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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  dont buy one - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By lkennedy - October 8 - 4:26 pm

  2002 jetta. 1) calaber went bad 384.00 each 2) engine light twice 3) sensor switch twice 4) radio stopped working 5) tail lights burning out 6) head lights shut off while driving had to use hi beams to see. Its like non stop problems. Im trading it in. Never again with VW. Wish I listened.

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  Great car, but.... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jonnyGURU - September 8 - 10:00 am

  What bugs me is the little, stupid failures in attention to detail. The power windows cable clips inside the doors broke (replaced), the latch for the center console broke, the rubberized surface on some of the plastic interior pieces is peeling, the rear windows washer leaks, and the center caps on my front two wheels FELL OFF. The check engine light just lit up too. Car drives great. Quiet, smooth. Like I said, the little details suck.

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  sell @ 90000 miles - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By john - September 3 - 6:30 pm

  Our Jetta was great until it reached 90,000 miles. The first thing that happened was the check engine light came on. After unsuccessful 3 tries by VW to correct the problem (average $300 repair each time) the light remained on. At 92,000 the generator went out (cost $850). You would have thought it was made of gold or something. That depleted my savings of which I was going to replace the timing belt/water pump (recommended @ 100k) @ $900 and the front stablizer mounts @$250, but instead I sold it. It was a great vehicle until 90k when it began to eat us out of house and home.

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  Good and Bad - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By g2driver44 - September 3 - 8:26 am

  I bought my 02 Jetta new from the dealer and put 263,000 miles on it. The Good: I fell in love with gas mileage..700 miles to a tank. This was my first import car and the handling was awesome. I traveled from Washington to N. California and never broke down. The most comfortable seat I have ever sat in... maybe because I spent all my time in this car, it was custom fit to me. The resale value of this car only took me 24 hours to sell. The Bad: The cost of maintenance on the TDI was enough to drive you mad. $500 every time they had to look at the car. I had some check engine lights come on after 30k, 60k and 90k. Burned through countless o2 sensors.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By nadmonk - August 23 - 8:23 pm

  I bought this car after owning 3 Accords in a row I was a little leery considering some of the reliability stories you hear of VW. This car has been great, even with the 2.0 4cyl it is fun to drive, the mileage exceeds their claim. The exterior styling isnt for everyone, but I like it. The Monsoon stereo is great. I have had no mech or elec problems. The only issues are that the air vents seem to get damaged easily and the seat cloth holds lint like mad. The cup holders are a pain, but I think thats a German thing as even BMWs have subpar holders. Just be sure to use a closed top lid unless you want to spend a weekend cleaning coffee out of the stereo like I did from the prev owner.

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  Fun Car with a lot of speed - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By KJN - July 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my 2002 VW Jetta VR6 GLX in late 2005 right before the new models started to hit the dealerships. I knew I was paying more for a VW and this model has all the extras that reflected the price. The Pick-up for a small sedan without aftermarket enhancements has to be one of the best. The fuel economy is not great, but it is a V6 so that is expected. I have done minimal maintenance and the car is still running great. I wish there was Mp3 capability with the car, but I guess since it is a 2002 that was not an option. It would be great if they made the Jetta in an AWD model!

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  toy car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettahater61 - June 26 - 6:56 am

  As I read other bad reviews, it is plainly clear to see that this car, The VW Jetta, is poorly constructed. Plastic things in the interior break constantly. The gears (Automatic) downshift as I go downhill, so I am awaiting the transmission to blow up or begin leaking. My passenger window just yesterday "finally" fell into the door, like others I have read about. I leased the car, and in January I am supposed to either buy it outright, or turn it in. Cant wait for how much they want to charge me for their piece of junk to turn in. I would not reccomend the Jetta. Was fun at first. Had to fix and then finally replace the stereo. Have read about others with problems with it

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  If it werent for the engine . . . - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Eileen F - June 13 - 12:33 am

  I am so disappointed in my Jetta except for the bit of "pep" that the engine exhibits. The whole car rattles and the passenger side front window hums and coughs. The upholstery is dismal. No vacuum or lint brush known to man can keep the seats from looking other than disgusting. All of the literature (incl. the sales brochure) and websites reflected a CD player as standard with the GLS model, but in the end, it was not included. I should have just replaced the Honda Accord I had with another.

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  Only car Ill buy - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By dean - June 3 - 8:13 am

  In 3 years Ive put 90,000 miles on it. I do not get below 500 miles per tank average 40 mpg city and as high as 58 hwy. There is a relief button inside filler neck of fuel tank to allow more fuel. Ive gone 758 miles on one tank of fuel. Memphis TN to Madison Wi straight! Only problem with it has been glow plugs. Luckly I live in Ca so Im not going to replace them. Other than that, expect to pay $900 every 80K for a timing belt. Im getting ready to have 2nd one installed soon. I will buy a tdi again without a doubt.

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  Havent had any major issues - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Ryan - May 17 - 12:33 pm

  This car has been great to me for 7 years. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and I havent had any major issues. The ignition coil recall several years back was a a bit of a pain (all Jettas and Audi A4s), but they fixed it free and quick. I did have to replace hoses a couple years ago and have had my share of flat tires due to city driving and performance tires, but no real complaints.