2002 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.97/5 Average
494 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

For 2002, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine receives 30 extra horsepower for a total of 180, which you can couple to a five-speed automatic with Tiptronic -- the 1.8T is now available for both sedans and wagons. In the spring of 2002, the Jetta GLX sedan's optional 12-valve 174-hp VR6 is replaced by a new 24-valve unit providing 200 ponies. A six-speed manual gearbox and the aforementioned five-speed automanual become available with the new VR6. Later on, the GLI sedan will appear -- it includes the new VR6, the six-speed and stability control without all the expensive GLX trimmings and replaces the manual-shift GLX. Other changes include the availability of the 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine for GL and GLS wagons. The base GL trim level is new to the wagon in 2002 -- previously, you had to step right up to the GLS model. A CD player is now standard on all GLS and GLX models, and all-new Volkswagen vehicles come with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. Volkswagen also offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles. An on/off switch for auto-dimming rearview mirrors, a cruise control indicator light, a trunk escape handle for sedans and a new exterior color (Reflex Silver replaces Silver Arrow) complete the changes.

Pros:
  • Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.
Cons:
  • More expensive than most small sedans and wagons.

User Reviews:

Showing 111 through 120 of 494.00
  • Ups and DOWNS!! :( - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Do your research before buying! Its a good car in many ways!,, But everytime I think all is well, something else goes wrong with it!! Now, it wont shift into overdrive!! This is my work car, cant keep having it in the shop! Going broke fixing it. Any ideas out there on the overdrive issue??? Thx!

  • Buy the extended warranty. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    If the quality was better, then the Jetta would be an excellent vehicle. Always buy the extended warranty if you plan to own this car longer than the standard warranty.

  • Worst Car I Ever Owned - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Many, many, problems with this car. Repairs are often and expensive, most of which only VW can do. Just in the last 15 months, valve body $2600, over heat $440, AC cooling fan $625, new water pump $920. There have been many other issues, rear joint berrings, engine light coming on, cheap plastic on the interior, broken knobs, broken armrest, door handle material peeling off, radio quits and only VW has the special key to replace fuse, greasy insulation oozes from doors. And there were a half dozen recalls in the first couple years, power windows, brakes, etc. The resale on this car is terrible, once the warranty is out it depreciates much faster the other brands.

  • Dont waste your money or time - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I purchased this vehicle new and within one month; there has been nothing but mechanical/electrical problems. At least every other month something else was and still is breaking and needs repair. The trade- in value is horrible; however after this mornings episode; I made up my mind to finally get rid of this piece of junk. The latest break was found when I went to get gas. The tank release button on the door broke and the gas door cant be opened. After looking throughout the car and trunk for an emergency release button; none could be found. I drove the car to a local station; warranty expired; so this cost will be added to the long list of headaches that came along with this car.

  • Good Car - Fun to Drive - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive read some reviews about bad service-- I have had only good service from Ash Tisdelle. The car is great, very fun to drive. Peppy turbo- love the sound. Only a few minor issues and one recall. Coolant sensor went sour (20k miles), right side window fell into door (retaining clips were bad) and all was repaired quickly. A big portion of the car experience is the sales/service team. Velour interior looks great when clean-- but acts like a lint brush!

  • Jetta GLS TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    If you are looking for a well built, economical and safe vehicle then the Jetta GLS TDI is a solid choice. This is my first diesel car, and I love it! Forget everything bad you ever heard about diesel, and give this car a try. It starts easily in the cold of a NH winter and the fuel is sold in about 50% of the local filling stations. While there is a slight odor to the emissions, at 50 mpg I can live with it. It is a quiet and comfortable ride. The safety features give me a great sense of security should something happen while driving. While the standard price is higher, the standard features are much greater.

  • Love the TDI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have owned my TDI since 2002. I have had almost no problems. The 2002 TDI was the last year for this motor. In 2003 they added horsepower, but got worse gas mileage, which is the wrong move with todays gas prices. The 5-speed has tons of power and mid 50 mpg. This beats the these cheesy hybrid trash that has two systems to go potentially wrong, for a lame 30 - 40 mpg. Get a TDI, theyre proven and reliable.

  • too many times at the shop (bad) - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I had problems with the windows ( twice), engine,interior,anything electrical. It is kind of sad but this is a brand new car and I have been at the shop to many times. I have contactd Volkswagen of American and they do nothing. The good thing is that I have convinced couple of friends not to do the same mistake by buying a Volkswagen. I will never again buy a Jetta NEVER!You live and learn. I have missed school because tmy car is not reliable. :(

  • Volkswagen of Alabama - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive been a Honda/Toyota man all my life, Came across a good deal on VW TDI GLS and I have not looked back, would love to own Tiguan TDI (maybe one day) Hope VW comes to ALABAMA! Thank you Germany. With many Honda accords and Toyota RAV4 behind me, give me a VW any day with a diesel and Ill enjoy the drive.

  • Fun to drive, choose your options wisely - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The handling is superb, fun to drive. The automatic transmission shifting is annoying. Going above 3000 rpm is difficult to obtain, really needed when going up hills. Significant loss of power and difficulty in keeping up in traffic on upgrade and in the right gear. The quality of the interior materials are beautiful, reminds me of the BMW. This care has more rattles than any car I have ever owned. Wind drag is awful without more than 2 open. Extremely cramped back seat. Strongly recommend the manual for most fun. Not as roomy as the 97 Civic hatchback. Very poor fuel economy 18 mpg.

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