2002 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 review from North America

The dashboard rattles over every road imperfection when interior is over 70 degrees F.

Vacuum leak at 5,000 miles tripped the check engine light on.

Our third Volkswagen. The most expensive by far - and the most troublesome.

First the Bad - The car spent (3) one week sessions at the dealer for dashboard rework for a nagging rattle from the passenger's airbag area. Presently dealing with the factory rep. because the problem is still there. I later found out that dash rattles are legion in this series Passat although they claim mine is an isolated case. The doors also had to be adjusted to line up with the adjacent panels. Initial quality problems that are not excusable in a car of this stature.

Now the good - The interior and exterior finish and choice of materials is top drawer. The dash trim, shift knob and door handles are finished in real wood. The ride is compliant, but athletic. The 30 valve V6 pulls like a black hole and charges to the redline with no let up at high RPM - and is as smooth as silk. The gear lever and manual transmission changes gears with "snik-snik" precision. Fantastic brakes. Handles any road with confidence. Regularly gets 30+ MPG at 70 MPH cruising. Very competent for a family hauler.