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 51 through 60 of 494.00

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  Good commercials, bad car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SaminNJ - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with my 2002 Jetta 1.8T. It looks very good, is fun to drive(when it goes into drive!) But has so many problems in the first two months, that I would strongly urge anyone considering buying one to really reconsider. I can not put my car into drive directly, have to go into 3rd or 4th gear and then sometimes it will go into drive is the largest of the problems.

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  Jetta 2002; bad reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jgd - November 17 - 2:00 am

  My experiance has been disappointing. With just 5800 miles on the car I needed two coilpack replacemaents and a new engine computer. Not to mention replaced window regulators and armrest locks, twice!. Also a recall for the ABS system. The car was in the shop for no less than 50 days since I started the lease. I will pursue Lemon Law.

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  All the problems you can get in a car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By m3blue - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had my jetta for a year and can no longer count the problems on one hand! In the past year I have replaced 2 radios. Dash lights went out, bright lights stuck on, doors and dash have uncontrolable noises, one of the spark plugs system went out so I had to drive for a few days on 3 pistons! Shifting is jerky. Like the dash lights and pep, handles the snow well.

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  A Lada would be better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ripped Off - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst built car I have ever purchased. I have had it for 15 months and the doors have twitched and squeaked since I drove it off the lot. (Dealer has tried several times to repair with no success. They are also a piece of work. They have basically given up on the car and won’t even follow up on my calls.) Also, the brake light switch, the turn signal relay and the ventilation fan motor have had to be replaced. There is a problem with a noise coming from the front suspension. The front left power window usually re-opens when it is closed on auto-up. The paint seems very soft as it chips very easily. Overall, a Lada would be a better bet.

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  Money Pit - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By vwdesign22 - April 7 - 4:26 am

  I love my car, or at least I did the day I bought it. I wish I had done a little more research on this make and model before I purchased. I am a young designer just out of school and this car has caused me to go into debt. It was uniformed decision and I have spent well over $7,000 in rapairs on this car. I thought it was a practical and smart choice, yet I have been proven wrong. VW did reimburse me for a mass air flow sensor that was replaced 3 times in a 3 month period. I have had less luck in trying to get a proper diagnosis and repair for my car at a dealership. It seems that they just cant figure out what the problem is, and I just cant seem to aford paying for parts I dont need

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  9th volkswagen - 1rst major problem - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shston - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 9th VW in March - a 1.8T with tiptronic. The car is beautiful to look at and certainly fun to drive, but after hearing strange noises underneath and having it checked out, I now find the entire frame needs to replaced. The dealer has agreed to buy the car back for what I paid for it - Im going back to a 5-spd. (I think the automatic transmission is very poor) and the regular engine. My last two jettas went 160K and 300K!

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  nothing but trouble - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By np - February 3 - 10:00 am

  In 2 yrs, Ive had it in the shop to repair a cup holder, center arm rest, remote entry, broken passenger window regulator, broken driver side window regulator, leaky door sealant, and emissions (5 times). Quality feel has been a mirage. Absolute disaster and will never buy a VW again. Large number of 2 yr jettas in the used lot should have been a clear signal.

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  Ho-hum - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Buddy_NC - November 24 - 10:00 am

  So-so vehicle. Turbo lag aggravating. Engine maintenance lights been on 2 times in 7000 miles. Reason unknown. I would not recommend the optional sport suspension package. The Michelin 225x45/R17 Pilot HXMXM4 tires are impossible to obtain locally (had a flat - after 9 days of trying to obtain tire, I restorted to another tire type). Dealers sales mgr no help.

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  Oil, Oil, Oil... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Julie - November 9 - 9:46 pm

  This was the first NEW car I have bought. At my first manufacturer suggested oil change, I was surprised to be a quart and a half low. I fought with the dealership for 8,000 miles about the oil consumption on this car - which they claimed was normal for a VW because "the engine runs hot". At 13,000 miles, they finally gave in and rehoned the cylinders and replaced the pistons. But that still did not solve the problem. Ive just about given up my fight since the car has now been out of waranty for 30,000 miles. I have to replace a quart every 1,000 miles now, and my current mechanic says soon it will be a quart every 300-400 miles. Its so unfortunate because I like the car otherwise. Dont bother with VW.

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  Horrible Reliability - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By upchuda - November 7 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car used from Osborne Automotive in Lakewood, CO. This is the worst car I have ever owned. The parts are all plastic, and I have pretty much replaced every part of the engine, including the water pumps. Once the car reached 120,000 miles, the transmission went out and I was quoted between $4,600 - $6,100 to replace it with a refurbished transmission. The car has just been sitting in my garage and I bought a Toyota Camry. Selling it for parts.