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 311 through 320 of 494.00
  • Good bang for the buck... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Im 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.

  • Bang for the Buck! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The perfect blend of style, luxury, and performance; it appeals to true driving enthusiasts for a reason. The interior was designed with the comfort of its occupants in mind. The exterior is understated, yet makes a statement. This car is built solid, and technoligically sophisticated for a $20k price tag.

  • Dont want my wife driving this one.. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I purchased this 02 Wagon about 6 months ago and have put about 16000 miles on her since then. Not really what I had expected. The temperature light comes on all the time. The doors froze shut in the winter and the 20 mpg on the highway is killing me. I went to fold down the back seats today and the bottom part of the back seats hits the front seats. Ya have to be pretty small to drive and have the seats down at the same time. Overall...not a very good car.

  • Money Pit - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I love my car, or at least I did the day I bought it. I wish I had done a little more research on this make and model before I purchased. I am a young designer just out of school and this car has caused me to go into debt. It was uniformed decision and I have spent well over $7,000 in rapairs on this car. I thought it was a practical and smart choice, yet I have been proven wrong. VW did reimburse me for a mass air flow sensor that was replaced 3 times in a 3 month period. I have had less luck in trying to get a proper diagnosis and repair for my car at a dealership. It seems that they just cant figure out what the problem is, and I just cant seem to aford paying for parts I dont need

  • Great Jetta 1.8T - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The vehicle has performed flawlessly for the past 12 months. Service has been limited to oil changes, scheduled maintenance, and one selective coil replacement paid by VW.

  • Great Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Great car, VWs answer to the BMW

  • first year in jetta gls tdi - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    no problems with jetta since purchase!

  • VW WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I beg anyone reading this to please DO NOT ever buy a VW. This car has caused me so much stress. I will go as far as to say it has ruined my life. Buy this car if you want to cough up about $300- $600 every 3 months for repairs. NOTHING is cheap to fix. I have had this car for 5 years & have spent well over $5000 in repairs. You name it, Ive replaced it. Its in the shop AGAIN. I am done with this car. I dont care if I lose money I am going to buy a Toyota or Honda this week. I never thought a car could be such a nightmare. VW customer care was a joke so dont even bother trying to contact them about any problems you may have. They may be cute & fun but they are not reliable at all.

  • Beware of the Fun Factor - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The 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.

  • Mr. Reliable - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Im 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.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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