The unambiguous interpretation of electrochemical impedance spectra of complex systems such as passive metals and alloys in terms of an unique kinetic model is often hampered by the large number of adjustable modeling parameters. In this paper, a combination of in situ electrochemical data and ex situ surface analytical information is employed to validate the estimates of kinetic and transport parameters of the passive state of carbon steel. For the purpose, electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic data for the oxidation of carbon steel in mildly alkaline solutions are quantitatively compared with the predictions of the Mixed-Conduction Model for oxide films that represent the passive oxide as an intermediate phase between magnetite and maghemite. Estimates of the kinetic rate constants at the film interfaces, as well as the diffusion coefficients and field strength in the film are obtained and their relevance for the corrosion mechanism of carbon steel is discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.