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    Volkswagen Passat

    EPA MPG: 24 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Road Test

    With its smooth ride, elegant cabin, and extensive list of safety features, the Passat remains our top choice among family sedans. Cornering is competent, with quick, nicely weighted steering and minimal body lean. The GLS model we tested handled securely and completed our double-lane-change avoidance maneuver with impressive ease. The front seats are exceptionally comfortable, and the interior has a quality feel that belies the car's price. Controls are mostly well designed, but the power-mirror switch is poorly placed. The turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine provides strong acceleration but hesitates a bit at low revs when paired with the five-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.8-liter V6 is quiet and brawny. The Passat's rear seat provides room for the three adults, and the wagon model offers more cargo space than some SUVs. Passat wagons do not, however, offer a third-row seat, which limits passenger capacity to five. An all-wheel-drive system is available, but it takes a toll on both acceleration and fuel economy. The recently introduced W8 model gets a 270-hp eight-cylinder engine, AWD, and standard stability control. 

    2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    NA
    vs. Similar Cars

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

    Crash and Rollover Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    Good
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    2002 Midsized cars Ratings

    Features & Specs
    Body Style
      wagon
      sedan
    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD, Front
    Engines Available
    • 1.8-liter 4 turbo (170 hp)
    • 2.8-liter V6 (190 hp)
    • 4-liter 8 (270 hp)
    Transmissions Available
    • 5-speed manual
    • 5-speed automatic
    Warranty
    Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Model History