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 71 through 80 of 458.00

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  Never Again!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By saglugger - August 29 - 10:00 am

  If you insist on buying a Passat, stay away from the 4 cylendar. We have had more problems with this car in two years than I have had with my 96 corolla in 9 years. We had to have it towed twice for ignition coil failures. The passenger side seatbelt broke and it took 2 weeks to get it repaired. Then several trips to the dealer for the check engine light which dumbfounded the technicians. The final straw came on the 25,000 mile service when they told me the rear brake pads and rotors were 90% worn and rusted. AT 25,000 miles!!!. $350.00. The dealer did repair them on warrenty but only after I threatened to get a second opinion. Hmmmm.

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  best buy far - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By driver commuter guy - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I replace my commuter car every two years, and have difficulty finding the right blend of a drivers car, safety, good mileage and comfort, let alone a reasonable price. Ive always been torn between Japans reliability, the Germans handling, and the Swedes safety; no more! The 2002 1.8T matched with a slick manual is the finiest blend Ive ever owned. Nice work VW!

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  Too Many Problems - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Phil Johnes - August 20 - 2:00 pm

  I recently got a call from my dealer saying that I had a couple of problems with my 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T. First, the vacuum line needs to be replaced at a cost of $178. Also, the car needs to be decarbonated at a cost of $198. Third, the brake pads and rotors need to be replaced - cost $440. Is this a joke? The only mistake I made was to buy this terrible car. I have already had a number of problems with it before this, including the ignition coils failing making it undrivable, a number of electrical issues, I have to replace bulbs twice a year. bad quality tires that are easliy damaged, and bad wiper blades that dont work well in snow / rain.

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  worst car ever - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By worst car ever - August 16 - 3:56 am

  I will never buy a VW again. Ever since I bought it I had nothing but problems. After a month or so glove department latch broke and from there everything just went down hill. I spent over $6,000 just maintaining this car. Overall the worst car I have ever owned.

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  Update from 2010 - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By rilezz13 - August 13 - 12:53 pm

  First let me say, I have NO complaints about the 1.8 Turbo 4-cylinder engine. It has been a wonderful, reliable, engine. I have always used synthetic oil and its just been great. My only nitpicking would be that it "sounds" like a 4-cylinder when idling (sewing machine?). Next: The Aisin automatic transmission. WOW!. About a year ago, the car (long story short) got bottomed out and the transmission got slammed into the road. I didnt think anything of it as it continued to work fine. When I took it for servicing much later on, the mechanic discovered that the transmission casing was cracked and like half of the fluid was gone! The transmission still worked fine! (but i did replace it).

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  Money pit to repair - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By RonS - August 5 - 8:23 pm

  Having owned a w8 now for 6 years, let me just say you have better have the income to repair this car. First, repair is extremely expensive at the dealer ship. For instance, replacing one driving headlight cost $400, bulb alone was $212. Wow. Pray you never have an electrical issue because they are extremely expensive. Engine sensors are extremely high to replace. Not only does the part cost a ton, $100 to well over a 1k each for the part and then a huge labor bill to put it in. I will never buy another vw for the this very reason, repair and maintenance are very expensive. So much for German engineering. Is designed to make repair shops (dealerships) wealthy.

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  Its fun to drive again - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Stefanari - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is beautiful. It has some get up and go. I traded in my Outback and have been so much happier. The handling is great. I highly recommend this car.

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  good car, needs more guts and 5 speed - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Spike - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car that is just a little to slow. Itd be nice to get a 5 speed w/ the 4 motion. Another 40 hp would be nice also. Dont know if Id pay $4,500 more for the W8.

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  Joe in S.A. - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By Joe fernandez - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The Passat is a performance vehicle in desguise. Its styling is modern but unpretensious. Great family car for those really young at heart. Plenty of trunk space and ample driver & pasenger comfort. For those humble enough that do not want to be seen in A BMW but want to hang around the autobahn as equals.

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  Fantastic car! - 2002 Volkswagen Passat
  By gslippy - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best all-around car Ive ever owned. VW has gotten the formula just right for this level of vehicle. I shopped for quality, but as a very tall driver (67"), I needed headroom, too. Nothing surpasses the Beetle in that area, but has plenty. I found the Jetta too small. The 30-valve V6 is fantastic. I found the 1.8T to require some retraining to deal with the power surge and slight turbo whine. The V6 gave me a much smoother car without the care and feeding required for a turbo. The Passats concern for safety is impressive, with airbags everywhere. Overall, Volkswagens attention to details in this vehicle is tremendous.