The 2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX offers a unique blend of attributes. It is a driver’s car, with a smooth V6 and better handling characteristics than its Japanese counterparts. The Passat feels like a solid and well-built German sedan. I see the closest competitors being the Nissan Maxima, Acura TL, Audi A4 and the Subaru Legacy. The Passat seems to fit neatly in a market space somewhere between your average family sedan (Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Taurus, etc.) and the near luxury sedan (Audi A4, BMW 325i, M-B C240).
The Passat doesn’t have one major strength, rather, it is the sum of its parts that make it an exceptionally well-rounded package. The Nissan Maxima is a good example of the contrary. When most informed buyers look at the Maxima, they focus on the wonderful V6 that now puts out 255hp. Once you get by the engine though, you realize that there isn’t much else that really stands out on the Maxima. Not that it is a bad car by any stretch, it’s just that everything else after the engine is just average.
With the Passat, everything seems to be above average. The fit and finish is becoming a benchmark in this class. The styling is classy and refined, without being trendy. The available 4Motion is the best all-wheel drive system built today. It goes on and on, but once you take a look at the entire package, it is clear as to what a tremendous value the Passat represents. In the following paragraphs, I will go into greater detail on the following aspects of the 2002 Passat, focusing mostly on the GLX model.
1. Fit & Finish
2. Styling
3. Engine
4. Driveline
5. Transmission
6. Handling
7. Safety
8. Features
9. Warranty
10. Reliability
11. Competition
12. Summary
1. Fit & Finish
The fit and finish on the Passat is top-notch, both inside and out. I'd say it was just a slight notch below it's closely related cousin - the Audi A4. In fact, the Passat rides on a slightly modified (lengthened) Audi A4 chassis, code named B5. Given the many credits the A4 has garnered, this is clearly a good thing. It should be noted that this Passat shares the '96 - '01 A4 chassis. The '02 A4 rides on the new B6 platform, which provides a more rigid chassis. Regardless, the B5 platform gives the Passat a tight and rigid building block which accounts for its excellent road manners.
2. Styling
The new Passat is a gorgeous car in my opinion. One with a timeless look. It shouts more touring sedan than sport sedan, but a handsome one at that. The restyle that took place for the 2001.5 model year really livened up the front and rear styling, plus added a subtle chrome treatment which looks really sharp - especially around the side windows.
The interior is very tastefully done. Volkswagen took a “form follows function” approach to the design. The ergonomics are excellent. Seats are firm and supportive, offering plenty of comfort for long drives. What is most surprising is the quality of materials. The vinyl on the dash and interior trim is top-rate. The texture matches the real leather seating surfaces extraordinarily well, and there isn’t that high-sheen you find in many other interiors in this price range that looks low-budget.
3. Engine
The engine in the Passat was lifted from the 1998.5 model year A4. It is a high-tech V6 engine, sporting 5 valves per cylinder. It produces 190hp and 206 lb.ft. of torque. The engine offers plenty of power in the lower rpm range, but doesn’t have that “torquey” feel of the inline-6’s found in the 3-Series from BMW. One attribute of the engine that can’t be argued is its quietness. This is one smooth and silent runner.
The Passat is also offered (although not in GLX form) with a 4 cylinder turbo, called the 1.8T. The 1.8T is an amazing engine. In fact, with the 5-speed manual, it actually feels a bit more “peppy” blasting from stoplight to stoplight. It also gets better gas mileage. Part of the magic of the 1.8T engine is the fact that it produces its power from way down low in the rpm range through to redline. This means that when the car is crawling around at 2000 rpm and you step on the pedal, it GOES. With the V6, things start happening closer to 3200 rpm. Regardless, if you do a lot of highway driving as I do, you will appreciate the relaxed nature of the V6. The 1.8T tends to rev a bit high for my tastes when you get over 70 mph. Although the 1.8T is smooth, it can’t match the smoothness and quietness of the V6, which I think feels a bit more refined than the 1.8T.
4. Driveline
The Passat GLX (and GLS V6) is available in a front-drive or all-wheel drive model. The front-drive is a very capable car. If anyone is used to feeling of what is commonly referred to as “torque steer” in front-drive cars, you’ll be surprised to find that the Passat has none (which is a very good thing). In fact, the Passat feels more like a rear-drive car than a front-drive car. This is all due to the fantastic multi-link front suspension that, again, was lifted directly out of the Audi A4.
The all-wheel drive system offered in the Passat is called the 4Motion, which is mechanically identical to Audi’s Quattro system. The Quattro system has been around for a long time, and is a proven and reliable all-wheel drive system. The 4Motion is a bit different from most other all-wheel drive systems out there in that it starts out with a 50/50 power split between the front and rear wheels. This 50/50 split gives the 4Motion equipped Passat a feeling of stability in all driving conditions. Most of the competitors have systems that start out as 100% front-drive, or 100% rear-drive. When wheels slip, these systems appropriate power to the front or back, depending on the system. The 4Motion can send up to 66% of its power to the front or rear at any given time. Furthermore, the system can then send power along each axle, to the individual wheel with the most traction. This all happens instantaneously and seamlessly, with no strange noises. It is an amazing system, and well worth the $1,750 asking price. 4Motion equipped Passats will also enjoy higher resale value, especially in areas where there is inclement weather.
5. Transmission
The Passat is offered with either a smooth shifting automatic or a 5-speed manual. The automatic transmission is called the tiptronic, and allows you to manually shift the vehicle by moving the lever to “+” to upshift or “-“ to downshift. While some may appreciate this capability, I think it is more of a novelty. Similar to picture in picture on a TV set, where most consumers are really happy their TV can do it, but after a week, they hardly ever use it. The reason for this is that it isn’t a true clutchless manual that you’d find in a Ferrari, which produces lightning quick shifts with absolutely no hesitation. The tiptronic takes its time shifting. You click the lever, and it says “oh, let’s select a new gear”. It then sighs and finally shifts gears. If you want a bit more control, it is a “nice to have”. However, if you are used to the instantaneous response that a manual transmission gives you, you’ll be disappointed with the tiptronic. In the end, if an automatic is what you want, then it is a great transmission. For me, I will go with the 5-speed manual, which is an excellent unit. It doesn’t offer quite the precision of a BMW shifter, but is isn’t that far away either.
One important thing to note is that your transmission choice has further repercussions on available options. If you want a manual transmission and also want the 4Motion all-wheel drive, you’re out of luck. The 4Motion only comes with the tiptronic. So some will have to decide which is more important, all-wheel drive or a manual transmission. It is a tough decision for those who want the manual.
6. Handling
The Passat has handling characteristics that the average buyer will absolutely love. It is compliant, yet very controlled. The rack and pinion steering offers excellent road feel, something that is lacking in this segment The steering is also precise, with no on-center numbness that many cars exhibit. In the Passat, you’ll feel the road in a good way.
A trend in today’s market is the availability of sport packages for those who drive a bit more aggressively. For example, the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series both offer optional sport packages, and the Nissan Maxima comes with a firmer suspension and larger 17” wheels and tires. The nice thing about these sport packages is that they improve handling and the feeling of control without any major impact on ride comfort. Unfortunately, Volkswagen doesn’t offer a sport package for the Passat, as they are trying to distinguish the Audi brand as the choice for those looking for a sportier ride. Fortunately, there are many aftermarket options available to those who wish to firm things up. For around $900 installed, you can add a matched set of shocks and springs that will offer a more firm and controlled ride for more aggressive driving. This may bring upon warranty issues, although this is a gray area from a legal standpoint.
7. Safety
Since the Passat will often be purchased by families with children, safety will be a hot issue in this class of car. Fortunately, the Passat is as safe as they come. The strong body structure, coupled with anti-intrusion side beams and well engineered front and rear crumple zones make for a very sound automobile from a safety standpoint. In fact, the Passat earned a five-star rating in the NHTSA’s crash testing and top honors from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
The Passat has front and side airbags for both occupants, plus side-curtain airbags front and rear. Automatic tensioning retractors for front and rear passenger safety belts are also included. In fact, the rear middle belt also offers pre-tensioning which can help secure a centrally located child seat in the event of a collision. Child seat tether anchorage points are also included for all three rear seating positions.
Of equal importance from a safety standpoint are collision avoidance features. The Passat offers ABS and Traction Control to help avoid an accident. ABS helps by not allowing the tires “lock up” under hard braking maneuvers. This offers the driver some level of steering control during an emergency situation, as the tires are not allowed to go into a full skid. Traction Control performs a similar operation, but for acceleration versus braking. Let’s say you are going up a slight incline in the snow, and the tires start spinning. Traction Control actually brakes the spinning wheel(s), and also automatically reduces throttle. The system is meant to keep the tires on the brink of losing traction, so that you are getting all the available traction in any given situation. A neat trick to try out on the Passat, or other cars with Traction Control is to floor the throttle in the snow (do this in an empty parking lot). You will see the Traction Control kick in and the tires will simply not spin, even though you are giving it full throttle.
For the 2003 model year, it is rumored that stability control will be offered as a standard safety feature. This would be a great addition to the Passat. Stability control adds a yaw sensor to the vehicle electronics, which allows the brakes to be applied to a specific wheel in order to stop the vehicle from skidding out of control. The stability control can even sense when the vehicle is approaching a hard limit for cornering, for example, and brake certain wheels to stop the vehicle from getting out of control in the first place. For purists, the system can always be disabled with the touch of a button.
8. Features
The Passat GLX has an extensive list of standard features that are found in other cars in its class. However, there are a few notable features which I’d like to note that stand out. Leather is standard on the GLX. This isn’t the shiny, thin and cheap leather you find on many other cars in this price level. This leather looks like it was lifted right out of the more expensive Audi, and it probably was. The stitching is also perfect. In addition, the GLX also includes real interior wood trim (walnut). Even the shift knob is finished in real walnut trim. Now this is very unusual in this class of car. The current trend is to add aluminum trim in the interior, which costs less than real wood. Of course, you will also find plenty of fake plastic wood, such as in the Acura TL. The Passat offers the real deal, which is a nice touch.
Another feature not usually found in this class is rain-sensing wipers. You still need to turn the wipers on, but once you turn them on, the wipers will sense how hard it is raining and adjust their speed accordingly. Some say the system works great, while others say it is a little quirky. Regardless, it is an interesting addition to the Passat. A unique feature which I have not seen before is the power folding exterior mirrors. Ever get to that drive through window and wonder how you’ll get close enough to easily reach your food or coffee without scratching the mirror. Well, problem solved in the Passat. Simply flick a switch, and the exterior mirrors automatically fold inward. Even if you don’t go to drive through windows, it is also excellent for tight parking situations.
There is a nifty feature in the GLX that automatically tilts down the passenger-side rearview mirror when you go into reverse. This makes it easier to back into that tight parking spot by giving you a clear view of the curb.
A feature that my wife and I love is the personalized key fobs. With the Passat GLX, two key fobs are included with remote locking. Each one is personalized to its user for power seat and exterior rear-view mirror settings. So when I press the button to unlock the doors, the seat moves into my set position (which is very different from that of my wife’s setting since I am almost a foot taller) and the mirrors also adjust to my set preference. When my wife presses the button on her key fob, the seat moves into her set position as do the mirrors. It makes it easy for a family to share the car without having to go through multiple adjustments every time.
The list goes on. Auto climate control, auto down and auto up front windows with pinch protection, tilt and slide power sunroof with pinch-protection, tinted glass, full-size spare tire, heated windshield washer nozzles, anti-theft system, electric side-mirror defrosters, floor mats, brake wear indicator, trip computer, self-dimming rearview mirror, power outlet in trunk, 8-speaker 200 watt Monsoon stereo with in-dash CD, 8-way power and heated front seats with lumbar support, rear headrests for outboard and middle seating positions, 60/40 split-fold rear seats (not available with 4Motion), rear armrest with cup holders, built-in garage door opener (Homelink), leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with audio and cruise control functions, rear pull-up sunshade, and pollen and dust filter are just some of the standard features on the GLX. Clearly, this is one well-equipped vehicle.
9. Warranty
Volkswagen decided to step up their backing of the vehicle in 2002 by upping the bumper-to-bumper warranty to 4 years/50,000 miles (whichever comes first). Previously they had a 2 year/24,000 miles bumper-to-bumper on the car, so the new 4/50 level is a big improvement. In addition, the powertrain is warranted for 5 years/60,000 miles, which is generous as well (this has been reduced from previous 10 year powertrain warranty on earlier models though). Lastly, there is a 12 year corrosion resistance warranty. The Passat uses galvanized body panels, so this aspect of the warranty shouldn’t be necessary very often. Also included is 24 hour roadside assistance for 4 years/50,000 miles.
10. Reliability
If you check the reliability records on the Passat, they look good. In fact, there aren’t too many cars on the market today that are bad cars. They are all fairly reliable. Problems that would seem par for the course 15 years ago are now considered major annoyances. Anything that would necessitate an unscheduled trip to the dealer is a pain in the neck.
Chances are that the Passat will be about as reliable as other German sedans, especially its closely related cousin – the Audi A4. However, German sedans have never enjoyed the level of reliability of a Honda or Toyota. That is to say that the Passat will be a reliable car overall, but a minor problem here and there probably isn’t all that unlikely.
11. Competition
Other than the more expensive German sedans mentioned previously, the most common competitors the Passat GLX will run into is the Nissan Maxima, and possibly the Acura TL and Audi A4. The Maxima offers plenty of bang for the buck. The V6 that puts out 255hp is no doubt one of the best V6’s in the world. The fact that it can be coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission brings joy to an enthusiasts heart. Where the Passat beats out the Maxima is in three key areas. First, there is the styling. While this is purely subjective, most would agree that the Maxima styling is very conservative, to the point of being a bit bland. Even Nissan recognized this when they designed the new Altima, which has much more “pizazz”. Second, the interior of the Passat is a step up from the Maxima. The quality of materials and the level of fit and finish in the Passat exceeds that of the Maxima. Third, the availability of all-wheel drive in the Passat will be a deciding factor to some – especially those in colder climates. On the other hand, if you are looking for power, the Maxima has got it. The 255hp engine coupled with the 6-speed will bring the car from 0-60 in about 6 seconds flat (or less), compared to about 7.3 seconds for the Passat V6 5-speed. That is a big difference.
The Acura TL is another car that will compete with the Passat GLX. If you are looking for a car loaded with features that is smooth as silk and has plenty of room, the Acura TL is a fine choice. The TL is a bigger car than the Passat, and has a more powerful engine. I think the Passat beats out the Acura in four areas. The first three are the same as with the Maxima. The Passat has a nicer interior and much more interesting styling. The Acura is the blandest of the bland. It was designed not to offend. Also, the Acura comes in front-drive only. The fourth area where the Passat beats out the Acura is in the driving experience. The TL is softly sprung (much more so than the Passat), and doesn’t have even a hint of sport in its repertoire. You don’t have the steering feel that you have in the Passat. In fact, you are very isolated from the road. In addition, there is no choice of transmission. So for all those interested in a manual transmission, forget it. The TL only comes in an automatic. So, where does the Acura beat out the Passat? Well, if you don’t care about German road manners and don’t mind bland styling, the Acura is tough to beat. It costs a bit more than the Passat, but it is packed with features, is a silent runner, and will probably be more reliable and have a better dealership experience attached to it. That being said, the Acura is just a bit boring for my tastes. Otherwise, that is probably what I’d buy.
In the near luxury segment, the Audi A4 may compete with the Passat to a point. The new 2002 A4 is a beautiful car. It is smaller and sportier than the Passat. The model that competes most closely in price is the A4 1.8T, which is available in front-drive or Quattro (same system as 4Motion). The A4 offers a sport package which provides exceptional handling. Much more sporty than the Passat. The styling is also more sporty, as is the interior. The fit and finish is a slight step above the already exceptional Passat, especially in the interior, which is gorgeous in the A4. If you are looking for a true sports sedan, and don’t mind the smaller size, the A4 is clearly the better choice. However, if you want a slightly larger car, like the smoothness and silence of a 6 cylinder, and want all the luxury features such as power seats and leather/wood trim, the Passat is the better value.
I didn't compare the Passat to the Accord, Camry, Taurus or GM cars as I think they are different cars that attract different buyers. I think the Passat is more a driver's car than an appliance. The Passat is a few thousand more than the more common mid-size family sedans, but it is a whole lot more fun to drive and more satisfying to own for an enthusiast such as myself. Also, the Passat does offer a more extensive list of features for the added cost.
12. Summary
If you are looking for an Audi, BMW or Mercedes, but don’t want to spend the money, the Passat is an excellent alternative. It has all the attributes of a fine German sedan, except for the extravagant price tag. It also has more room for both occupants and luggage than its German counterparts in the near-luxury space (A4, 3-Series and C240). The Passat offers a high level of refinement, along with a smooth engine and a great chassis. The piece parts combine to make the Passat a very satisfying car to both own and drive. The 2002 Passat GLX 5-speed can be purchased for about $27,200 at most VW dealerships, with the automatic transmission GLX running about $28,350.
There are a number of resources available on the web if one cares to learn more about the Passat. Check out the “forums” at either of the following websites:
www.vwvortex.com
www.clubb5.com
UPDATE (03/12/03)
After spending a few more months with my Passat, I wanted to add a few comments about handling and performance. Initially, I thought the handling of the Passat was a bit soft for my liking, and had too much body roll. However, after getting more comfortable with the car, I have been able to put it through its paces and have learned a few things.
I no longer feel that the car has too much body roll, and find that the suspension is more firm than my initial impressions. The suspension does have a bit of initial lean; however, it really flattens out through a curve. In fact, the car is just about flat as a board going around an on or off-ramp at high-speeds. It inspires confidence.
On the flip side, I have begun to notice that while I don't find the body roll excessive, I do find that the car exhibits too much squat and dive. The torque of the V6 causes the front of the car to lift up, while the trunk likes to raise up under hard braking. The car would feel a whole lot more "nailed down" if VW would eliminate this squat and dive.
As for performance, the V6 really started to liven up after about 1200 miles. It feels significantly more powerful now than when new. If you are the type of person that likes to cruise down the highway at speeds over 75 mph, the Passat will make you very happy. Punch the throttle at 75 mph in 5th gear and the car lurches forward. The V6 is silky smooth, quiet and feels incredibly refined. I am very happy with the performance of this car.
I will try to put up another update after a few more months. I can say that my overall satisfaction with the car is exceptionally high. It's run flawlessly, hasn't had a single problem, and is a blast to drive.
Lastly, another reviewer talked about torque steer being a problem. I felt that I needed to comment on this. In addition to the Passat GLX I own, I have driven a number of other Passats, and not a one has exhibited even moderate levels of torque steer. The front suspension design, adopted from the Audi A4, was specifically designed to eliminate torque steer. It performed as advertised in my former Audi A4, and is doing so in my current Passat - so I was surprised to hear this complaint.
Amount Paid (US$): $27,220
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: GLX 5-speed
