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 1 through 10 of 97.00

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  Fuel economy is one of many good things! - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Donny - June 10 - 5:50 pm

  Bought with 28K on it, have put over 10K on it in last 6 months. Have had no problems whatsoever. Great looking inside and out, always draws second glances. Interior sets the standard for cars of this class and has perfect ergonomics. Seats are comfy if maybe a bit tiring on long trips. Good sound system. Performance more than adequate; wont leave sports cars behind but if you punch the gas pedal it pushes you back in your seat. Excellent fuel economy, about 500 miles/tank in city, 600 in highway; more with manual. Theres pride in owning a TDI and an unspoken bond among fellow owners. Dealer service isnt the best (so Ive heard) but it wont be in there much if you take care of it.

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  not up to par - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By wendell - April 9 - 10:00 am

  within weeks of purchase, i brought the car in for warranty work. the lights would not flash when arming or disarming the alarm. service said that a fuse was missing. second time was for annoying passenger side doors creaks and rattles. service replaced rear door weather seal and both front doors plastic window clips. creaking and rattling still audible. overall, its an ok car.

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  50+ MPG, 700+ mile range says is all... - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By DaveGNJ - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Since breaking the car in (at around 12,000 miles), my mileage consistently reaches 54mpg, with a range of over 700 miles per tank. I can drive it like a scalded cat and still get over 50mpg. Its a great commuter car, but be sure to get the 5-speed if youre looking at a TDI.

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  A Great Used Car - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By jason - July 25 - 5:06 am

  Bought my 2002 used. Since then have only had to replace the armrest console latch and a front bearing (both covered under warranty). Other than that its been a very reliable, fun car to drive.

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  My First New Car Treated Me Well - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Claire - May 15 - 2:33 pm

  My Golf was perfect until after I had put 60,000 miles on it, then things started to fall apart. I had some mechanical trouble that ended up being quite costly. Other than that, I loved the car. It was fun and sporty.

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  Good run - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By little_eva - May 13 - 7:10 pm

  Bought this car new after 14 great years with a Jetta. This car has more bells/whistles than the Jetta but is not as rugged, tho I have hauled more stuff in the Golf and done more city driving. But I have 105K on it and havent had to do any major repairs except it now needs a timing belt. This car is fun to drive and comfortable as I am short, but it is difficult for passengers with long legs. The latch to allow trunk expansion over folded rear seats broke, which is inconvenient and I broke the antenna off on the excellent sound system which limits its radius - both pricey repairs but work arounds. Good maint from dealer.

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  Golf GL - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By DVCJ - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Great interior, solid feel, ABS standard, side air-bags standard. Costs a bit more than a Focus but what a difference in feel and overall quality.

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  Fun, but not worth the aggravation - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sean Maestro - November 22 - 8:10 pm

  I had a 2002 golf for 2 years, bought it with 19K on it. The car was fun to drive and I like the interior design. I bought it in FL and took it to TX with me. When all the systems were running (AC, high beams, CD player) and you went to put down the power windows, the radio would shut off. Also, the ABS brake light would randomly come on while I was driving. Took to a local dealer in TX because it was still under warranty. The dealership manager told me I was making up the problem (so I could drive 80 miles every week to have it fixed). It was a pain in the rear. There are fun cars out there with fewer problems - never again.

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  Great car crummy radio - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By BuffaloGolfer - August 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car, great milage, Ists a 5 speed. Love the ride and performance. Im 62" vertical adjustments on seat and steering column are wonderful. Easy in and out Gotta fix the radio. Im on my second one and now the AM is dead and the left-front speakers cut in and out. Dealer is trying but I need to stay on top of them. Id buy one again but with the cheap radio and then go aftermarket.

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  2002 TDI Golf - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By gary moore - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I had a probelm with the front passenger door- water was getting in through the mirror area. It took the dealer four times for the probelm to be fixed after I had threatened them with the lemon law.