2002 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

3.97/5 Average
494 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • More expensive than most small sedans and wagons.

User Reviews:

Showing 301 through 310 of 494.00
  • All the problems you can get in a car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • The Diesel Dreamcar - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This car has been awesome. What other German car can you get 50mpg in under $20k? NONE. Its easy to drive, park, and speed in (likes to go 80-90, sometimes 100 and dont notice it). Very reliable, only in shop for oil changes.

  • Wolfsburg Jettas are better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have really enjoyed my Jetta Wagon. The build quality is excellent with none of the squeaks and rattles that so often plague Puebla Jettas (all wagons are made in Wolfsburg while all No. American bound sedans are made in Mexico).It rides better than just about any small car (the Ford Focus comes close)and has a tight steering feel and excellent brakes. The interior (especially leather like mine) looks like an Audi and much better than any other subcompact car. The seats are very firm, but comfortable for long-distance travel. If it were stolen today, Id buy another one, but probably one with manual transmission.

  • appreciate - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    that this car is best and safest

  • A Lada would be better - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    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.

  • Goodness... Where to begin!? - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    12k miles I have already taken it in 5 times, most recently 2 of my gears in my windows melting which will have my car in service for 20 days. 4k miles check engine light goes on and car dies on freeway. dealership laughs at me almost dieing than steals my keychain when I go get my house key from them. 5k miles front window breaks when Im washing my car in 75 degree weather, and in the shade, also knocking on right weel when I reverse. This car is a pile of crap built in Mexico. Do not buy a VW unless you have a crush on the mechanics because you will be there a lot.

  • Sad I sold, buying a new one - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have owned 2 jetta tdis, a 98 and 02. this review is for 02, beautiful car, cool look, exc gas mileage at 53mpg at best, tank range i maxed at 765 then i got nervous and filled up. Loved both cars, but dumped the 02 due to some aesthetic quality issues. I had a door/window rattle that had me take it back to dealer 6 times in a year. Despite ripping car apart, removing seats, etc, damaging the vehicle during repair etc, it was never fixed to satisfaction. I pursued lemon law, but found a buyer in the meantime and sold the car. I miss it though and will likely buy a new jetta 04 or passat 04 turbodiesel only. .

  • Great car but some annoying problems - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    We 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.

  • Jetta 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought the Jetta GLS 1.8T last week. and I love it. My only complaint is the design/placement of the cup holder. VW needs to redesign that. Other than that I have nothing but good things to say about the car. One thing is for sure, Ill never by an American car again.

  • New Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Although I have just made this purchase recently, thus far it is more fun than our other vehicle (suzuki swift). The Jetta always turns heads. At this point I dont mind sitting in traffic. Overall I would rate this car a 9.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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