Overview & Reviews

For the 2002 model year, the GLS and GLX trim levels are dropped. Instead, choose from the juiced-up 180-horsepower turbocharged inline four (that can be mated to a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic) or the VR6 engine. The current 174-horsepower, 12-valve VR6 will be replaced with a 24-valve unit good for producing 200 horsepower in the spring of 2002. Later on, a special-edition model called the GTI 337 will arrive with a six-speed manual hooked up to the 180-horse 1.8T, as well as 18-inch wheels, 225/45VR18 performance rubber, a ground effects kit, genuine Recaro seats and red accents inside and out. All-new Volkswagen vehicles come standard with an improved four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, up from two years/24,000 miles. In addition, Volkswagen offers a fully transferable limited powertrain warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles.

• Fun to drive, reasonable price, lots of standard goodies, hatchback design offers excellent cargo utility, available six-speed manual.

• Some controls hard to decipher, handling could be crisper, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 150.00

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  GTI 337 - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Eric Kuhns - March 30 - 10:00 am

  An awesome back-to basics, true GTI. Works as weekend autocross track day car (have set several FTDs over cars with nearly twice the HP), babyhauler (pretty roomy ofr it exterior size), and everday commuter. Comfy seat, decent mileage. Incredible brakes, excellent handling, very good power (extremely flexible motor). A ball to drive, anywhere.

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  i love gtis - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By vw - February 10 - 10:00 am

  i love this car

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  The GTI 337 Experience - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By bjrieder - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Dreyer & Reinbold was the only area dealership not charging a $1-2K gouge fee. Jason, my salesman, actually knew as much as I did about this very limited 25th European Anniversary Edition (1 of 3 delivered to Indy dealerships). Followup service has been outstanding. The driving experience has been equally impressive. Despite the draw-back of turbo lag, the cars overall performance overshadows in every way that of my 94 300ZX NA. "Car nut" friends who drive it expecting to be underwhelmed by this small-engined VW, come back w/ huge grins, proclaiming it to be one of the most exciting and impressive cars theyve driven.

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  Who could ask for anything more? - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By GTI in VA - December 16 - 10:00 am

  German engineering. Luxurious interior, especially with leather trim. Controlled ride and comfortable seats make long-distance driving a pleasure. Ample power for even the most performance-oriented driver. Incredible gains possible with relatively inexpensive mods. Distinctive styling. Beautiful indigo instrument illumination. Availability of Tiptronic automatic for those who dont like stick. Many safety features.

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  Awesome Car - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By Partyin247 - August 26 - 8:46 pm

  Best features for price.

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  02 GTI 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By billybob - June 21 - 10:00 am

  The GTI comes standard with everything you need, although I got mine with the optional leather package and 17 in. wheels. I love the interior, especially the blue/red instrumentation. The GTI is also a bit of a sleeper, which I like. It seems that most drivers dont know about the GTI, and dont expect it to be as fast as it is. I must say that I love the whistling/whooshing sound of the turbo. The 1.8T is a great engine.

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  Excellent design; OK execution - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By BradyCLT - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Love the driving dynamics of the car; all aspects of its design related to the driving experience are excellent (powertrain, suspension, brakes, etc). However, after owning a long series of Japanese cars Im disappointed in the interior build quality. At only 5K miles I have multiple squeaks/rattles in the dash and center console and a rarely used leather seat with a seam coming undone. Really tarnishes the ownership experience of an otherwise excellent car.

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  Im a believer.... - 2002 Volkswagen GTI
  By mtoddc - February 14 - 10:00 am

  Only considered the GTI 1.8T and RSX Type-S for my work car, LOVE both, but it came down to the VW having more equipment for $2K+ less. More airbags, bigger tires/rims, longer warranty, better sounding stereo (so sorry Bose), arm rest, cheaper to insure, more hatch/trunk space, etc. Wanted silver 5-speed with leather, but all have been sold in this region, had to settle for cloth and AT, but not disappointed, Tiptronic is a great compromise. I think the RSX is quicker off the line, but the 1.8T really pins you to your seat once it fires up. I think the GTI feels quicker than any of the Type-Ss I drove. Both sweet cars, but VW is better for the $$$.