2002 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews

1.8t speed super awesome car

Written by: Scott j on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I picked up this car used from a good friend of mine. This car is SUPER fun to drive. The car corners excellent. Very few mods can make it a very fast little car. Many mods are available for them as well. Such as interior, mine has imported blue Recaro GTI seats they fit right in the car. The car looks extremely sporty inside and out. Fuel economy is excellent as well if the car is driven right it'll get above 30 MPG. The blue and red gauges are very very attractive looking as well and give the car and upper class feel.

Favorite Features

I really like the engine. There is some turbo lag but when it begins to make boost, especially when the ECU is chipped. The overall number of features that come with the car is really nice.

Suggested Improvements

The Y shaped breather hose could be made a little stronger. The clutch doesn't seem to be as grabby at some times as opposed to others

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Amazing car, could be improved.

Written by: anon. on 11/19/2007

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Really fun to drive. Best first car I could have asked for. A bit pricey for the build quality that is has. The clutch tore out at 35K and the glove box handle snapped off. Love the seats and the sunroof. Love the smooth shifting and the engine sound. Really quick. Nice handing and really nimble.

Favorite Features

Driving experience. Luxury features.

Suggested Improvements

Build quality.

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Good Car

Written by: smwhitten1 on 09/26/2007

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I bought this car 3 years ago. Aside from normal oil changes and maintenance, this is the best car I have ever owned and would definitely buy another one.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love It

Written by: 24vowner on 02/22/2007

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love my GTI. I have one of the first 24V VR6 GTIs as it is a 2002.5 model. I agree that the suspension is a bit soft, but I had the dealer install Eibach springs within two months of owning it and that made a huge difference in the handling. I also installed a rear sway bar which helped a ton with the understeer. The car is rock stable at speeds of 85+ mph. I regularly get 30+ mpg on the highway if i stay under 80 mph. The VR6 rumble is music to my ears. After replacing the stock tires, the road noise went down and traction was less of a problem when getting on it. All the room in the back is great for carrying all sorts of stuff.

Favorite Features

The engine, it just goes and the tranny is super smooth. I also like the safety features. I haven't had to use them yet, but six air bags in a car this small is a great idea. Also, the seats are nice

Suggested Improvements

The stock tires are horrible and some better reliability would be nice. I've had the coil packs, sunroof, water pump, and power windows replaced under warranty and I had to pay for a new MAF and brake light switch when it was no longer under warranty. Also, I wish it was lighter.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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VW Has Lost Its Way

Written by: Sean on 02/20/2007

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased my first VW for $300 in college. I was the third owner of 1990 Golf with 164,000 miles. I drove it on the highway while red-lining, never changed the oil, rode the clutch and NEVER had problems. I got nervous around 180,000 miles and changed the clutch. The mechanic said the clutch still had about 2,000 miles left! Fast forward to 2002: I purchased a new 2002 GTI 1.8T in August. Before the end of 2003 I was in the dealer countless times. There were three separate recalls plus countless other problems (ignition coils, dead battery, two broken control arms, driver-side window fell into the door panel). I love the car; hate the reliability.

Favorite Features

this car is fun to drive. It delivers decent speed. I love passing Hondas with annoying coffee can tailpipes. I wish I had the speed to pass WRXs.

Suggested Improvements

Lose the turbo lag. Lose the bells and whistles and go back to making worry-free cars that are fun to drive and last forever.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Where To Start With the Problems

Written by: rocky on 10/02/2006

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I would have to disagree about the reliablity of the GTI. The first day I got it, the airbag light was on. They said it was the sensor in the seatbelt buckle. This was service trip #1. Then my GTI died on me three times due to the terminal connecting to the battery, trip #2. Then my car started to overheat on two seperate occasions. The dealer said it was a burnt fuse box that was above the battery that caused my fan to not kick in (good place to put a fuse huh). Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that the moonroof sqeaks and the turbo lags. If you are ever to listen to a stranger in your life, listen to me. DONT BUY THIS CAR! You will spend more time getting to know your mechanic than enjoing a turbo car.

Favorite Features

The exterior looks.

Suggested Improvements

Stop making this model.

3 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2002 GTI 1.8T Tiptronic -- 41,000 miles.

Written by: Gigi on 06/17/2006

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

I purchased my GTI in 2004 with 22,000 miles on it. It is now at 41,000 miles. Issues: sunroof rails changed, new ECU programming, driver side passenger seat heat system replaced, airbag light went on - changed resistor in driver seat, arm rest latch snapped, and coils changed, coolant latch changed. Small issues that are annoying, but overall car is super fast and consistent: red line it all the time, mechanically super sound. These are small gremlins that once resolved give you no more headaches, Fortunately I got all of the issues described taken care of in first two months of ownership. Now I just do scheduled maintenance and fill up with gas and GO. For a beater car, this is not dissappointing at all, and did I say it is SO FAST.

Favorite Features

The invisible hand pushing your chest in when the turbo kicks in. It is exhilirating, more fun than my friend's Z350 and bimmer 330. It has great trunk space (IKEA shopping is a breeze), is solid (I rear ended a cab and the bumper is still in one piece). My car has been abused and holds up well. It is surprising EXCELLENT in snow driving.

Suggested Improvements

It has weak paint (bird poop scars) that is easy to scratch. For the price point and for my use the car rocks.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2002 GTI

Written by: Jane on 05/10/2006

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The 2002 GTI was my first new vehicle that wasn't American made. I drove a Suburban for years for business and finally got the opportunity to retire the "gas guzzler". I chose the VW GTI based on safety first of all, knowing I wanted a more efficient vehicle...little did I know it would develop into a total passionate love for the little car. The thing fits me like a glove, handles like a dream, and is SO much fun to drive. I got it all paid off a few months ago. I have my eyes on a new one should I ever decide I could bear to part with this one. My 27 year old son says HE MUST buy this one from me when and if I ever do.

Favorite Features

I LOVE the indiglo dash lights, "clicky" turn signal, super turn ratio, great mpg for the oopmph, super headlights, seat height adjusts (perfect for tall drivers), excellent control on curvy roads, great AC / heat controls, cool sunroof, easy to use hatchback, and the logical placement of dials and switches.

Suggested Improvements

It needs a better cup holder, better tires, to change the location of the plug for cell phone so it isn't in the ash tray, an added clip on the windshield at lower left to hold permits etc like Volvo has, a hill holder on the clutch like Subaru has, and an upgraded interior such as door handles made of a more durable material so they won't peel.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I hate it that I love it!

Written by: C. Putnam on 05/29/2005

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)

Review

From the day I drove this car off the lot, I have been in love with it. Every time I walk up to it, I get a sense of excitement that I am about to drive it. When I get in and flip out my laser-cut switchblade key and turn on the engine the adrenaline really starts to pump...then the engine light comes on for the third time in six months. Okay...no big deal. I hit the road and feel like lowering the windows to feel the wind blow through my hair. The auto down/up feature is really cool. I push the button and the window drops off the lowering arm with a crash. That IS a big deal. These are just two examples of the nitpicky things that torment VW Golfs, Jettas and GTIs. It is now for sale.

Favorite Features

Looks great...inside and out. A lot of pep. Handles great. High quality interior. Not flashy but not cheap. Very likeable design. Auto up and down windows for both driver and passenger. Standard ABS works like a charm. Love the key/alarm/flip-out feature.

Suggested Improvements

Silly rubberized coating on plastic parts scratches off and looks crappy. Engine light really likes to come on a lot. Window have fallen down off the clips twice for each window. All work was covered under the warranty...what happens when the warranty runs out? $$$$$

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VW makes fun cars

Written by: pat on 05/25/2005

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

My 2002 Volkswagen GTI is my second VW, my first being a 2000 Jetta... The progress between these vehicles is impressive to say the least. And going turbo is a lot of fun as well. My only beef with the car is that I had to make some modifications to get it where I wanted it to be. The European versions of this car are not restricted by strange safety and emission laws. So once I had this car chipped and tuned, changed the piping and suspension, I was extremely pleased. It rides wonderfully and I've never had to take her in for fixing, just slight improvements. If VW could find a way to lighten the vehicle and put better piping and supsension it from the factory, I think they'd sell more of these cars.

Favorite Features

Turbo, heated seats, power sunroof, convenient hatch, blue gauges, red dash lights and accents, 17" factory rims, good head rooom/leg room, beautiful design, nice body.

Suggested Improvements

Lower the ride and suspension, give it bigger piping and a non-restrictive ECU... all of these things are easy and affordable mods though.

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