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 21 through 30 of 150.00

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  The first 5K in a 02 GTI - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Solidis - July 21 - 10:00 am

  GTI has proven a competent commuter. The 1.8T provides decent acceleration. At highway speeds the 1.8T easily moves thru traffic, providing a very smooth, comfortable ride(for a 2-door). Handling is capable, but not inspiring. Push the limits and the body roll is obvious. The 5-spd started life buttery smooth. It has since become notchy and 3rd requires your full attention. The interior is a mix of quality plastics and rubber. Unfortunately the build quality is sub par. I have begun to notice a large number of annoying rattles/creaks. Excellent passenger/cargo room.

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  Should have bought another BMW - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By jennmc3 - July 17 - 10:00 am

  My husband has always loved Volkswagen, until I bought him his first american version. Major problems began at 3K miles and have continued ever since. Replaced all ignition coils (some of them twice) all before the recall, replaced secondary air pump 5 times in the last two years with intervals of 11, 9, 6, and 3 months apart, window clip recall, monsoon CD broken, seat handles break off, turn signal indicator continually falls out. $28,000 for a true lemon.

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  Stay away - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Stay away - July 6 - 9:26 pm

  This car is junk. Brakes, clutch, axles, water leaks, you name it. I am going to trade it for Nissan or Toyota.

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  The 337 - best GTI ever. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By 3374me - April 26 - 10:00 am

  I have had my GTI 337 for over 2 months now - its everything I had hoped for. It beats my ex-323i hands down in the FUN catagory. Great Gas Mileage + Fun to drive + Style = One great VW! Get one if you can! (only 1500 made.) Cant say enough about this GTI :-)

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  A wolf(sburg) in sheeps clothing. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bj - April 26 - 10:00 am

  VW is very conservative in their HP rating on this vehicle. Take it to any diagnostic garage and let them do a dyno on it. You will surprised by the "real" HP rating. Then add on the VW dual exhaust system and give yourself another 5% HP boost just for kicks. The 17" wheel option is a must for this car. One thing though, why doesnt this car have GTI badging on the front grille? Hint, you can order it from Europe and put it on yourself. I did, and now everyone knows whats in ther rearview mirror just before I scoot around them.

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  Fun car to own - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By John Rupp - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The GTI is fast it handles like a go cart. It holds the road but will smoke the tires. When I first got the car I had just bought a Harley- Davidson sportster sport. At the time I could not decide which one was more fun to drive.One year later I still cant decide. So if your looking for a car that you will have fun driving the GTI is for you. I have the tritronic automatic 5 speed I love it.

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  gti vr6 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By gti - March 31 - 9:16 am

  fast,comfortable,very smooth ride

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  VW GTI 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Alan Rhode - March 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. It is very fun to drive and right now is the most fun car to drive under 20,000. The cup holders are in a wierd place (in the way of the radio), but that is about the only negative thing I can mention about this car. The turbo kicks in at 30 RPM and realy kicks you back in your seat. A must buy in 5 speed.

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  337 is worth the wait - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By DiverDoc - March 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 337 and immediately had to drive it from Florida to California. The car to say the least was a blast to drive. The gas mileage was awesome and the performance was well suited to 130mph+ excursions in the desert. The funny thing about this car was the amount of people that ask me about it. I would often come out of the gas station to see people looking at my car....Its kind of flattering.

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  Terrific Car! Have no fear. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Greg Lindner - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for a commuter car since I travel nearly 90 miles a day. I wanted something safe, had lots of comfort features & fun to drive. The GTI has all of this and more. It has wonderful saftey features (6 airbags), can come with leather, sunroof, telescopic steering wheel, and is very fast. I have all the options you can get on mine & I cant be happier. I definetly recommend the 17" rims. It really enhances the handeling. Also, Im 64" & the telescopic steering wheel helps a lot. I have plenty of room. Finally, the inside is so well built. 1st rate quality everywhere you look. Go test drive one!