Overview & Reviews

The arrival of the 270-horsepower, all-wheel-drive W8 sedan and wagon disturbs the tranquility of the Passat lineup. Standard features in the W8 cars build upon the already impressive GLX equipment list, adding Electronic Stabilization Program with BrakeAssist, vented disc brakes all around (as opposed to solid discs in rear) xenon headlights with washers, wider 215/55R16 tires, an upgraded trip computer and extra chrome throughout the cabin. The rest of the Passats receive only minor upgrades for 2002, including a trunk escape release for the sedan, a cruise control indicator light and an on/off switch for the electrochromic mirror. In addition, all-new Volkswagens come standard with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. In addition, Volkswagen will offer a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles.

• Fun to drive, roomy/comfortable interior, solid build quality, available all-wheel drive, powerful W8 engine.

• Some confusing interior controls, price goes up quickly with options.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 458.00

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  2002 VW Passat GLS 1.8T 5-spd Manual - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By hawkjet48 - July 20 - 3:06 am

  I have experienced only minor defects with this car. The radio connector failed three times under the dash. Also, I had a bad bearing in the blower motor which was covered under warranty. Other than random misfires during interstate driving, this car has been problem-free and repair-free over 63,000 miles. My only complaint is about the weakly designed pop-up rear seat power receptable, which has been fixed three times at the dealers expense. For a sedan, this is a blast to drive while consistently getting 31 mpg to 33 mpg at highway speeds. This car is a good combination of performance and economy with the 5-speed manual transmission.

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  Bang for the Buck! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ChicagoVW - July 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I just purchased the Passat. We were comparing it to the Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, So far, I can find few flaws with the car. Despite other reviewers comments on the 1.8T not having power, I have found that to not be the case. While there is a lag in power in a off the line start, when the turbo kicks in, it can throw your head back! Its passing power is excellent. I have one problem though. Having been used to my Toyota Camry, I found myself driving at 85mph when I thought I was going 55. It travels almost too well at high speeds.

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  My friends call it a space shuttle! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moses - July 3 - 6:46 am

  We just traded in my old and tired 98 Olds Cutlass. After my experience with my Cutlass, I swore never to drive anything American (not that Im not Patriotic, but Detroit needs some overhaul). I was thinking of going Japanese but then the Passat got my attention and I do not regret my decision. This car is impressive. Its build quality is top notch. The stuff that you pay extra for in other cars (including BMW) come standard in this car plus much more. The engines power is adequate but is not as athletic as my other car, a 2000 Maxima SE. Part of that could be from the Passats porky 3,800 lbs. curb weight. But then the Maxima isnt loaded with as many safety features and AWD as the Passat. Go buy one!

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  Electrical issues - poor reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Christian - July 1 - 12:56 am

  My first passat (1998 model) was replaced through the "lemon law" because engine would stall suddenly and the dealer could never solve the problem. This happened a half dozen times, every couple thousand miles on average. I thought I was unlucky, and gave another chance to this second passat. Now, Im well on my way to going to the lemon law again, because of an oil pressure problem that the dealer cannot fix (after three attempts...). This is too much to be a coincidence.

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  GREAT CAR - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By ATAYLOR61822 - June 30 - 10:00 am

  SMOOTH, SOLID, SAFE, FUN TO DRIVE, WHAT MORE CAN YOU ASK FOR? THIS IS THE ONLY CAR IVE FELT COMFORTABLE IN AT 120MPH

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  passat glx v6 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gypman - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is really fun and easyto drive, and comfortable, too. I love adjustable seats. I handles beautifully and climbs hills effortlessly.

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  Mileage & Fender Problems: READ THIS - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike Kurry - June 27 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I love this car but have two major complaints: 1. The mileage is 14 city / 22 highway - weve spoken to Boston VW about this - they say nothing can be done. Given that VW still adverstises 19/26, we feel deceived. 2. The rear fender is terrible. It dents at the slightest contact, like cheap plastic with the paint coming off. Look at the fender of a VW on the street.

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  forgot the passengers - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By comfort? - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the most uncomfortable drivers seat I ever sat in. 1 hour driving and my legs are sore. The seat is too narrow and the side humps are too high. Half my leg is on the flat part of the seat and the other half is on the hump. Very uncomforatble. Also, when turning the side of the seat collapses. The seat does not keep the hips motionless in a turn. The range of tilt and telescopic wheel is poor. The gas and brake pedals are too far into the passenger compartment so when I move the seat back to make room for my legs I have to stretch to reach the steering wheel.

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  Same issues EVERYONE has... - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - June 12 - 5:16 pm

  Bought "certified used" ran great for the extended warranty period. Heater stopped working 1yr after purchase, brought it to the dealer only to be told it was working fine, charged $200 for the "labor". Heater still blew cool air but I couldnt pay more money so I just made do. 3 yrs later, check oil pressure warnings consistently 1k-2k miles before the suggested oil service. I put so much oil into this piece I have to keep 5qt jugs in the trunk, NO LEAKS! Where is it going?! All 4 ignition coils burnt out! Never got recall notices but after calling THEM was told I qualify. Thermostat stuck open, clogged heater core. Headlamps constantly burn out, replaced all of them nearly twice a year!

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  What a deal!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By trbochrg - May 22 - 10:00 am

  The Passat wagon blew us away on the test drive. We couldnt believe that all of this car was avaialable for the price. We have logged over 5000 miles on it already and it has been great. The only annoying thing is a rattle from the dash. Overall, we are very pleased, the turbo engine is quite peppy, and the cargo area is a great size..