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 11 through 20 of 494.00

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  German Engineering My Butt - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bigwombat - May 5 - 1:57 pm

  The automatic transmission 01M of this car made between year 1999-2003 are known to be the most unreliable transmission ever made. Look for it online, there are so many reports of these transmission breaking down from 100k to 150k miles. Mine is even considered a good case, where it broke down right after 200k miles, but throughout my ownership of the car I dropped so much many to fix and maintain the transmission, that in the end, I dont think it is worth it. Pros: Gets decent MPG. Can reach high speed. The manual version seems reliable from reviews. Cons: Horrible auto transmission. Loud. Weak acceleration. Expensive to maintain.

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  So Unhappy With This Car!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VW Sucks - December 25 - 2:00 am

  2000 Jetta GLS-worst car I have ever owned.W/in 2 months of purchase,had problems w/ gear shift,couldnt get car out of park: had to get it flatbed towed.>1 yr after purchase,brake lights remained on even w/ key out of the ignition. >1.5 yrs after purchase, engine simply died while I was driving in traffic. >2 yrs after purchase, front right window malfunctioned.Dealer said problem was so common,part was on national backorder.I asked courtesy driver from the service dept about problems hed seen:doesnt sound like VW has fixed newer yr models either.Now I received a recall notice regarding emissions and fuel efficiency.Unbelieveably,unacceptably unreliable car.Stay away at all costs!!!

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By NEVER AGAIN - November 2 - 11:26 pm

  I bought this car about 2 and a half years ago. Nothing but problems, after 3 months my water pump blew. I should have got rid of it then. My radio nobs have fallen off, my arm rest broke, the seat adjuster broke in half, the value drops about 75% after you drive it off the lot and its so uncomfortable . Last week I lost the only key the dealership gave me when I purchased the car. Most dealerships can cut you a new key off of the vin right then and there. Not Volkswagen in order to get a new key you have to drive to Layton (30 miles from my home) show them proof you own it then they will order you key and then you have to tow your car to the dealership. price of key 200.00! Ridiculous.

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  Run, this is not for you! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cindy - September 7 - 2:00 am

  With only 42,000 miles on the car it has been in the shop 5 times for the transmission. Talk about a lemon and YES I am checking on the lemon law.

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  Dont waste your money or time - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Stella - June 25 - 1:56 pm

  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.

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  too many times at the shop (bad) - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Mildreys Hereira - May 16 - 2:00 am

  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. :(

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  2002 Jetta 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By chumani - April 28 - 11:34 pm

  If it makes you feel better I have a wagon. This car would be a great car if all the parts could be shipped next day from Germany. Good luck with your transmission. You can start thinking about replacing it at 60,000 miles. The tiptronic switch is easy to replace if youre a mechanical geek but if not it will cost you around $500.00 to fix. This is not the kind car you buy parts from your local part store. Be ready to get dirty and learn how your car works or pay a hefty price at the shop and Im just talking about your regular maintenance. If you can afford the upkeep of an Audi then go for it because thats what youre buying anyway.

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  Dont believe everything you read - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mlgates - March 19 - 1:13 pm

  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...

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  Not a good-buy Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SjL - December 9 - 10:00 am

  After 24 months I recently traded my Jetta. Monsoon stereo was sub- par. Interior surfaces rock-hard and began peeling. Electronic gremlins, lost power and headlights. McDonald VW in Denver was only interested in sale and survey results, VERY POOR DEALERSHIP EXPERIENCE. Bottom Line: This car did not offer the features, value, or reliability for the price. LOOK ELSEWHERE!

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  Ignition Start Wont start - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Watushi Nakamura - October 26 - 1:06 am

  The ignition start, sometimes wont start or sometimes u have to apply gas pedal to help the engine to start. not like honda & toyota easy to start. too bad for a brand new jetta Be careful when buying this car u need to try to start the engine otherwise u wont notice the problem. too noisy engine even though its brand new