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 1 through 10 of 150.00

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  2002 GTI 1.8T Tiptronic -- 41,000 miles. - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Gigi - September 16 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased my GTI in 2004 with 22,000 miles on it. It is now at 41,000 miles. Issues: sunroof rails changed, new ECU programming, driver side passenger seat heat system replaced, airbag light went on - changed resistor in driver seat, arm rest latch snapped, and coils changed, coolant latch changed. Small issues that are annoying, but overall car is super fast and consistent: red line it all the time, mechanically super sound. These are small gremlins that once resolved give you no more headaches, Fortunately I got all of the issues described taken care of in first two months of ownership. Now I just do scheduled maintenance and fill up with gas and GO. For a beater car, this is not dissappointing at all, and did I say it is SO FAST.

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  disappointing - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Russel - July 9 - 10:00 am

  Well I only have 1234 miles and I am already having problems. From day one I noticed that my drivers seat keeps reclining very slowly all by itself. I keep having to adjust it forward. I also have popping noise coming from my left tie rod when I am backing out of parking spots. I have a leak in the weatherstripping around my passenger door. And last but not least, my freakin window popped off of the track tonight. I would doubt that a Hyundai or a Daewoo would even have this much trouble in the first month. This truly breaks my heart, because I absolutely love this car. I pray that these are the only problems I have. Well see...

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  VW Has Lost Its Way - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Sean - May 16 - 10:13 pm

  I purchased my first VW for $300 in college. I was the third owner of 1990 Golf with 164,000 miles. I drove it on the highway while red-lining, never changed the oil, rode the clutch and NEVER had problems. I got nervous around 180,000 miles and changed the clutch. The mechanic said the clutch still had about 2,000 miles left! Fast forward to 2002: I purchased a new 2002 GTI 1.8T in August. Before the end of 2003 I was in the dealer countless times. There were three separate recalls plus countless other problems (ignition coils, dead battery, two broken control arms, driver-side window fell into the door panel). I love the car; hate the reliability.

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  Almost there - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By clarkma5 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  When I first got this car, it was a bit of a love-hate relationship. On one hand, I loved the engine and the interior, but I hated the transmission and the handling. Now that Ive had this car for awhile I realize that the transmission does a decent job, and, despite the body roll, this thing sticks in corners quite well. The interiors just as good as day one, too, and the engines still smooth and powerful. There were a couple squeaks and rattles in the first few months that have since disappeared. I got past the window reg and coilpack recalls without a hitch...overall, my thoughts on VWs reliability and dealer service is higher than most peoples.

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  GTI GLS - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By b9e4n4 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Originally satisfied, but had many electrical problems and now it needs a new clutch...Been in the shop several times, and I dont think that VW wants to take ownership of their problems. Ive owned 15 cars and this has been by far the worst in terms of reliability, but one of the best in terms of fit and finish...

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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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  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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  I hate it that I love it! - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By C. Putnam - October 30 - 4:20 pm

  From the day I drove this car off the lot, I have been in love with it. Every time I walk up to it, I get a sense of excitement that I am about to drive it. When I get in and flip out my laser-cut switchblade key and turn on the engine the adrenaline really starts to pump...then the engine light comes on for the third time in six months. Okay...no big deal. I hit the road and feel like lowering the windows to feel the wind blow through my hair. The auto down/up feature is really cool. I push the button and the window drops off the lowering arm with a crash. That IS a big deal. These are just two examples of the nitpicky things that torment VW Golfs, Jettas and GTIs. It is now for sale.

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By frekt - June 27 - 2:00 am

  2002 GTI bought in Nov 01. Very excited to get this car. Definately fun to drive, 5 speed, 1.8T, sweeeet. 25000 miles on my Indigo Blue baby. Irritating things: Cant keep Indigo clean! Bird poop damages paint, cheap rubber coating on interior door handles peeling, rear speaker quit, center console latch broke, louvre under passenger headlight fell out, headlight replaced, replaced each window regulator at least three times, check engine light four times. By now Ive owned the car 2 1/2 years and have had it at the dealer at least 10 times for problems above. All relatively minor problems but what a pain in the keester.

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  Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By gtimike - December 24 - 12:56 am

  Even compared to modern Toyotas and Hondas they just dont compare to the driving experience of my 2002 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T. I bought it used back in 2005 with 30k miles on it 11 years later and the car still holds it own. Sure Ive had to do some maintenance on it but it was the usual stuff: Timing belt/Water pump at 60k, brakes at 90k, clutch at 100k. Parts of the interior has somewhat fallen apart due to my negligence but it still very practical. Cargo space is plentiful with the folding rear seats I can haul stuff in this little hatch: groceries, trees, furniture, you name it. All in all a great fun car that still holds its own despite its age. I will be driving this car to the ground.