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 81 through 90 of 494.00-
Great car but some annoying problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Mike - May 26 - 9:26 pmWe have had the car about 3 1/2 years. As I read these reviews I see that many of the problems are common to this model car. One was the power window falling in twice. Another was the console/ armrest breaking. Another, and most disturbing was both cooling fans going out. Fortunately all these repairs were covered under warranty. Beyond this the car is a blast to drive, looks great and gets about 28-30 MPG on the hwy. and 23-25 MPG city. I think VW could have done a bit more with quality control. Its a shame that so many people gave this car a poor review based on apparently simple problems. I for one would buy VW again. Ive owned many cars that were not as dependable as this one has been.
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Good bang for the buck... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Chris Vader - April 29 - 10:00 amIm really very impressed with the quality and amenities on this car. We bought the basic "GL" model, and are very satisfied with it; the only feature I miss is the electric windows. The handling is pretty nimble for a wagon of its size. As for the engine and tranny, were still in the break-in period, so weve avoided flogging it too much. The car also swallows a huge amount of stuff with the rear seats folded, in part due to the high roofline. Were all smiles.
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Beware of the Fun Factor - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Mark Hogue - March 21 - 1:00 amThe 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T is a way fun car to drive. It has lots of power and good handling. I have had many problems with it though. Including issues with the window regulators, coil packs, and airbags...my airbags deployed for no real reason while driving..NOW THAT WAS A MOMENT! Beware, the build quality is very poor, all looks good but is not good. I have owned 7 Jettas and will NEVER buy another one. The plant in Mexico just does not build them as well as the Germans. My dealer is very good. They provide great service, but are very expensive. They charge Porsche labor prices for a VW. For the few dollars more, and really only a few, it is BMW 3-Series for me in the future.
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Mr. Reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By gumbo2 - March 14 - 9:37 pmIm going on 316K miles with this car and averaged over 53 mpg on my last tank of fuel. Yes, there are flaws in the interior design (cup holders in particular) and yes, its difficult to perform maintenance on it sometimes but how can you find fault with a car that is so reliable? Oil changes every 10K, timing belt every 80K and everything else like brakes, tires, filters, etc., are done simply as reqd. Ive had the clutch, water pump and other components each replaced once but this engine is a beast. Maintenance is certainly more expensive when required but fortunately, I have a local (non-dealer) repair shop that specializes on German cars and that helps keep the bill down.
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good car, xcept for the dash buzzing - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By catbox - March 5 - 2:00 amThis is my second Jetta, the other a 2000 GL. This Jetta could also use another 100 pounds of barite-loaded foam on the floor, door panels and fender wells. Lots of road noise filters in from the super thin (cheap) side windows and windshield. VW could take a lesson from the 1968/69/70 AMC AMXes on this issue. Windshield is already (1year) scratched and hazed and I use lots of wiper fluid. Dealer complaints: did not honor the zero percent financing, although my credit rating is the highest for my salary range. I will probably dump this car to an individual in another year. Im looking at Subarus next time.
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Transmission problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By josevi - February 25 - 1:50 pmI came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and it is I came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and I have to say that it is a much better car. The cargo capacity is incredible, especially considering its compact size. However, like many European cars, it suffers from electronic gremlins (most of the issues, solved under warranty). More worrying was extensive cylinder work at around 50k miles and a rebuilt transmission at 70k, the latter, according to internet forums being a common issue. Despite its practicality, its comfort and attractive design, I would not recommend that you buy a second-hand one. I am trying to get a couple of years more of mine and will move on to a different brand.
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silver jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By bandit91411 - January 22 - 2:00 amI have had not one problem with my car outside of the first day I took it home. I drove off the lot with the reverse light on and it stayed on. I had to return to the dealership to have it repaired twice!!
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TDI mileage - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By GJASR - January 16 - 2:00 amIt appears I cant fill the tank completely, the guage never hits the 1/1 mark. Dont know why. Also, Im averaging about 425 miles between fill ups(well not to the top). Any ideas? Vehicle has 2.5k. Will mileage get better at some point. Do no have a heavy foot bu do travel at approx 65 mph.
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Problems After Warranty Expired! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By JaimeJ - January 4 - 9:23 pmThe first four years that I owned my 2002 VW Jetta I didnt have any major mechanical problems. I havent been super happy with the car in general. I drive a lot for work, and its annoying that the car is loud on the highway. The main issue is that my warranty JUST ran out about two weeks ago and all of a sudden the driver seat adjustments stopped working and my power steering went out last night. I was driving downtown San Francisco and I heard "pop" and then all of a sudden it was like I was driving a dumptruck. I am sure that VW is going to kill me with the charges for this repair. I had planned on keeping this car until it stopped working, but now I may buy something else and never return to VW.
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2003 GLS 1.8T Triptronic - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
By Cards28 - December 30 - 10:00 amLucky me, I bought a 2003 Jetta in Jan 2003 after all the problems in previous years were ironed out. Just over 6,000 miles and havent had one problem yet. Sometimes I feel like the other shoe is going to drop, though. I just dont like the turbo lag with the Triptronic. I understand that you can go back and forth with it but sometimes I dont have the feel of what gear Im in. At the time of purchase my wife didnt want another manual trans in the garage. I think the manual would be easier to drive because I would always know what gear Im in. Other than that, Im happy soooo far.
