2002 Volkswagen Passat Review
2002 Volkswagen Passat Review
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Used Passat for sale
Appraise This CarVolkswagen Passat model years
Volkswagen Passat types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Fun to drive, roomy/comfortable interior, solid build quality, available all-wheel drive, powerful W8 engine.
Cons
- Some confusing interior controls, price goes up quickly with options.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds says
This is our favorite midsize car -- in both sedan and wagon form. Don't make your family vehicle choice without driving one.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.84 per gallon for premium unleaded in Illinois.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Illinois
$262/mo for Passat GLS 1.8T
Passat GLS 1.8T
vs
$194/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
Volkswagen has been busy recently, buying up smaller carmakers, designing 8-,12- and 16-cylinder engines, and creating a new line of luxury vehicles. But it hasn't neglected its already excellent Passat sedan and wagon. For 2002, we'll see the first production application of VW's "W" family of engines, as the long-awaited Passat W8 sedan and wagon arrive in the U.S. replete with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. With an MSRP around $38K, the W8 will be out of reach for the typical family car buyer, but look at it this way: Where else can you find a German car with eight cylinders for this price?
Meanwhile, the lower-level Passats still offer great value, particularly at the base level. With the arrival of the W8 cars, there are now three trim levels -- the well-equipped GLS and the upscale GLX being the other two. The GLS comes standard with four-wheel antilock disc brakes; traction control (via Electronic Differential Lock and Anti-Slip Regulation); air conditioning; cruise control; side and head curtain airbags; a driver seat height adjuster; an eight-speaker stereo with CD player; one-touch power windows; power locks; remote keyless entry; a full-size spare tire; power-adjustable heated exterior mirrors; a trip computer and head restraints and three-point seatbelts in all five seating positions. Options include a leather interior, a premium Monsoon sound system and a sunroof. All of the above features are standard on the GLX, which also includes power adjustable, heated front seats with memory for the driver; variable intermittent wipers with heated jets; an auto-dimming rearview mirror; and 16-inch wheels and tires.
W8 trim adds stability control (Electronic Stabilization Program) with brake assist, vented disc brakes all around (instead of the usual solid discs in the rear), xenon headlamps with washers, wider 215/55R16 tires, an upgraded trip computer and extra chrome throughout the cabin.
GLS buyers have their choice of two engines. Our favorite is a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline four (called the 1.8T) that delivers 170 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque between 1,950 and 5,000 rpm; turbo lag is virtually nonexistent and the powerband is quite broad. The 1.8T offers good acceleration and fuel economy (up to 31 mpg on the highway), and contributes to the Passat's overall grin factor. Your other choice is a 2.8-liter V6 that makes 190 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of twist. While no longer among the fastest six-cylinders in the midsize class, this V6 is still very smooth and provides strong acceleration. For 2002, it remains the standard engine for GLX models. Available transmissions include a five-speed manual and a five-speed automatic (with Tiptronic automanual capability).
Advantages to the V6 models include genuine wood trim inside the cabin and the availability of the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Although it results in a rather portly Passat, 4Motion is ideal for people living in snowy climates. Under normal traction conditions, the system splits the power 50/50 between the front and rear axles; when grip is compromised, it can redistribute power up to a 67/33 ratio either way. Unfortunately, 4Motion only comes with the automatic transmission.
True to their name, the W8 sedan and wagon are powered by a 4.0-liter W8 engine that churns out 270 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque at 2,750 rpm. The "W" configuration was achieved by staggering the cylinders, making it look as though two "V" engines have been fused together. The resulting engine is more compact than a traditional V8 and easily fits under the midsize Passat's hood. The five-speed automatic and 4Motion are standard on every W8.
With four-wheel antilock disc brakes standard on all trim levels, a fully independent suspension and perfectly weighted power rack-and-pinion steering, the Passat is one of the most entertaining midsize cars around. Some drivers might find body roll to be excessive when pushing the car hard around turns, but the trade-off for excellent overall ride comfort is worthwhile. Inside, the cars feel luxurious and solidly constructed -- more so than most competitors.
Based on a stretched Audi A4 platform and built with plenty of Audi parts, the Passat looks, feels and drives like a more substantial car than its base price tag would indicate -- though with the 270-hp, $38K W8 on the loose, it's getting much harder to distinguish a VW from an Audi.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
5 star(61%)
4 star(24%)
3 star(11%)
2 star(4%)
1 star(0%)
466 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
I got this back in high school...
rilezz13, 12/22/2010
2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
I got my black Passat when I was a sophomore in high school. The thing I love most about VWs is the German prestige that comes with the car. Theres something about the way European cars carry themselves as they sail down the highway. I previously owned a 2000 VW Jetta that I absolutly loved. The Passat is technically a superior car, but I think I'll buy another Jetta in the future. If … you are thinking of buying one with the turbocharged engine, you MUST MUST use fully synthetic oil and change it every 3 thousand miles.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Well... Just don't drive it into water
durasara, 08/20/2013
2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
First of all. I got the GLX v6 4motion
I bought this car when it had 110,000 miles on it. Sounds crazy, but I bought it for 5k. The carfax showed that the previous owner had already taken care of the major maintenance stuff that starts popping up at around 80k. I can imagine, if I had owned the car during that time period I would have thought it was the worst car in the world. But I … didn't. All I had to do was normal maintenance stuff. I brought it up to 210k miles and was still driving like new. So fun around corners and handled snow really well.
Until...
I was going to school and the street was flooded. Yaris and cruze made it through, Passat died.
I really will miss this car.
3.75 out of 5 stars
If you know how to work on car, this is for you
saneesh8, 02/14/2012
2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Initially by spending all the money on repairs at stealership, i thought it is bad car. But once i started doing by my own with help from www.passatworld.com, not expensive. Or get information from the above website and find a trusted cheap mechanic. If you follow the simple rules like 40W full synthetic oil every 5k, change ATF at every 60K (Castrol import ATF is fine - from AZ) clean … combi valve once in 2 yr, will run longer than a Toyota or Honda. Once you cross 100k, gaskets, hoses, Fuel filter and Timing belt (at 80K).
Overall reliable car, decent MPG and most importantly safe. Premium fuel is bad side and don't need to use OEM expensive parts. My car close to 100k going strong..
4.38 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly a good little car
gashley2, 12/21/2014
2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
Owned a 2003 Skoda Octavia in Germany was a fun car. Bought the closes thing to it in the US. the 1.8L is fun and great on MPG! I get better mileage then the EPA rating best i got was 40MPG on a road trip! Passat has great styling i think and rides nice really luxurious for what it is. Previous owner did all the differed maintenance cv axels, fuel pump, valve cover gaskets, heater core, … timing belt, water pump etc... Currently has 180,000 mile on it and I really like the car, I will drive the wheels off of this car! Great on snow with regular tires. Only thing wrong is the trans makes a LOUD slam noise when downshifts when exiting the interstate, when that goes Ill buy something else.
2002 Passat Highlights
Sedan
GLS 1.8T
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $262/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Passat include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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