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 21 through 30 of 494.00-
Allow for lots of trips to dealer.. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Jetta girl - April 10 - 8:30 pmBefore I bought this car I had a Toyota Camry that I bought new. It was 4 years old when I purchased this VW and I never had to take it to the dealership once. I didnt even change the oil and I never had the slightest problem. Since I bought the VW I am at the dealership nearly monthly for one thing or another. Its way too much hassle and inexcusable to have so many problems on such a new car. I will say my husband bought a VW GTI the same day I bought my Jetta that he loves and hasnt had nearly as many problems as I have (but still has had problems). We also bought a 2003 Jetta for our babysitter in 2003 and she hasnt had nearly as many problems as I have, but still more than she should.
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Note to self...LEMON LAW!!! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By phillyvegan - March 3 - 10:00 amWithin the first 11 months, I had the car in for unscheduled service 9 times! First the tires were wearing prematurely and needed alignment. The mechanics (Springfield Auto Outlet in PA) told me it was my fault! I had to replace the tires after 25k miles! Then the ignition coils went...again and again and again. The window regulators have gone multiple times. The interior rattles. Arm rest broke. My signal lights are constantly burning out. My temp light goes on for no reason. The car stalls frequently after starting it up. Thank goodness there is a 50k warranty. I got VW of America to credit me one car payment for all my troubles...thanks for nothing!
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Too Many Problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By crys - January 6 - 10:00 amI want to love this car - but too many problems are making me crazy!!! Air bag light has come on three times before the car was even a year old. Oxygen sensor was recalled - something i didnt have to pay for to fix. MAF sensor needed to be replaced (25,000 miles) - sunroof broke - and just recently my window fell off the track and fell into the door!!!! It seems like everytime i fix something - something else breaks!!! There is no need for a car this expensive to have so many problems.
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Volkslemon - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Jin Ho An - October 7 - 10:00 amIm totally disappointed with my Jetta. The engines great, Ill give them that, but I had to bring it in to the shop four times over a mere 10 month period, the window motor is busted again, and I have to bring it in once more in a couple of days. The overall performance may be commendable, but the little problems and the unprofessional attitude/skills of customer service is more than enough to give you a headache.
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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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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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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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Fun to drive, Poor Quality - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By sath - April 26 - 2:00 amIts 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.
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Love my car-HATE my car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Coronado - April 16 - 10:00 amMy 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!
