Overview & Reviews
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.
- 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.
- More expensive than most small sedans and wagons.
User Reviews:
Showing 151 through 160 of 494.00-
A sad disappointment - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Heather B. - August 3 - 10:00 amThe car rides low, and the bumper pulled off twice after barely scraping against a barrier. Service man stated, "Jetta owners learn real quick to stay away from curbs." The car also required extensive work after I hit a pothole. Dont EVER hit the curb if parallel parking. My car needed a new rim and an alignment, which is more expensive than most and has to be done at the dealership. The windshields position allows for rocks to repeatedly hit it. I could no longer afford monthly payments and repair costs, and thus did not mind losing $2,000 when I traded it in for a Toyota.
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Wolf within a sheep - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By ehdesi - July 27 - 10:00 amWe love this car, when your wife wants to drive it all the time you know it must be fun! Engine is great, easy functional design in cabin, predictable road handling and super quick. For everyday driving the turbo doesnt feel different, but when you floor it the extra poer is there, espcially on the highway passing. The only givaway this car is quick is the 17" wheels
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My First New Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Rick - July 17 - 1:46 pmI bought my 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T brand new because I wanted a reliable car that I did not have to worry about how the owner before me had cared for it. Well, this was a huge mistake. Even though this car is fun to drive it was the worst car I have ever owned. In the first year the transmition was replaced along with the fuel pump radiator, radio, hvac, and power window switch. I tryed to do the lemon law thing but the same thing had to happen three times in 18 months. during year two my car needed another tranny, more window regulators, and had a fire, yes a fire. I was driving down the road and looked in my side mirror to see that it was on fire (shorted out heated mirror). I had $24,000 worth of warranty repairs made on my Jetta! At 48,000 miles I traded it in on a Honda. Thanks for nothing VW.
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Its Never Gonna Die - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By knoxgrassdealer - July 3 - 5:00 pmI bought my 1.8t 4dr in early march with 100,000 miles, and Ive put it through the works. Im 19 year old so Im not the slowest driver, the second day i had it i crashed the hell out of it. Im not sure how but the air bags didnt deploy, and i was able to drive away with ease. I had to replace many parts including doors, windows, wires. Very easy work considering the dept of it. Since, Ive put over 8,000 miles on it and my girl friend had smashed more windows out lol. But overall whenever i get more money Im definitely gonna consider buying another one. Excellent performance, Decent fuel economy, Kinda small, Big trunk! ;) Great car..
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poor long term value - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By justin - June 24 - 10:43 amThis car falls apart after 40,000. It has a terrible electrical system. But it is definitely fun to drive! It is very expensive to fix!
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Jetta Review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Josh Patton - June 9 - 2:00 amI love that i get 40 plus MPG in fuel economy. This vehicle handles great! I can turn on a dime at 40 mph and it is such a smooth ride. The suspension is out of this world. I like the florescent lights on the dashboard at night as well. The safety features are nice with F and R side airbags and dual front airbags. Leg room in the back is a joke. This car might as well be a 2 seater. Im 62" and it is sometimes hard to fit in the drivers seat to drive. This vehicle is a little light and is difficult maneuvering in inclement weather such as snow...although the front wheel drive is better than rear wheel.
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Great German Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Lance Corbett - June 1 - 10:00 amWonderful car to drive. Good mileage, confortable seats, excellent power, excellent radio system, safest compact car made (5 star frontal, 4 star side impact). Has never been in the shop. Will buy another one soon.
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Not a reliable car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By madatedmunds - June 1 - 10:00 am3rd time trying to post this - maybe Edmunds is screening??? The car is fun to drive, is good-looking and powerful, but a pain in the butt. Problems with brakes, windows falling out, oxygen sensors (plural!), stereo, A/C, you name it. There is a reason the labor is cheaper in Mexico. Maybe the car is DESIGNED in Germany, but it isnt MADE in Germany. Unfortunately a test drive will not reveal the problems; living with the car will though.
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Never Again - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By VW Victim - May 30 - 9:13 amMy 2002 1.8T is the worst new car I have ever owned. After a long history of expensive repairs, the coup de grace is that my transmission now has to be replaced at 95,000 miles. A $5,500 repair, almost what the car is worth. I owned two Audis previously which I drove for a total of 13 years. The two of them combined didnt require as much maintenance as the VW. I will never, ever consider another VW.
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Couldnt be Happier - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By bobpeller - May 22 - 4:40 amThis is our third Volkswagan. We owned an old Volks Rabbit (year unkown), a 1994 Passat Wagon and now a 2002 Jetta 1.8T. The Jetta is fun to drive. The automatic/manual transmission was a big selling point. In addition the leather interior, sunroof, and mansoon sound options added more enjoyment to a car that has all safty features strandard and a robus standard warrenty.
