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 321 through 330 of 494.00

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  good car, xcept for the dash buzzing - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By catbox - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This 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 pm

  I 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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  Wouldnt sell it - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tom - February 12 - 7:33 pm

  I agree with the cup holder syndrome and the back seat space issue, but we still get 49+ mpg on the highway after 135k miles. One minor problem with a sensor but otherwise trouble free. Best small car we have owned in 40 years. As well as it is built, we plan to keep it for a long long time. A clear and shining example of why the US automotive industry is a failure.

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  9th volkswagen - 1rst major problem - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By shston - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 9th VW in March - a 1.8T with tiptronic. The car is beautiful to look at and certainly fun to drive, but after hearing strange noises underneath and having it checked out, I now find the entire frame needs to replaced. The dealer has agreed to buy the car back for what I paid for it - Im going back to a 5-spd. (I think the automatic transmission is very poor) and the regular engine. My last two jettas went 160K and 300K!

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  nothing but trouble - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By np - February 3 - 10:00 am

  In 2 yrs, Ive had it in the shop to repair a cup holder, center arm rest, remote entry, broken passenger window regulator, broken driver side window regulator, leaky door sealant, and emissions (5 times). Quality feel has been a mirage. Absolute disaster and will never buy a VW again. Large number of 2 yr jettas in the used lot should have been a clear signal.

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  silver jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By bandit91411 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I 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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  Great for my little family - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By RobH - January 16 - 2:00 am

  It fits our needs. We defined them before we purchased a vehicle. We test drove the Japanese cars that are in the same price range & this car felt better on the road, we enjoyed the interior layout more. The only way to describe it is it felt more solid on the road than the other cars. The back seat in the vehicle is not really built for LARGE adults, but again it is just my wife our 2 year old and me. When we add a child in the future we still wont use all the space. We have not had mechanical problems with our Wagon. We have 10,000 miles on it. Best sporty wagon on the road for the price, plus we feel safe in it (great safety ratings.

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  TDI mileage - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GJASR - January 16 - 2:00 am

  It 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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  GLI Kicks Ass! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By petron - January 11 - 10:00 am

  The car is fast and thrilling for a small sedan! Great traction contol and ABS system. Although there is a slight float to the suspension, it corners and handles very nicely at higher speeds. With the 2.8l engine and the 6 gears, who needs turbo?

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  All VWs Suck - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dean Gitters - January 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd VW. My first Jetta. It is the 8th VW to be purchased in my family. And, my family will never buy another one. Within one month of owning it the problems began; from poor assembly fuzzing upholstery. I have been to the dealer at least 9 times for all BS things. If no driven for more than a day the battery died it took 3 visits and 5 days without a car to fix it. 2 days to tighten a loose heat shield. 3 visits to figure out why the coolant light kept coming on. VWs used to be reliable cars. Now they are made like cheap disposable lighters that do not work. I am very disappointed with my VW and with VW of America.