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 181 through 190 of 494.00

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  Great Drive but Not Very Reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By papertiger - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Plus - nice drive, solid feel & performance; Minus - contaminated fuel line; dead battery; electronic related failure (3 times)

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  I love my little Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By ev_rickus - November 28 - 1:56 am

  With all the negative reviews most people have about this year/model, I have been fortunate to not have the same problems. Dad bought this car in 05, and I have been driving it since 11. Bought car around 60k miles - dad had about $3000 of repairs put into it at time of purchase. Then replaced the water pump shortly after I started driving in 2008. Had to replace inner/outer CV axles after hitting a nasty pothole back in 2012 (cost $500, OUCH!) Car just passed 176k miles. Trans is having problems (expected, its all OEM far as I know), no electric issues (surprise there), the center console latch and glove box door broke, cloth liner falling down. Good car, plan to have for a while more

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By abarcius - November 24 - 5:40 am

  If you are looking for a fun-to-drive, powerful, reliable car and does not mind paying a little extra for these three things the Jetta GLX VR6 is your car. I bought mine in Feb. 2001 and I love it.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Paul Godfree - October 30 - 11:10 pm

  I drive a lot and wanted dependability. My previous 90 Jetta had 600,000 miles on it before it died. First I replaced the wiper blades, the originals sqeeked like crazy. Then I replaced the tires. They wore down so fast and didnt handle very well. With Michelins it drives and corners like a racing car. The first failure on my new car was the electronic fuel mixer ($500) at 80,000, then a taillight at 120,000, then the brakes at 180,000. The shocks went at 240,000. Now the rear brakes will be replaced at 300,000. IE; this car is tremendously dependable. It still starts on the 1st or 2nd crank. Thee radio has always stunk (it broke in the first year) but Ive go a rear CD player that replaced it

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  fast, fun, and reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mike - October 30 - 10:16 pm

  I bought my 1.8t and havent had any problems since, before this car i had a 2.0, once again, no major problems, just the glove box and cupholders breaking like usual lol, but who can complain, the 2002 jetta is powerful stock but in order to feel its real power you need to get an intake and have it chipped to run on 93, brought my power up quite a bit.

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  Ignition Start Wont start - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Watushi Nakamura - October 26 - 1:06 am

  The ignition start, sometimes wont start or sometimes u have to apply gas pedal to help the engine to start. not like honda & toyota easy to start. too bad for a brand new jetta Be careful when buying this car u need to try to start the engine otherwise u wont notice the problem. too noisy engine even though its brand new

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  Do your research - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jmr - October 23 - 1:53 am

  This jetta has been my dream car for forever, until I purchased it. A month after I bought it would no longer run due to transmission problems. I took it back to the dealer and demanded they fix it, which they did. In the past year I have replaced 2 mass air flow sensors, the main computer for the car, countless other sensors and recently the fuel pump. If you are interested in a VW you better do some research to make sure its a good fit for you. Jettas are cute and fun to drive, but if you get a bad one its going to be a money pit. Also, they are expensive to maintain, my oil changes cost around $70. Make sure you are prepared for all the comes with being a VW owner before you get one!

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  Sick ride - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By 1919-eternal - October 17 - 8:10 pm

  I bought my Jetta in October, and I love it. Theres not one thing that I dislike on it. It handles great, and has pretty decent power for just being a 4 cylinder.

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  Minor things turns into STRESS makers - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jettajason - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Vw all of its life. I also had to get the windows reinstalled with the "metal clips" instead of the cheap plasic ones that Mexico put in. That was the first trip to the shop June 02, second time was last year...transmission seemed to start slipping, they reset the trans computer and was running great for 4 weeks and started it again,went to the shop about 3wks ago(9/04)to get oil changed and complained about the brakes making a loud squeeking noise, (tech said nothing wrong) still doing it and it feels sometimes like it sputters when I put it in drive,(tech found nothing wrong as well. Power seat ate its plug for the motor,going to the shop tomorrow for the 8 things on my list

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  More Safe, More Fun, More Reliable! :) - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Megan - October 13 - 9:06 pm

  There is a reason why the Jetta is the #1-selling European car in the US. I first owned a 2000 Jetta (same as my 2002); this car saved my life and was fun and reliable every step of the way. I have owned my 2002 GLS VR6 sedan since new, and I love my baby to pieces. The standard safety features - ABS, 8 airbags, safety cell construction - cannot be beat. The time- tested VR6 engine is an absolute blast to drive. I can tell you in 100% honesty that I have had ZERO mechanical, electrical, or other reliability issues with this car - NONE. I am fully confident in Jettas and I never plan on buying anything but VWs. If you pressed me for one complaint, Jettas dont come with power seats, which is not a big deal to me.