2013 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Fresh off a big move and redesign for 2012, the Volkswagen Passat is unpacking its complaint baggage and making a few small improvements...
Fresh off a big move and redesign for 2012, the Volkswagen Passat is unpacking its complaint baggage and making a few small improvements for the 2013 edition of this midsize 5-seat sedan. Hopefully those improvements will also include eliminating the new Tennessee plant's tendency for duds, or so-called "Friday cars," because we would all hate to see a replay of Pennsylvania after all of the company's work to rebuild its reputation and ultimately closing down that plant in 1989, after 10 years of too much poor workmanship. Unfortunately, the deluge of driver reviews tell a story with far too much déjà vu, and a few too many other choice French words, for the American-made Passat to pass for usually impeccable German engineering.
Don't get me wrong: Plenty of drivers are exceptionally pleased with this custom-for-America Passat generation, excepting some quirks that are being addressed for 2013, and even a few of the very things we Americans apparently told VW we wanted, like front-wheel drive, struts for the front suspension and more floaty American driving dynamics. However, there are certain other manufacturing issues, from electrical glitches to poor latch alignment, that also beg to be addressed. These manufacturing inconsistencies are at least consistent, paving the way for quick isolation of the issues, and if Volkswagen is just as quick to address these as it did the feature flaws, then it can be only smooth sailing from here on out. We can hope, at least, since a few-thousand-dollar discount alongside a few hundred jobs would be terrible things to waste.
That aside, the standing desires going into 2013 were for xenon headlights, rear AC vents and a better ability to see your rear. The Passat is still the only reindeer left out on those headlights, but SE and SEL models get blessed air for the vast rear seating, and SEL buyers can opt for a rear-view camera, alongside the usual parking sensors available to all as a dealer accessory. Some drivers also criticize the hump in the middle of the rear seating, which for some is actually a boon, while others say 15.9 cubic feet of trunk even with a 60/40 split seat is too small. Sorry, you're just not going to find a wagon inside a midsize sedan—they might make magic at Volkswagen, but they're not that good!
On the upside, Europeans finally get to be the ones that look on while we get all the neat new goodies, although they do get 7 engine options. Perhaps 3 is enough for us, yes? The 170-hp 5-cylinder 2.5-liter engine and either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic are available for all 4 trims, ranging from the base S on through the midrange SE and SEL with an SEL Premium topping the cake. The 280-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and TDI-denoted 140-hp 2-liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel are available only to SE and SEL Premium buyers. The TDI can also get the 6-speed manual, but the other tranny choice for this engine is a 6-speed automated manual, which is the only transmission for the V6.
Small as those figures may seem, drivers insist the TDI especially is an exceptionally sporting engine that provides plenty of fun, despite the lack of sporting driving dynamics in this Passat. Capable of 31 mpg city/43 highway in the SE, drivers simply cannot believe what this diesel does off the line. Torque matters, to put it simply, and this is where the TDI shines, but that's not meant to diminish the able power from the 5-cylinder or V6 at all. For all intents and purposes, these other engines really differ only in fuel economy; the V6 fetches an expected 20/28, with the 5-cylinder slightly better at 22/31. No matter the engine, nobody complains about a lack of power—or acceleration for that matter—as the transmissions are also impressive in their own right. That said, the quickest to 60 mph is the V6 with a 6.4-second time. The TDI and 5-cylinder clock in around 9 seconds, which isn't too shabby either.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat appreciate its spacious interior, impressive gas mileage, and smooth handling. Many drivers highlight the comfort, safety features, and solid construction as key positives. However, some concerns were raised about the cost of maintenance, including timing belt changes, and a few noted issues with acceleration and the Bluetooth system."
Very reliable car, very large and beautiful. It has an OK consumption for me. I like the power of the engine too.
August 3, 2025Likes or dislikes? Not tough to answer really... That is if you understand that a VW badge combined with a diesel engine in this class of car is both somewhat special and perhaps foreign to many potential buyers. For those of us used to VW, we already understand much of the thinking and engineering placed in this car. It's different from most. My wife and I chose this vehicle because of its design and the general "feel" of quality. Understand... The Passat is by no means an economy car. The Passat is a relatively expensive car that will return stellar economy. As with other VW products I suspect the Passat will demand proper service. Take this into consideration before making a purchase, then go buy one. You won't be sorry!
May 8, 2013Great car for our first time driver. Being tall at 6’ 6” cabin has a lot of leg room.
May 10, 2024What owners say
Very reliable car, very large and beautiful. It has an OK consumption for me. I like the power of the engine too.
August 3, 2025Likes or dislikes? Not tough to answer really... That is if you understand that a VW badge combined with a diesel engine in this class of car is both somewhat special and perhaps foreign to many potential buyers. For those of us used to VW, we already understand much of the thinking and engineering placed in this car. It's different from most. My wife and I chose this vehicle because of its design and the general "feel" of quality. Understand... The Passat is by no means an economy car. The Passat is a relatively expensive car that will return stellar economy. As with other VW products I suspect the Passat will demand proper service. Take this into consideration before making a purchase, then go buy one. You won't be sorry!
May 8, 2013Great car for our first time driver. Being tall at 6’ 6” cabin has a lot of leg room.
May 10, 2024Love all the safety and comfort features on this car, but most of all the fantastic gas mileage. It sure will come in handy when gas reaches $10 a gallon. We’re more than halfway there.
March 21, 2022I drove this car to and from Tampa for two years and never had a moments problem with it. Its enjoyable to drive and looks great. Does very well on gas mileage and handles well in wet conditions. This car has been very reliable and fun to drive.
April 7, 2015We were driving over 25,000 miles per year, primarily putting mileage on 2007 Dodge 1500 Mega Cab SLT. Gas costs were significant as we were only getting 15 mpg tops in Dodge 1500. To that end we leased a 2013 Passat for ourselves, and would get approximately 50 mpg for interstate driving (no dawdling, driving approximately 75-85 mph). We get less for regular commuting (living in Colorado mountains and driving up and down pass), but still near 43-45 mpg. Does not have much power at high speeds, plenty at low speeds with torque. Still, very easy and fun to drive. Easily hauls 2-3 people, or 2 with hockey equipment, cargo compartment is large.
July 26, 2013I've had the car for about six months now as a new lease. So far, I feel that the car has plenty of power for anyone's daily needs as well as handling to keep up with its German heritage. However, it is no sports car by any means. It is a beautiful car to look at and turns head everywhere I go. I actually prefer some of its design cues over the design of my Volvo (which I have also reviewed, a 2009 S80). The reason I say this is that it would appeal to a larger audience than the niche-market Volvo. Also, it is much larger inside than its competition, the Accord, Camry, Optima, Sonata or Maxima. It easily accommodates FOUR people of my dimensions of 6' 8" at 315 lbs and remains comfortable for at least four hours. It's incredibly solid and well-built by the fine folks in my community of Chattanooga, TN. My only beef with the car is its Bluetooth system. It cannot understand a thing I say (and I'm an articulate and full-voiced native english speaker). Other than that, it's supremely efficient and charming. If you're considering any of the afore-mentioned competition, you owe it to yourself to check the Passat.
September 30, 2012Excellent car for my teenage son. Safe reliable and great gas mileage
April 12, 2021I really like the look of the Passat. Similar to the Jetta but with a much larger trunk. I could probably fit two bikes in there. I liked the look of the tan interior too. Probably nice for Arizona (opposed to black)
June 16, 2024This car is great on gas and moves quickly given the 4 cylinder engine. Good for commuting to work.
January 20, 2024Trims & specs
Base MSRP $29,235 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $30,895 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,925 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,925 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,225 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 36 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,845 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,915 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 35 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,945 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,945 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 27 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,495 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $33,525 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.6L 280 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $25,845 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,995 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.5L 170 hp I5 | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 26 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $29,885 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 35 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,225 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 140 hp I4 Diesel | Cargo Capacity 15.9 cu ft |
Combined MPG 35 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$20,845 - $33,525
Current avg. market price
$7,264
Trending down by 1.8% this month
April 2026 - October 2026
