Used 2002 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

Life Long Vdub owner

Ok read up... This is the only review you need to read on this car. If you can live with a few little glitches and dont need your car fixed every time there is a slight shimmy, shake, creek, etc. (other wise you will pay a lot to keep this car running as if brand new like you would for ANY OTHER car), then this is the best car for the money... period. This car is a tank, I beat it hard every day and have put 110k on in just over 3 years. Ive put a few thousand into repairs but who cares. Its fun to drive, I will get it to about 210k and get a new passat. Ive changed oil every 10k (synthetic only) 91 oct MIN! Great in the snow, rain, in 100 degrees or 30 below. Dont be silly with fixes

There's just something about the wagon. It's sexy

Great Car

In almost 80,000 miles of driving, I can honestly say this has been a great car. My dealership has been outstanding. Except for the two recalls that were handled promptly, all other service visits were for wear and tear items like normal light bulbs burn out, vacuum hoses need to be replaced, etc. I'm not trying to be a VW apologist, but in my opinion a lot of the things that people complain about in this forum are maintenance issues, not reliability issues. Regarding the turbo/oil system issues, I have had no oil problems with this car, but I have used synthetic since I purchased this car. I think this should have been standard with a turbo engine, anyway.

Great Car, Persistent Annoyances

Purchased in March 2002, I've driven the Passat through very severe snow storms in the Sierra, as I frequently commute between Reno and San Francisco. The all-wheel drive system holds the road like a cat; the 6-cylinder engine accelerates smoothly with plenty of power over the steepest grades. Handling is very good:firm and predictable, with no sudden surprises in the curves. Far superior to any SUV on the market. Seating is comfortable and visibility, all-round, is good. I like the car very much but will not replace it with another Passat at end of lease period, in one year. Recommended with reservations (see below.)

Never again, I want a full refund

I have the car in the shop on three separate occasions in 7 months - twice for ignition coil problems and once for a valve problem. The second time it was in the shop for a week and they rented me a reliable dodge caravan. The last time the vehicle was in the shop they said there was a defective valve and sent my wife home without repairing the vehicle, but not before they backed my car into a wall and put a hole in my rear bumper. I will never buy a volkswagon again. Get something reliable like a camry or accord.