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 161 through 170 of 494.00
  • What I love, what I hate - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Jetta fulfills promise of feeling the road w/ tight cornering & great acceleration. During 1st 900 mi.had to replace spark plugs. Too much red in dash at night make finding things hard. AC may not do the job in summer heat. Heat on floor takes too long during cold weather. Black cloth interior show EVERY speck of lint. Sun visors too short. Cruise control sputters when resuming speed. Cant figure it out. Rear visibility could be better. Keyless entry fob needs to be more intuitive.

  • Fun to drive, Poor Quality - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Its a fun car to drive, I have had it for almost an year but in the past month Ive had the radio replaced, the front passenger power window quit working, the reverse light relay was shot, the glove coprtment light stays on and the ignition coil broke. There was a recall on the ignition coil.

  • Loaded German Luxury for 26K - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    before I bought my Jetta i was looking at the BMW 325i. Compared both and for everyday use the Jetta drives just as nice as the 325i looks great, fun to drive and great power from the Vr6 with a super smooth Trany, there is no other car out there the size of the Jetta with the looks, price, features, and the German feel with a V6 for this price

  • THE car for the college kids - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I was in the market for a car that crashed well and inexpensive. I found the best of both worlds after exhaustive research. The Jetta is definately the perfect car for any student headed off to college. My father loved the price and I loved the style and drive.

  • Love my car-HATE my car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My car has been in he shop on average every four months in two years of ownership; engine coils twice, my drivers side window fell inside the door, the oxygen sensor was faulty, the plastic engine guard cracked and was dragging. The car drives beautifully although it is a bit hesitant out of the gate. It has nice features for the price but the unreliability has just slowly but surely killed my love of the car. DONT buy VW, they make beautiful cars but they just dont care about quality control! Everything is made of plastic!

  • Frustrated with VW - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have to be up front and admit that the Jetta Wagon is fun car to drive. Unfortunately we have been experiencing an excessive amount of mechanical problems. The car has been in and out of the shop for various repairs, which have been mostly covered under warranty. At 62,000 miles (well before the scheduled 80,000 mile service) the timing belt slipped which caused a bent valve and a $5500 repair bill. I would highly recommend that if you are considering a VW that you choose a different car company. If you decide to buy a VW trade it in before it comes out of warranty.

  • Dont believe everything you read - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I made every effort to thoroughly research before I bought a new vehicle. I like to keep my cars for a long time and wanted something reliable... The only good thing I can say about this vehicle is that I am glad that it came with a good warranty!!! I have had the vehicle in for some of the same repairs two and three times. A few weeks ago the transmission went out entirely! The gas mileage has been less than impressive, the diesel is loud and now diesel petrol is up to $2.79 a gallon! No more Volkswagens for me...

  • Just what I ecpected - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The tdi Jetta is just what I expected,a well built car with an impressive diesel engine.I like the ergonomics inside overall.Since the begenning You feel you are driving a german design car for which you dont have to pay big bucks.Defenetely is a great example of european 4 door sedans with the right options a that special look.

  • Fun Car to expensive - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought this car in 01 but the 02 were out so I got a deal on it. Its fun to drive handlkes great but the interior catches evcery piece of lint, cup holders suck, the radios rear speakers seem to have a problem; brought them back twice dealership cant figure it out, and two days off the lot i had to bring it back they replaced all the brake pads. VW makes a decent car but they charge for a great car. Either they need to lower the cost or increase quality.

  • Good price for a good car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    A very valuebale car!

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