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 11 through 20 of 97.00

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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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  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 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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  Good for the long haul - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By miles and smiles - May 2 - 4:46 am

  After three years and 108,000 miles, I still like it. Short commutes to long trips, its comfortable (and Im 66") and reliable. Squeaks and rattles have always been from stuff in the car, not the car itself. Nice torquey engine is great in the mountains -- only one hill in Colorado ever made me shift out of 5th to maintain 60 mph (US highway). Average of 42 mpg for that trip -- lots of moutains plus keeping up with traffic on the plains. Can drive for 5 hours straight without getting a sore backside. Great brakes, excellent ride, decent handling, plenty of room (except in the back seat) -- this ones a keeper.

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  Poor Product, Arrogant Manufacturer - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Marq - March 15 - 5:33 am

  Grimly unreliable. This car reminds me of owning a 1977 Fiat in High School. VWs look classy and handle well, but things fall off this car (i.e. interior panels, turn signal covers, coat hooks) The check engine light flashes like a Munich disco. Never again will VW gain my business.

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  VW Golf pros and cons - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By achh - January 22 - 8:48 am

  I purchased a used 02 golf its safe good engine fun car to drive. I would take it over anything american car. My recommendation to anyone buying vw cars get them brand new. Repairing them once your warranty is exspensive and a pain in the [violative content deleted]. Sensors constantly have to be replaced. Ill be looking to buy a new car. While I like the 2011 jetta tdi the repair cost once the warranty expires will be through the roof because its a turbo diesel engine. Im a pass on vw you get great service from the dealer and they offer loaners if available. But you should for the service cost thats charged. Enough a Enough im getting a honda. Hope this is helpful for anyone buying a vw.

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  Good product, horrible dealer service... - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Trinity - January 5 - 4:46 am

  My 2002 Volkswagen Golf has been reliable, but the air conditioning has a musty smell on hot days. The dealer cant fix the problem, until the warranty runs out. Then, for money, its fixable! Both headlights have burned out twice. this car is great on highway after 60 mph. The brakes are sof thought. Overall, if gas prices werent going through the roof, I would trade it for real German car, like BMW 330Ci. the luxury package for $2,000 gets you two decent windows and mats...yes, mats. This car seems to maintain resale value, so I plan on keeping it until it hits 100,000 miles...then, itll be a gift to a deserving soul, like a college student.

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  Lemon or Not - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ladybug - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rdtime taking the 02 Golf in for service. The 1st problem -the auto transmission would get stuck in Park, and thus wasnt driveable. Dealer first made "an adjustment" which subsequently was unsuccessful. 2nd time I brought the car for service, they replaced a "celanoid-something" to correct it. Ive taken the car in for the 3rd time because there is sometimes a long delay engaging into Drive or Reverse. Upon engaging, the car jerks. When having an intermittent problem like this, it is hard for service dept. to fix, if they havent encountered it. Next they will reprogram the transmission control board

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  Better than I thought - 2002 Volkswagen Golf
  By buffalogolfer - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car to drive. Bought it for my daughter, but I think I like it as much as she does. Im over 6ft tall but on long (2+hr) thruway driving, easy and comfortable. We got the moonsoon sound system- wonderful sound.