2002 Volkswagen Passat consumer reviews

After owning a 2002 Passat for 4 years and 72,000 miles, I sold it at wholesale to rid myself of the recurring electrical and mechanical problems, the high service costs, and manufacturer's indifferent attitude. Poor quality components, failed electrical connections, frozen suspension parts, and lack of owner serviceability, plus very dangerous turbo-lag, made this excellently designed and fun to drive car a consumer failure. Once out of warranty the manufacturer seems unable or willing to support owners, leaving one to the dealer's mercy.

Super smooth, very comfortable, very refined. VW Engineers got it right. 4Motion AWD system works amazing in the rain and snow. Monsoon stereo sounds amazing. All the extra options are really nice. The memory seats tied to the remotes are very cool - where even the side mirrors change to either Mem1 or Mem2 when you unlock the doors. Heated seats are really nice. The car has been very reliable, and fun to drive.

This car has been great for our family of four. Good gas mileage, very peppy, good handling, great safety features (like side airbags), and comfortable for us all. If you are really tall, be sure to test drive before you buy so you can be sure you fit. I am 6'2" and I think taller people might have a headroom problem. Extremely reliable and solidly made. Would definitely recommend (and would buy one again!).

I purchase an '02 V6 GLS new from Gensinger Motors. 1 or 2 problems seem to crop up every year which are covered and repaired under warrenty. Overall, the car is fun to drive, reliable (if well maintained) and sturdy. Never had any problems with the engine, did have a leak from the sun-roof drainage, VW fixed problem (was a recall issue). I've kept up with the maintenance schedule and my car has been worry free.

I purchased a 02 passat wagon with 1.8 turbo new from crowley vw in CT. My first year with the car I loved it . I t has been an evil ordeal ever since. First it was the $800. brake job .Then at 60,000 miles I suffered a blown engine due to sludge build up . I was forced to provide proof of oil changes every 3-5000 miles for my extended waranty to cover the cost. At 70,000 miles both cv joints failed. At 73,000 miles the drains in the sunroof became cloged which in turn shorted out the comfort control moduale.This car is an abomination and I will never purchase another vw product.