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 371 through 380 of 494.00

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  2002 Jetta GLI - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rmay483 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive got about 3200 miles on my 2002 GLI. The new VR6/6-speed combo is almost perfect. I was going to buy the GLS 1.8T until I tried the new 24v VR6, and I was hooked. By FAR the best VW manual ever offered. Build quality, ergonomics, and comfort are generally excellent. Nearly everyone that has commented on the car thinks its much more expensive than it really is. The only thing Id change is the soft suspension.

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  Quirky at first, but great! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Redhead - May 15 - 6:53 pm

  I am a first time Jetta owner. I bought the 4dr wagon, and my husband owns a GTI. We love our VWs. We had some minor electrical problems at first, but the dealer fixed them in a timely fashion. Great ride, safe, and lots of room!

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  Enjoying the car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CMR - May 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, I have enjoyed my relatively new 1.8t Jetta 5M. The turbo is a blast, and it performs well with the manual transmission. I am glad I bought the manual as the automatic I test drove fished for gears. I also ended up with the sport suspension but I am not sure exactly of the difference in handling since I cant compare to a regular suspension. Having owned many Hondas previously, I feel as if the tightness of my VW is not up to what I am used to. Overall, I enjoy the Jetta and look forward to driving anywhere I can.

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  Rattle, Rattes, and Rattles; but its fun - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By rattlejetta - April 26 - 2:36 pm

  This car has tons of rattles, the dealer can never fix any of them and returns the car soiled each time. A defective seat track which was suppose to stop the instrument cluster rattle took four months to order the part and then the problem still persists. The car is five months old and has been for six unscheduled services.

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  Terrible Car - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SH in AZ - April 6 - 9:03 pm

  First brand new car. Thought VW had an outstanding reputation. I have been in and out of service since I bought the car. Coolant fan kept draining the battery, check engine light on several times, and right before I dumped it, calipers and struts were bad and three of four new tires were cupping. Black looks great in the showroom but is impossible to keep looking nice. Black interior caught every piece of lint and dust creating a constant mess that a professional car detail service could not clean. Interior peels, cup holders are a joke, absolutely no leg room in the back seat, and the trunk latch broke three times. This is just to name a few. No love lost when I traded it 3 days ago.

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  Fun to drive, excellent fuel efficiency - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By VTdi - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a car that is fun to drive. It handles well (some understeer) and is quite responsive. The ride could be a bit more firm, but it is comfortable. I have had no maintenance problems with the car as of 30,000 miles on the odometer - routine oil/filter changes and recommended maintenance at 5/10/20/30k miles. I have gotten as much as 55 mpg with several long trips, and I routinely get 45+ mpg going to/from work (20 mile commute). I can get 48-50 mpg if I lay off the throttle, but that is just no fun... This is a great car, and I am considering a Passat TDI for an additional family vehicle. Go with the TDI engine - good stuff!

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  me and my Jetta - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By srwebman - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This is my first brand new car, and I absolutely love it. It was worth the time it was on back order. This car jumps off the line with that yummy turbo whine. The styling and interior lighting get rave reviews from everyone who sees them. It corners tightly, and has plenty of cargo space in a nice small package.

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  where is US automotive industry - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By tttt - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought the first TDI diesel wagon in our state. Now have 25K miles on it and averaging 47.5 mpg. Ours was totally assembled in Germany and have had no mechanical and electrical failures. Note I was told by EPA that they have NOT tested the latest VW diesels for pollution specs and their website uses model year 2000 for their information which is totally out of date and erroneous. Second, why wont US manufacturers or EPA look at the extensive diesel availability in Europe including pollution controls? Suggest checking carefully as to the origin of the car. Mexican versions appear to have many problems.

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  My first and only VW - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By SadOwner - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Twice in the shop (two months apart) for ignition coils to be replaced under warranty (once with a Ford Focus rental...yuck!) Most recently the driver side window slid into the door not to re-emerge. Also under warranty but I have to wait 10 days for the dealership to have the time. First the window was duct taped up, now propped by wooden shims. I should have two bumper stickers. "Bought new...as is!" and "What next!" Never will I buy a VW again!

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  Nice economic fun to drive car. - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tom - February 25 - 8:16 pm

  The car is great on fuel. I have been running 100% Virgin Soybean Biodiesel since day one without issue. Fuel use has been 40 around town and 54 on the highway. Performance is great and the ride is firm and tight.