over longer trips and had enough amenities to keep the travel time "fun". Up to approx 3k miles I averaged 40mpg, and that's in a hilly/mountain area. I was more than satisfied. However, since crossing the 3k mile barrier, the car gets BETTER milage. Now, I'm coming in at 43 mpg. Feature wise, the Nav is quick and accurate. I wish it had voice command, but that's not a killer. The car handles well and it has no problem with hills (accelerating). On rough roads, interior noise kicks up and the ride becomes less smooth. Also, on windy mornings, interior noise kicks up. Again, these haven't been enough of an issue where I wouldn't purchased the vehicle. The higher diesel cost hasn't been a drawback. The cost typically is right around (or less) than mid-grade gas. Interior space is exceptional. Lastly, while I haven't had any problems with the vehicle, given my amount of driving distance I would have liked a longer warranty.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Just Perfect

This Passat TDI has passed every expectation. Fuel mileage is minimum 30 in town and min 40 highway, but I have been getting better than that. Very comfortable, smooth, and handles almost as good as my 5 series BMW. I got the premium package and the car is perfect as is. You don't have to modify at all. VW has surpassed my expectations. I'm actually wanting to get back in it just to drive around. Very easy and fun to drive. Good luck making your choice, I don't regret mine.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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VR6 SEL PREMIUM IS THE BEST PASSAT EVER!

In my 25 years of driving, this is my 10th VW and my 5th Passat. I leased the SE with navigation and sunroof six months ago. I decided to upgrade to the SEL Premium last week and I am glad I did. This car is amazing. It drives well and has every available option for 2013. I always get compliments on the car. It drives and handles perfectly. As far as the SE model I was a little disappointed with the steering and feel of the 5 cylinder engine which I previously reviewed here. The SEL premium VR6 is the way to go-spend the extra money and you will be glad you did. The comfort sport seats rock. Great job VW!!!!!!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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greatest car made

very comfortable and well made nice riding would definetly keep buying volkswagens these are the best made cars ever

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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love my passat

As someone who spends lots of driving time, I demand several things of any car: comfort, luxurious interior, state of the art electronic features, reasonable gas mileage, and reliability. I found all in Passat, but only by upgrading to SEL. Lower end models all appeared too "plastic" in the interior, which is why I chose 4 stars for value. A couple of things do need improvement - armrest is useless because it is too far back; GPS is not as user friendly or helpful as the Garmin to which I am accustomed. Overall, very happy with my purchase after a few weeks.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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Greaaaat Car

The ride is awsom. I drove several other new cars and the comfortable ride of the VW Passat is far above all of them in the near price catagory. The road noise is abated to the point of almost non-existant. The TDI diesel mileage is impressive

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does recommend this car
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