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 431 through 440 of 494.00
  • GLI VR6 SPORTS SEDAN - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO WEEKS.SO FAR HAS BEEN A FLAWLESS PERFORMER.GAS MILAGE A LITTLE LOWER THAN EXPECTED SO FAR.

  • Volkswagen Stinks!!! Fooled me once..... - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had brake problems for 3 years which Brakeway finally diagnosed and fixed. Then my tranny went out and it took over a month and $5k to fix. Now I got spots on my hood, roof, and trunk which was determined to be manuf. defect, but they wont deal with it because my warranty is out. The console is flimsy trash and my d. side door handle assembly came apart when I tried to close the door in the winter, but the latch assembly froze, on a German car! This is the first car I cannot work on myself. My fuel economy is around 30mph, though others are getting 40. I can truly say the dealer sold me a lemon that I still have to pay for. But, Im not paying to paint

  • Ive Been Pleased...So Far - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I purchased my 3-year old 02 Jetta Wagon with only 5,100 miles on it and in ten months I have put 20,000 miles on it and have had no problems. The car is very quick and agile (VR6) and fairly comfortable for my 63" frame. Ive had no issues with the car other than the wipers sit lower on the windshield than the defrost vents. This causes them to freeze up in the winter. Also, the transmission is extremely choppy and never seems to know what gear it wants. Plus, the gearing is too short so my gas mileage is only around 23, which is not so good. All in all, its a blast to drive and I plan on keeping it for quite a while.

  • I THOUGHT it was the best small car! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I just purchased a used 1.8T six days ago from a respected VW dealer. I loved the ride quality, the safety rating, the performance and what I thought was excellent build quality and reliability. I was very wrong about the latter. Within three days of my purchase the sunroof started malfunctioning, the front suspension began to squeek, and within SIX DAYS, the engine malfunction light came on. AFTER SIX DAYS!?!

  • WORST IDEA EVER - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have spent more in repairs than the car itself cost. Every repair has to be made at the dealer since an average repair shop hasnt a clue or doesnt have the special tools required to work on it. Oil pump at the VW dealer, $1000. When all hell broke loose as we drove on the highway, all new valves and fixed up heads, $4000. Not to mention that they failed to inform their clients in a timely manner of recalls so the coils had already caused further damage and the sun roof leak had already created a foul smell in the car that also cost $500 to be cleaned and removed properly. Just say NO! Also not very car seat friendly.

  • Solid sedan - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    well built sedan-excellant handling, braking visibility-great stereo-cruise all day a 85mph-great for avoiding pot holes,back seat is for dogs or small people -I am 64" tall so not great for long rides behind the driver-just enough electronics as to not to act as a distraction

  • Drivers wanted b/c the cars rarely run - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    While I love the way VWs drive, mine has been in the shop at least 3 times a year outside of normal servicing. Last year I had to invest $7000 to keep it running, and I have under 75,000 miles on the car. New expensive problems crop up ever 6 months or so. If you love to sink $ into depreciating investments and spend time at the shop, then this car is for you!

  • Turbo Difference - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The 2002 Jeta1.8T is an extremely quick car. I love the Jettas passing power. ruising on the highway I can switch my Automatic Tiptronic over to manual and downshift to 4th gear and fly around just about anyone. The styling of the exterior makes it one of the hottest looking cars out there, which might explain why there are so many of them on the roads!

  • The Best Car Yet - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Overall the 2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T is an outstanding car for a an unbeatable price. It delivers great performance for a car that gets 33 mpg. I had the engine chipped by APR and it was like new (215 hp & 247 torque). this car has excellent handling AND ride for a short wheel base car with a sport suspension & 17" wheels (its a bit stiff, but not bad). it had just the right equipement and was $5,000+ cheaper than any competitor. The original Michelin tires are a poor choice for this car. Tire Rack has much better choices for less money. So far, it has held up very well. The only issue has been a rattling drivers window. Everything has been flawless for 50,000 miles. VW service depts have been less than stellar.

  • CHECK IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT! - 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY JETTA. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I HAVE NOT EVEN HAD IT FOR A YEAR AND IT HAS BEEN TO THE REPAIR SHOP SEVERAL TIMES. IT TENDS TO BURN OIL VERY FAST AND LEAVE A BURNING SMELL. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF TIME GETTING THIS VEHICLE REPAIRED AND LESS TIME ENJOYING IT. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEMS AND COMPLAINTS FROM OTHERS WHICH ARE ALL SIMILIAR TO MY OWN. I DO RECOMMEND TO TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT WHAT YOUR GETTING YOURSELF INTO AND (HINT) WHERE EXACTLY THIS CAR IS REALLY COMING FROM! REMEMBER LOOKS ARE NOT EVERYTHING, YOUR SAFETY IS!

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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