Overview & Reviews
For the 2002 model year, the GLS and GLX trim levels are dropped. Instead, choose from the juiced-up 180-horsepower turbocharged inline four (that can be mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic) or the VR6 engine. The current 174-horsepower, 12-valve VR6 will be replaced with a 24-valve unit good for producing 200 horsepower in the spring of 2002. Later on, a special-edition model called the GTI 337 will arrive with a six-speed manual hooked up to the 180-horse 1.8T, as well as 18-inch wheels, 225/45VR18 performance rubber, a ground effects kit, genuine Recaro seats and red accents inside and out. All-new Volkswagen vehicles come standard with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. In addition, Volkswagen offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles.
- Fun to drive, reasonable price, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility, available six-speed manual.
- Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.
User Reviews:
Showing 131 through 140 of 150.00-
200 HP V-6 is a winner - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By trillium - June 12 - 2:00 amI kept waiting for "buyers regret" to set in and it hasnt. The torque the engine provides pulls all the way to redline and the six speed manual gives you all the choices you need to keep you entertained. The car has the added benefit of not attracting undue attention from the local police. Having ESP (stability control) instead of ASR (plain old traction control) is a big benefit for Minnesota winters.
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The best new car mod platform under 20K - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By LotsABoost - June 4 - 10:00 amI went with the GTI over a WRX because aside from performance, I also wanted an understated exterior and some luxury inside. Chip it for $500 and youre over 200HP at the flyhweel. Seriously, even non- performance oriented people should do this. Air filter, turbo back exhaust, dv valve, inlet pipe, maybe some intercooler piping...about $2K installed for all of the above. Shocks+Springs for about $750 installed will satisfy most. Bilstein Sport/H&R Sport keep a near stock comfort level. A clutch and limited slip (awesome upgrade) for about $2K installed. Audi TT front brake upgrade (same as off the 337 model) for $550 installed.
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GTI IS A SICK CAR. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By Super Steve - May 29 - 10:00 amThis is a beautiful car. After driving around in an 84 caprice classic for a while, you really appreciate the nuances put into the GTI; great handling, quick acceleration, amazing fuel effeciency... its a complete chic magnet. Glad I didnt get the 337 edition, 18" rims would get eaten up in 6 months w/ all the potholes in Jersey. And Im glad I wasnt a sucker to spend an extra $2000 on special badging and an inch lower suspension. I gladly took that money and put on a new exhaust & ECU so my car has 240 HP, and flies by any stock 337 on the road. Do yourself a favor and take one for a testdrive. Its worth it.
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Best Buy - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By Frans - May 17 - 2:00 amI went looking for a used BMW M3 or Audi S4 and was dissappointed by availability around $30-$33k. Walked into VW and saw the newest 200HP VR6 and immediately asked for a test drive. Sadly, only a 1.8L Turbo was available. Within 2 hours, I had signed to buy the next VR6 coming into the lot thinking, "well if the 1.8 hums, imagine how a v6 will perform!" I was not at all dissappointed by my decision especially considering I was ready to buy a used car and walked away with a brand new one.
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24V 6-speed GTI - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By GPS - April 22 - 10:00 amI love this car. Great power across the RPM range and a lot fun blasting through curvy country roads. I strongly sugest test driving one if you are thinking of an RSX, WRX, or Sentra Spec V (what I was deciding between).
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GTI 337 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By Eric Kuhns - March 30 - 10:00 amAn awesome back-to basics, true GTI. Works as weekend autocross track day car (have set several FTDs over cars with nearly twice the HP), babyhauler (pretty roomy ofr it exterior size), and everday commuter. Comfy seat, decent mileage. Incredible brakes, excellent handling, very good power (extremely flexible motor). A ball to drive, anywhere.
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Reliability - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By aliaso - February 21 - 2:00 amReliability 3 brake repairs now engine malfunctioning (possibly coil pack) trim rattles WJ ABS recall windows regulation intermediate problem avoid VW if need car everyday
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So Disappointing - No Joke - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By Michael - February 18 - 10:06 pmBought June 2002. Yes, its refined inside, build quality above average & overall car is fun to drive. But reliability is worst Ive experienced. My 4th car. 1. 3 separate power window probs that left me with window sunk in door. Fun in winter. NOT 2. 2 separate seat probs. 1st was when the seat actually moved beneath me with each turn. 2nd occurred when lever to raise/lower broke 3. Ignition Coils *UGH* 4. 4 separate coolant probs. 1 prob left me stranded on road (2 year old car at the time) 5. 1 dashboard lighting prob, many MIL engine light probs 6. Car *almost* failed start in 50 deg. weather. VW found no prob. Inexplicable. Just waiting for more... Ill never buy VW again...
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i love gtis - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By vw - February 10 - 10:00 ami love this car
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The GTI 337 Experience - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
By bjrieder - January 21 - 10:00 amDreyer & Reinbold was the only area dealership not charging a $1-2K gouge fee. Jason, my salesman, actually knew as much as I did about this very limited 25th European Anniversary Edition (1 of 3 delivered to Indy dealerships). Followup service has been outstanding. The driving experience has been equally impressive. Despite the draw-back of turbo lag, the cars overall performance overshadows in every way that of my 94 300ZX NA. "Car nut" friends who drive it expecting to be underwhelmed by this small-engined VW, come back w/ huge grins, proclaiming it to be one of the most exciting and impressive cars theyve driven.
