Used 2002 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews

8 year review

Still going strong at 80K and 8 years. Recent issue with front motor mounts replaced (leaking) and valve cover gasket. But all-in-all it has been a reliable car. See other reviews (7 year, 6 year , etc..) for more info.

It's German

Having been w/ my parents when they bought this new, I have watched my dad and myself change the oil every 5000 miles, and will say you MUST use synthetic, i use castrol synthetic, and I have never had the majority of problems these people speak of, after coming from an old s-10 and porsche 944 the lights shine bright for me, and I have never had oil sludge. I replaced the timing belt, but that was preventive maintenance, and the fuel system has never given me a problem. I did have to replace the idle regulator, but it's whatever. This car has been great for my parents, and now me, it has taken numerous cross country trips, and never given us a problem. I would highly recommend a VW.

Nice car, not a German camry or accord

Alternate for BMW 325 or Mercedes C 240. Better than Camry, much better than Accord.

Unreliable yet built like a tank

This is my second Passat wagon - I'm trying to sell it. I have no idea why I decided to subject myself to another used VW after my experience with the first one. Don't get me wrong - new/nearly new (3-4 years old) VWs are great cars; they're reliable, luxurious..etc. But after they hit the 5 year mark, they go to hell. I heard a saying once that a check engine light is a beacon to let you know you're driving a VW, and that certainly rings true. It's always on and always very expensive to fix. The car does feel very solid and is good in the snow. The engine is slow to accelerate and gets mediocre gas mileage.

An excellent choice for AWD

We purchased this car used after a good experience with a 2003 Turbo Jetta. Refined and quiet are good descriptors of this one. It is a bit heavy. The AWD is good; just make sure you have good tires. I would've liked the W8, but I don't mind the proven VR6, even if it is a bit sluggish. It has plenty of torque to haul 5 adults and pull a jetski. The interior is quiet, and looks like-new after five years. Heated seats are the best in the industry! Great styling too! You can get 27mpg+ if you don't drive like a maniac on the highway - even at 65mph!

Worth every penny

When the W8 first appeared last year, many of the reviews were extremely unhelpful, focusing on "who is going to pay almost $40K for a VW" rather than the substantive qualities of this unique vehicle. I have driven this car for 18 months now and have absolutely no complaints. Fact is, there is no other vehicle that remotely comes close to matching this car's standard features for anything like the price. It looks and drives better than the A6. I have no idea why VW doesn't market the car more heavily in the U.S., but I for one am happy to keep the secret. People who know about cars like this car.

A Keeper!

This wagon is an ideal vehicle for almost anyone. It'll carry four in total comfort, five in a pinch, and haul stuff in the rear that sedans can't match. And, with AWD, it does it in all but the worst blizzards. Performance-wise, it keeps up with all but the hottest performers on the road. The car is two years old, and I'm still getting complements on how nice it is and admiring looks from other motorists.

best vw wagon

i purchased this wagon only afew months ago but looked at audi a-4 avant, saab 9/5 wagon and volvo. i special ordered this car. no one had reflex silver with grey leather and i!m glad i did , beyound this being a fun car to drive, vw put the new audi 3.0L V 6 in this wagon when they built it. big difference between the 2.8, 190HP. and the new 220HP in this car. only thing missing would be xeonon headlights.

Wonderful bargain

4motion is EXCELLENT

Marvelous to drive, miserable to own.

I love driving this car: it is so refined -- beautiful interior, wonderful road manners, responsive performance. Headlights stink, otherwise it's a joy to drive. But... I hate owning this car: despite putting extremely low mileage on the car and performing all scheduled maintenance on the dot, I've had and endless parade of extremely expensive problems. Engine leaking oil in FOUR places (three of them directly onto the catalytic converter, for maximum fire hazard), clogged heater core (no heat), transmission leak & slippage, all three ignition coils failed, brake booster failed. Build quality is vault-like, but component engineering is criminally poor.

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

Conflicted

I bought the car new, and planned on keeping it for a long time. I love the way the car drives. However, the gas mileage is not great. (18 AVG. around town, 24 avg on hwy) Especially when you have to use premium. So far, we've replaced several ignition coils, two water pumps, two temp.sensors, and a timing belt. The front bumper keeps coming loose. And now the car makes a suspicious clunking noise. It's most likely the axle. And the radio has issues. We will be replacing it very soon.

Maxima guy buys VW

Have had five Maximas since 1990. After testing a 2002 Maxima and Passat, my 15- year-old son said "except for sheer acceleration, the Passat is superior in every way." He was right. This car is stylish (even white, which I don't care for), very comfortable (with memory seats, everyone should find a good driving position), has good room for people (abovementioned 6' son or his 6'5" friend sits behind me when I drive) and stuff (easily handles 8'lumber). I have two herniated lower discs in my back, so the heated seatbacks as well as seats are great. Overall, German ergonomics are better than Japanese. Looking forward to the 4-Motion capability in bad weather. Power could be better. Six months...so far so good!

Safe and Secure

My Passat was purchased used with 60,000 miles, in beautiful condition both body and running quality. After dropping my youngest at school, I was rear ended, but to my disbelief and that of the attending police, my Passat had only the slightest dent. The car that ran into me was totaled, the front end smashed, air bags off, and window broken. I feel totally safe in the Passat, and feel secure knowing that my children are riding in a quality built wagon.

Crap

This car was a nightmare to own. I bought it used with less than 60,000 miles on it. I should’ve trusted my gut instinct that there was going to be trouble when I drove it off the lot with the engine light on and the dealer insisting that it was a fluke. The whole car was a rolling disaster. Electrical system was garbage. Doors would unlock sporadically going down the road and then lock again. Dash lights would flicker off and on making it difficult to drive at night when you can’t see the instrument cluster. The linkage for the keyfob was faulty and would not allow the doors to lock or unlock nor allow the engine to start until it reset itself. After a rain the right rear floorboard became a lake and then shorted out the transmission control module which was mounted in a sub chamber under the front floorboard. Over $1,800 to fix and the part had to come from Germany and was used. The information center would flash up warnings every other month that the engine oil pressure was low and to “stop engine now!” Very scary! Learned that the 1.8 turbo engine had an oil sludge problem that was rampant. Got the oil changed for the last time and traded the piece of junk on a Chevrolet. What a relief!

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.)

Best overall in its class

Looking for SUV/AWD wagon? The 4motion came out on top for value in my book. SUVs are unsafe and too expensive on gas. Plus they cost more than the VW when loaded. The VW handled way better than the Outback VDC, although the Subey had a little more power. But for the same price, go for the better styling, more fun to drive, better resale of the VW. I did.

It all depends

I bought this car brand new in 2001 and was very frustrated by the dealer until the warranty went out at 50k. I decided to do all the maintenance myself and have loved it ever since. At 173K the car still drives smooth and fast and gets outstanding gas mileage considering it's size and performance. Like many other people I have had to replace CV, coils (recalled), brakes, timing belt, and a thermostat. Other than those items the car is as I bought it. I'm sure I will see 200k as long as the clutch holds up. At 173k it still spins the tires when I take off fast. :) I think two things helped my car last. For one, I have always used synthetic oil and secondly I always use premium gas.

Black 01 GLX 4Motion Wagon

I absolutely love our GLX 4Motion Wagon. My wife and I both state that we will definitely purchase another Passat Wagon or Audi S4/A6 Avant for our next family transportation. Very pratical and economical. Great looks and wonderful Germanic handling characteristics with a great firm, but comfortable ride to boot. Indigo blue lights at night for the dash are real cool. I also have received several compliments on what a great looking, quality wagon it is. I own an 01 BMW 325Cic convertible for my weekend fun and the German engineering really shows on these vehicles in the quality and the handling characteristics.

Recommended

I have owned the car since new. It has performed well over that time with only routine maintenance required. I would buy another one (assuming it was taken care of) in a minute.

Excellent value

Absolutely one of the best automotive values available today. I considered Audi A4, Acura TL, BMW 325xi, Jaguar X-type, Volvo S60 AWD and bought a better car for less $. Best kept secret out there - I have a wolf (sports car) in sheep's (family car) clothing with a wonderful touch of luxury. I have 5k miles on the car and zero problems.

Why I will never by another VW again

I didn't review this site before purchasing my 2002 1.8t Passat Wagon (really sorry I didn't because this review will sound like many of the others).The car does look sweet,turbo was pretty awesome,& the car is stacked w/ features (sunroof, pw, pl, tiptronic, cruise, lots of space). We purchased the car with under 80000 miles. Less than 1 month into owning it the a/c compressor/clutch quit, the glove box handle fell off, a bracket under car came off, the heat quit working, the tiptronic would not switch from manual to automatic, instrument panel was 50% dim, transmission started to make a grinding noise when decelerating, 2 vent slats for the a/c fell out & paint started to peel frm inside

This GLX still looks and drives like new

The Passat B5 GLX model, in Wagon form, is a perfectly-sized, pragmatically-safe, multi-task-capable vehicle sure to satisfy most anyone in need of a vehicle that has a variety of kid, pet, and/or material hauling. Or a perfect size even if you're not hauling anything. It's not too big; not too small. Just right. You can drive it all day long in complete comfort, knowing you are protected with plenty of airbags. This is an extremely safe, vault-like constructed vehicle. Smooth transmission delivery. Powerful V-6 engine. 24 mpg average gas mileage. Completely competent heat and AC. My only negative critique is the level of attention a Passat owner must assign to maintenance interval servicing; all typical of VW's in general. For example, drive axle shaft and transmission shaft oil seals will leak (as all oil seals eventually do) will leak with age, if not through accumulated miles, and must be replaced to prevent loss of gear oil and/or transmission fluid. It is worthwhile (important) to find a fair-priced VW dealer service provider OR better yet, a less-expensive competent independent VW service provider who "has your back" and has the experienced eye to inspect and diagnose with wisdom and efficiency. German cars are not cars to be neglected when it comes to preventive maintenance, with problems addressed promptly and correctly. It's just the way Germans design and build autos. Toyotas and Hondas can tolerate some neglect/abuse and delay with PM servicing, but not German cars. In return, though, you get to drive a car that delivers a much more rewarding experience. There you have it. I also own/drive a 2007 Cayman. Gotta love German engineering. They're not the least expensive to own, but I value the better driving experience, albeit with more frequent maint. service interval costs, over and above a typical Accord or Camry. But, to me, life's too short not to have a more rewarding daily driver. Of course, it doesn't hurt for me to be a Mech. Engineer capable of diagnosing and fixing most anything. I paid $6,200 for a near-mint 43K mile GLX two years ago. It's is a car that will last me forever. No need to consider any newer model. Buy the best condition/serviced car you can find/afford. Hey, everyone. Well, it’s Feb.2019 now and while I’ve only added about 3500 miles to the car since I last reported, the car now exhibits the common oil seepage problem at the cam shaft cover and valve cover areas. It’s the age of the gaskets/seals causing the leakage, not the miles. Also, the transmission exhibited a bit of “gear hunting” at very light throttle when in tallest gear. I’m thinking a transmission fluid service (drain & refill) would quite possibly help eliminate this slight nuisance. Upon good throttle acceleration, though, transmission shifts crisply and decisively. Also, I think the heater core is in need of a cleaning flush...because the heat is not as hot as it used to be. I suspect water/coolant flow through the heater core is not what it’s supposed to be. So, come Summer, I’ve definitely got some servicing to perform. :/ Btw, all three of these issues have been popular on these cars with needing to be addressed. Update: It’s Feb. 2020 and I self-performed a transmission fluid & filter replacement, using Liqui-Moly synthetic trans. fluid. What surprised me is that the drained trans. fluid came out looking amber clear (surprisingly clean), even though (and I’m certain about this) this fluid is original to the transmission that has almost 50K miles on it. In fact, the fluid looked so clean that I debated whether to proceed to replace it. But, I went ahead, anyway. Well, I’m glad I did because all of the transmission “hunting” behavior went away. It took a couple of days driving, but now the transmission operates flawlessly. Clearly, the fluid needed to be replaced, even though it looked acceptable. Btw, I strongly recommend all Liqui-Moly products for your vehicle. Excellent quality. I have yet to replace cam cover oil seals, valve cover gaskets, but will perform this Spring. Oil leaks at a small rate, in the meantime. A nuisance, but not a big deal.

good car, needs more guts and 5 speed

This is a great car that is just a little to slow. It'd be nice to get a 5 speed w/ the 4 motion. Another 40 hp would be nice also. Don't know if I'd pay $4,500 more for the W8.

2002 Passat Variant

Bought it used 7 years ago. Passats have an iffy reliability record. I knew that but also that if you maintain the car in a timely fashion it will pay you back as a reliable car. Great car! Update: I maintain the car in a timely manner and it has repaid me accordingly. No complaints. Further update: I think it is now in my hands for 10 years, 170,000+ miles.. I've had to put some $$$ into it but it returns me with great service. Love this car!!!

2002 VW Passat GLX Wagon!!!

Loved the new simple but classy style of the wagon. Moved up from a '99 Jetta GLS after becoming a loyal VW driver.

Best I ever owned

This is a wonderful car. The 1.8T is zippy yet it sips gas. Its very comfortable and the monsoon sound system is awesome. With snow tires its great in the snow. Its the best car I ever owned.

What's all the excitement about?

My Passat was delivered with a defective radio and an indifferent attitude. The dealer in Libertyville, IL was unconcerned about my problems. Besides, the car has lousy gas mileage (burns 92 octane for a V6?) and a mushy ride for a VW. Otherwise, the hard seats and spare interior add up to an uninspired choice for a compact/mid-size car. These cars are nothing special.

excellant car

this car has been our best new car to date .

nice car, but lots of problems

You'll buy it because it looks great, but then never buy another one again because things just keep breaking.

Needed help...

Now that this well built but bland wagon has been retired, (17" Yokos) lowered (Eibach) and tuned (BMC, Wittenhauer) it is a well made, comfortable, practical and fun sports wagon.

Schweet W8!

The Passat W8 is an excelent buy compared to the 540i and the E430 4matic (which simlarly equipped cost $15,000 to $20,000 more). Although the car is very similar to the GLS, keep in mind that even the GLS is a very good buy as far as fit and finish, general quality, and features go. The W8's fuel economy isn't that bad either, in fact, it's very similar to the original VR6's fuel economy...not too shabby, an 8 with the fuel economy of a 6.

Great family car

With potent V6 and 5 speed tiptronic transmission, it's a great compromise between my wife (hates 5 speed manual) and me. Switching from Subaru Forester, I'm very impressed by this wagon's smooth, quietness and comfort. It has plenty of space in the back seats and good cago space.

long distance cruiser

We bought this car after 911 primarily because we wanted to avoid airport hassles when traveling to Albuquerque and Ashland OR;ten to fourteen hour journeys by car. This car has more than filled the bill! Fast, comfortable and totally unstressed with loads of room for fishing rods, skis;you name it. At seven years it has had very few problems (CV boots, headlights) and still feels as good as the day I picked it up. Nothing in the new car market looks this good so I'll keep it 'till it falls apart; no sign of that yet. Only down side is fuel consumption-big torquey diesel engine would make the perfect car.

Solid car

I have owned the Passat since it was new. I have always enjoyed driving the car. It has a lot of luxury features. The car has been reliable with no major repairs needed. I have had a few issues. Headlights bulbs go out often. It burns 1 to 2 quarts of oil between oil changes. I have had to service the back brakes 3 times even though the car has less than 50,000 miles. Gas mileage has been poor.

Electrical problems galore

In the year and 3 months that I have owned the 2002 Passat wagon, I have encountered numerous electrical problems. First, the entire security system went out after only 7,000 miles. After 9,000 miles the entire rear light assembly stopped working. After 12,000 the front headlight and rear cigarette lighter went out. After 17,000 the other headlight went out. Overall, this is an enjoyable car to drive but the reliability is a real issue. If you don't mind constant trips back to the dealership, buy one. Otherwise, avoid it like the plague.

Best Wagon

I looked at many small wagons (needed the space for outdoor gear, kids stuff, and trips to the home center) but couldn't find another that compared in ride, performance, and looks. I would rather have a peppy 5-speed than a truck-like SUV and the Passat V-6 fits the bill.

2002 Passat W8 Wagon

Was looking for a peppy version of the Audi A6 and was intreiged by the look-alike W8. The car rides and feels like an Audi but the W8 has little more zip than the A6. Otherwise, I love the Bells and Whistles that are standard equipment that are in the car.

This car is rubbish

Bought used in 2003 w/ 32,000 miles. First day off the lot vacuum hose broke. Like many others who reviewed engine sludge problems. Had to replace timing belt at 75,000. Car has been in for work 12 times in 36 months even with manufacturers suggested maintenance. Don't ever buy a passat!

A Rabbit in Wolfsburg Clothing

My wife and I own several German vehicles. When it comes to transporting our baby and her gear or assaulting the slopes to snowboard or trekking to the left coast to surf our W8 does it solidly and confidently. And by the way, this thing launches and screams to redline!!!

So far, so good

Thougth we were gonna get another Trailblazer, but test drove the Passat because of the Edmunds review. Wow. No comparison. The handling, pickup, and braking are far superior to the 'Blazer. As for room, there is plenty. This is a solid car. We got most of the bells and whistles on ours and are very happy thus far. Careful though, it can be a little too fun to drive as is evidenced by that little citation from a jealous traffic officer!

Buyers Beware!!

I bought my 2002 vw used in 2005 from a dealer with and purchased a 5 yrs/100000 miles extended warranty and it was a "certified used vehicle". At 72000 miles (2007), the engine was replaced and at 75000 miles (2007) the transmission failed becasue a bolt which hold the transmission to the engine was missing!?? Dealer said the warranty has expired on Jan.2007? Came to find out that the extended warranty that vw offered covers not 5 years from the date of the purchase, but 5 years from the model year 2002- 2007!?

Great, when it's working

I bought my 2002 Passat wagon used with 23k on it. I was drawn by the styling inside and out, vault- like build quality, and the utility of a wagon. The only negative I saw was the lackluster engine power. Since then, I have replaced the convenience electronics module, turn signal flasher, brake booster pump, steering rack, one catalytic converter, and the other cat is now leaking and needs replaced. The transmission is dodgy, the climate control sometimes cuts out, and the rear window washer doesn't work. The sunroof drain leaks into the rear floor. I've spent about $5000 in repairs in 3 years. When the car is working, it's fabulous. When it's not, which is way too often, it's a disaster.

Buy It!

Best valuse for the money. I compared it to a Volvo s70 Cross Country and the Passat simply blows that Swede away in every category. The s70 drifts all over the place whereas the Passat is glued to the road.

Great car, lots of costs

I am finally at the end of my lease with my Passat wagon. My car has been in the shop numerous times for various problems; i.e. electrical, engine problems, minor things like bulbs burning out and the brakes needed to be replaced at 25K miles! To add insult to injury, my local VW dealer has ONE certified repairman so many times I had to wait for up to 2 weeks to get my car into the shop. Bottom line is that I took a lot of time researching cars when making my decision and unfortunately VW did not live up to my expectations. This car is expensive all the way around; repairs, gas mileage, etc. Be cautious when purchasing this car.

nice but troubled

beautiful car, unreliable at best. replaced instrument panel 2x, headlight switch 2x, dimmer switch, climatronic, radio didn't work for 1 month, died after sitting for 1 week from bad battery, both headlights burned out at the same time, broken ashtray, bad mpg on 91 octane. great in snow, classy and smart looking, but with serious issues. thought a german- built would be better, but sorely mistaken. plus, dealer bordered on incompetent, took at least 2x to fix any problem, then tried to tell us 3 weeks before loaner car available. nice try, we got an enterprise that same day. after 20+ visits, service advisor acted like it was first problem.

One Big Lemon

One problem after another - 1st, the secondary braking system. Soon after, the stereo just went dead. The dealer blamed a loose connection. Okay, so they fixed it. Next problem, what do you know, the stereo dies again! This time the dealer replaced the stereo. That was a week ago. Today, I had to cancel a hike with our 2 labs; another warning light! "Alternator workshop!" This wonderful news was accompanied by an appalling smell from the engine compartment. Well, looks like another trip to the dealer. I have to admit that the VW service people are a great bunch - I'm sure I'll be getting to know them very well.

Never will i own another VW again!

I bought this car thinking it would be a good way to save on gas and still able to haul my mountain bikes around and travel, was i wrong! To mention some of the problems... Tire went flat then the spare went flat, the glove box handle broke off, the knobs on the stereo came off, the alarm will go off at random times, the serpentine belt broke and fried the motor, gas cap door wouldn't open, the thermostat in cold weather sets off my check engine light, the hatch stopped opening, oh and to top it all off i have to put premium in the car which then makes it just as much much as my old SUV's to fill up. I have had an 88 Landcruiser and it ran better and was more reliable than this car!!!!!!!!!!

VW needs lesson from Toyota

ECT, Coil Pack, Fuel Sensors. These three poor electronic parts will fail on you. I hope you have the longer warranty. Having owned Japanese (Toyota) vehicles for 14 years, I was forced to get a sportier car as Toyota just doen't make a fast car anymore (less you have the budget for a Lexus). Though the turbo has spinup lag, its still quick for a 1.8ltr. Throw in a Wetterauer chip and you have a 210hp 4 cylinder. The car *is* fun to drive. Just not fun to own. Could they be forcing us to lease? Try this: lay down a split seat (rear) and drive around with only the sunroof open. if your ears don't bleed or explode....

Buy it if you have own gas-station

We got VW Passat 02 wagon on 06.2007 in CarMax with 51K miles on it. For the 7 month after we bought it, we spent $1500 for repairs. I got 16.5 mpg per city and 22 mpg on highway. It is the worst car: No Fuel Economy, High cost of maintenance. Bad Electric, brakes, and engine part. I did not expect the bad quality from German car producer, but I experienced it with my Passat. Service cost is too high. After 3 month the problems started with window power and electric cables&wires. Nobody could explain why station wagon "eats" gasoline as a Chevy Suburban. It is unbelievable, but I got 16 miles per gallon in city. I will never buy any VW product and would not recommend to someone else. Just bad