2002 Volkswagen Jetta Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The Jetta is no longer an economy car; however, its powerful engine lineup, near-ideal balance between ride and handling and high-quality cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small sedan and wagon buyers.

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.

What's New for 2002

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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

My car hates me!

Written by: Kim on 11/04/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	2
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)

Review

Bought my jetta used. Ran great 4 a while then the problems started. 2 water pumps, 2 alternators, all round brakes once a year, hose harness broke causing oil to leak on fire wall, timing belt, lights blow out or short out until you tap them often, all 4 VW caps on wheels fell off. Bumper cover almost fell off, paint peeling on hood, front arm rest lid broke, stereo knobs fell off, radio comes on by itself sometimes causing battery to go dead when car is off and parked, moonroof has a mind of its own sometimes wont close for a few tries, steering wheel and dash trim is peeling. Need a new transmission and emission work which I cant afford so she will sit while I cont. To make pymts on her!

Favorite Features

i loved the car when it ran good. liked everything. got great gas mileage, great pick up, great sound system and the car just fit me like a glove. plenty of space to fit 2 carseats in the back. loved the turbo. i really liked being able to open the windows from the outside w/the key when its hot out

Suggested Improvements

Design the car not to fall apart! Cup holders in the back instead of an ashtray would be Nice too. Being able to check your own transmission fluid would be Nice too! Gotta take it to the shop so they charge you. Also front pass window leaks when it rains hard. Circle 2 pull oil dip stick broke off

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Never again...

Written by: Erin on 10/31/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	4
Comfort:	6	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	8

I have had this car for less than 2 months & have already had to put $1500 into it. I've replaced a door sensor, trunk latch, numerous vacuum tubes, & windshield wiper motor. While driving 70 mph, the side mirror cap just decided to fly off too. Just got my catalytic converter replaced too. Thankfully, still under warranty (600 miles away from being too late though). Previously, I had a 92 Toyota Celica. In the 5 yrs I had it, I put about the same amt into it and most of it was maintenance. I will NEVER buy a VW again. Everyone I talk to with a VW agrees. TERRIBLE! Don't buy one unless you're ready to invest a lot of money into this car.

The turbo is fun...when it works.

Everything. Make something that's built to last on this car. The radio antenna stinks too...always fuzzy reception.

don't buy one

Written by: lkennedy on 10/21/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	7

2002 jetta. 1) calaber went bad 384.00 each 2) engine light twice 3) sensor switch twice 4) radio stopped working 5) tail lights burning out 6) head lights shut off while driving had to use hi beams to see. It's like non stop problems. I'm trading it in. Never again with VW. Wish I listened.

comfortable drives nice looks good to bad the rest of the car could be a +

fast, fun, and reliable

Written by: mike on 10/10/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	6	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

I bought my 1.8t and haven't had any problems since, before this car i had a 2.0, once again, no major problems, just the glove box and cupholders breaking like usual lol, but who can complain, the 2002 jetta is powerful stock but in order to feel its real power you need to get an intake and have it chipped to run on 93, brought my power up quite a bit.

engine, i love the handling, and has a nice stock sound system

glove box, cup holders

Nice Car

Written by: Denis on 10/06/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

Everybody! if you guys buy 2.0L you gonna have problems, if you buy 1.8T you wont!!! i had this car over 2 years and i only changed sparkplug coils and thats it!!!!! 1.8T good car with AUDI engine!!!!

my new rims, powerful, no speed limiter!!! goes up to 160 mph, has an Audi engine

2002 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Ratings & Reviews