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 31 through 40 of 494.00

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  Frustrated with VW - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Joe23456 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  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.

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  2002 Jetta TDI review - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Matthew Scott Medlin - February 26 - 2:06 am

  I loved the car, until it had to be in the shop too many times. The latest is a transmission issue. A BIG side note, very few people (dealership mainly) can change the Timing Belt at 80K. It requires special tools and it costs around $800.00.

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  Happy and Sad - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BuffaloScout - February 7 - 2:30 am

  Purchased this used vehicle for my 90 mile a day/6 day a week job. Right away noticed that at least twice a year something would go wrong requiring $500-1200 dollars to fix at the local dealership. Now with 156000 miles my little yellow light told me it required a new transmission. Bummer as I wanted to fully test the longevity of the diesel engine. It reminds me of an expensive girlfriend that you really love, but have to lose to keep your sanity/money. Hence the bipolar ratings I gave this car.

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  Dont even consider this year! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jessica - November 29 - 8:56 am

  I bought a Jetta as my first car. Parents thought it was great because of the safety features and gas mileage, blah blah blah, and what teenage girl doesnt want a cute little Jetta? Since the very week after buying it, its had nothing but problems. Computer glitches, leaks,AC wont work, malfunctions, and mysteries that the dealership seems incapable to fix. I love my car, but at the same time, I expected it to be a long term, reliable car. And its proving to cost more than I ever anticipated. The engine has been great, its just that every other possible thing that could go wrong, has and will. Dont even consider an 02 Jetta.

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  Jetta Gone - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By JettaGone - September 9 - 5:03 am

  I love the look, the style, the performance - but I hate the fact that I had this thing to the dealer 6 times in 5 months due to the engine light. They changed everything but the armrest, and it was still on when my wife was in a wreck recently. Also, the airbags did not deploy when my wife struck another vehicle with the front of hers at decent speed, totaling the car. I wont own another Jetta, or Volkswagen, or maybe even any European vehicle. Read the reviews carefully, I wish I would have.

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  I Urge YOU to look elsewhere - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nate dawg - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Oh the problems and headaches this car has caused me. Poor cupholder design. Both front windows have fell down. (the dealer told me it was the heat in HOUSTON and this is the only city it happens in LOL)evertime I brought it in to get the oil changed, I have mentioned the windows and door panels rattling. He claims hes never heard of this car doing that. (I should have suspected something when everytime I go into the dealership they never have the same people working)Busted air coolant hose on the way back from AUSTIN. Dash lights going out at night. Dont think about putting in your own sound system. THE WORST...Its a gas guzzler.

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  Worst car ever! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By fratto1963 - July 24 - 8:03 am

  I owned this car for a total of 4 months with nothing but problems from day one! I had the super-duper bumper to bumper extended warranty that still didnt fix any of the problems that the dealership said it had. It spent more time in the dealership being repaired than it did in my driveway. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Volkswagen really messed up with this car.

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  Fun to Drive but not to the dealer - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Don Cline - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I am on my 3rd radio. The front passenger window fell down in the door. It has been in for the yellow engine light coming on several several times. Now the red temp light comes for no reason. Needs new brakes already - very expensive plus the tires are also needing replaced and are very expensive. I am seriously considering trading in for American.

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  If you like Lemmons - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RD99SS - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive when it runs, went through 4 coils, then they replaced all of the coils, car would sometimes not start, reflashed the computer, battery light would come on occasion. The kicker is I closed the door one day and the drivers side window fell out...I had to laugh at that one, the dealer replaced it and they said to me "Oh that happens all the time" GREAT, after that I went and bought a Honda.

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  Unreliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jdiggity666 - March 28 - 9:30 pm

  This car gets great gas mileage and in my case the mechanical aspects are good. However, i have had numerous problems with my jetta. Both front door sensors broke, my arm rest broke, the glove box door fell off. Both front turning indicator light covers broke. Small but extremely frustrating problems.