2002 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
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2002 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $21,750 -$38,700
- Invoice: $19,790 -$35,452
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Our road test for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2002 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5 |
Passat's 4-cyl is surprisingly zippy with manual transmission--8.5 sec in our 0-60 mph tests--but far less so with automatic. V6s with manual transmission are peppy, too, but a bit snoozy with automatic; a test front-drive GLX/automatic disappointed at 8.6 sec 0-60. 4Motion adds 200 lb, blunts midrange acceleration some. Near two-ton W8 did 7.2 sec in our 0-60 mph runs vs. VW's claimed 6.5, but had ample midrange punch.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Unexceptional in any model. Test averages include 21 mpg with a manual-transmission 4-cyl sedan, 19.2-21.6 with front-drive GLX/automatic versions, 17.8 with a V6 4Motion wagon, and 16.2 with a new W8. All Passats require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.2 |
Impressive. Solid platform contributes to controlled, comfortable ride. Suspension firm, but easily smothers all but the worst bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5.8 |
Confident cornering with only moderate body lean, responsive steering, arrow-true straight stability, but just short of sport-sedan crisp. Emergency stops short, stable, undramatic in any model.
QUIETNESS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
All engines smooth, generally subdued and pleasant to the ear. V6 and W8 impressively quiet even at high revs. Wind rush low, as is tire thrum except on very coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.3 |
Audio unit handy and intuitive, but low-mounted climate controls a bit tricky to see and reach. Night lighting for most every switch and knob a plus. Ditto legible, well-placed gauges. Cabin materials and workmanship exude high quality; leather-trimmed models more elegant than some near-luxury-class cars.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.7 |
Basically fine, but 6-footers have only about a half-inch of head clearance in sunroof models. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable seats--with power and memory in GLX and W8--are appreciated. Visibility uncluttered in wagons, a bit less so aft in sedans, which now include a manual rear window sunshade.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
Leg room plentiful for the class, head room and entry/exit more than passable. Bench seat firm, nicely contoured, but a bit narrow for three adults not to feel crowded.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 8 | 4 | 4.6 |
Sedans have a roomy trunk with low liftover and large opening, but 4Motion reduces volume by a healthy 5 cu ft. Wagons are useful load luggers with well-finished cargo bays.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Acceleration doesn't impress in 4-cyl/automatic-transmission form, and Passats are pricier than most every other compact car. But they match some near-luxury models for quality, spaciousness, and features. They also brim with European flair, offer the bonus of 4Motion AWD, and now include the lowest priced 8-cyl cars made in Europe. It all adds up to Best Buy status.
Total Score
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 66 | 65 | 68 | 65 | 54.6 |
Total Score: 66
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