Overview & Reviews

The speedy 1.8T four-door has been eliminated from the Golf lineup. A CD player now comes standard on the GLS model, and the GL trim level is available both in two- and four-door configurations. Mojave Beige joins the color spectrum. Also new for the 2002 model year, all Volkswagen vehicles come 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, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility.

• Limited engine choices with departure of 1.8T four-door, some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 97.00

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  Impressive - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Egolf - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Only owned 1week, but I love it. Very smooth and refined. Pleasantly surprised with the power from base 2.0 engine and 5speed trans. So far, fuel economy near upper end of rating and car not even broken in. Its a Benz on a budget. This car is an excellent highway/hi-speed cruiser. After 1 week of ownership, cant really comment on reliability but if it proves to be reliable then this may be the best car Ive ever owned.

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  2002 Golf - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By EthanA - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Six airbags, abs, a/c, power locks, six way adjustable seats...all standard!! For $15K its the best car you can buy.

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  Cant beat it - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By chukchi - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Its been a little over two years and 60k miles since I purchased my Golf. I have owned 3 other VWs. This one maintains the good VW qualities and has fixed most of the bad ones. The safety features are untouchable by other cars in its price range and many of the more expensive cars on the market. Handling and performance are more than acceptable. I average 31-33mpg with mostly highway and backroad driving. The only problems I have had are minor (broken window clips, cracked window moldings, loose wiper fluid hose in hatch). The best characteristic is the cargo space. I fit a new dishwasher with all its packaging in the back, with room to spare.

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  Luxury for everyone - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Pseudobrit - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car so far. I fill the tank up maybe twice a month. Interior is lovely. A reviewer was right when he talked about "democratized luxury." This is a nicely appointed, fully featured car for well under 20k. Total cost to own/cost per mile is lower than any of the "similar vehicles" Edmunds offers for review.

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  67000+ and counting - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By applehead - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2000 Golf GL TDI 5 speed new in March, 2000. The odometer now shows 67k+ miles, 2/3 at 65+ mph. The only service has been routine oil changes every 10k, using fully synthetic oil. No problems of any sort, and I still average 50 mpg. This car does everything well; very good acceleration and handling, excellent cargo capacity, a plethora of safety features. The overall performance is so good, when I first test drove a TDI, I asked the salesman if he was sure it was a diesel! Farfignugen works!

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  Why did i buy one? - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By mstellaluna - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Once I saw the Golf, i fell in love with it. But the car has been brought at least 8 times back to VW for repairs. My car came with a broken light, a leak in the sealing around the rear window, and a busted alarm. The alarm took several visits to fix. Then the transmission as acting up. The car needed to red-line to change gear, the car felt as if it was forcing itself to move. The car is now has suspension issues. The suspension equalizer bar needed lubrification (why was it missing in the first place?),but still have the whistling sound coming from the front of the car after hitting some bumps. Please avoid.

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  So far So good - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By audiPhile - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I bought mine new and have 28K miles on it. My left headlight and the right brake light didnt work at 27 K. Had to take it to dealer and replaced it(Warranty). I havent had any engine problems at all except that it drinks a lot of oil and I keep 2 quarts in my trunk. I asked the dealer last week and he told me to bring in next time the oil shows half in the dip stick and they would do an oil consumption test. One more thing. My doors get stuck in freezing winter and have to use force to open. Recently I hear light noise from my AC grill. Got to get it done soon! But overall I like my car. Has been very reliable and fun and looks nice!

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  so so - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By golf - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a GLS a week ago. The check engine light was on 2 days later after I took it home. The dealer said it was caused by loosed fuel tank cap and fixed it. A week later, I added more gas into the tank and tighten the cap, the check engine turn on again just in 1 day. I have to take my car to see dealer for 2nd time in 9 days. I heard that VW would replace the car if the same problem appears in a year/10,000mile, I do wish this is true, but who knows?

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  Nice car, but....... - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By ath - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the Golf runs & drives, however, mine has a nasty habit of opening its windows and unlocking itself when its parked overnight! Im not kidding! Tried 2 dealers, they have no idea. One thought someone might be doing it to me. In that case, its an easy car to steal, because you can open it up without anyone noticing. I will not buy another and regret buying this one. An otherwise good car ruined by a small, but critical defect. I wish someone would take it. Itll probably get vandalized first, though, since I cant keep it locked up!

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  Well Kept Secret - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By cncman - September 18 - 10:00 am

  As a first time Volkswagon and diesel owner, this car gets two thumbs up. Zero problems, all fun. Incredible mileage(45-50mpg), surprising power, quiet and no smoke. Everyone who has ridden in it is completely surprised when I announce its a diesel. The car handles well, smart interior design, firm but comfortable seats, 6 air bags, roomy for cargo and elegant hatch-back styling. Exterior fit and finish is supurb. Doors thunk, not clink. This car is designed to a very fine increment. After a year, if asked what the downside to owning a diesel is, I would have to say NONE. Total surprise. This is a great car and I love it.