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Used 2002 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
153 reviews

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4.88 out of 5 stars

So far so good

gticl, 05/08/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car (my 5th VW, 2nd GTI) for a month. So far, only door panels have rattle noise sometimes. This car is almost perfect despite the noise.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda

Vance, 02/29/2004
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The 1.8T is fun to drive and I haven't done any modifications. My biggest gripe/problem is the car is seeing the dealership more than the road now! Check engine light has came on 3 times over the last 3 months...and it's on again. This is my second VW and I don't think there will be a 3rd. They say they only get better and learn from the consumer...but i guess I'm tired of being the test market on my account. Coil pack issue, plastic window clips, air bag sensor light...what's next?

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent design; OK execution

BradyCLT, 08/15/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Love the driving dynamics of the car; all aspects of its design related to the driving experience are excellent (powertrain, suspension, brakes, etc). However, after owning a long series of Japanese cars I'm disappointed in the interior build quality. At only 5K miles I have multiple squeaks/rattles in the dash and center console and a rarely used leather seat with a seam coming undone. Really tarnishes the ownership experience of an otherwise excellent car.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Quality a problem

belliott77, 03/15/2003
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my GTI new just over a year ago and was extremely happy with it for about 3 months and then I started getting rattles in the dash that the dealer has been unable to get fix, their attitude is, what did you expect... and now I am getting more rattles in the door panels. The quality just isn't what it should be. This is my 5th VW, but unfortunately it will be my last.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2002 gti vw

Ivonne, 09/23/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

it's a vw!! what else can i say...i love it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Just 2 things missing

JBDiamonds, 03/05/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2002 VW GTI 1.8T tiptronic is a hoot to drive. I am 260 lbs and these are the best, firmest seats I have ever had. Car handles marvelously with the 17" michelins,no surprises, the acceleration is phenomonal. As I said the only 2 options that I would want is the multifunctional steering wheel with homelink, and the self dimming mirrors, but then I wouldn't have anything to yearn for. German technology rules.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

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

Gigi, 06/17/2006
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun to Drive

peanut, 08/22/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the 2nd VR6 I have owned and have had many other high performance cars (BMW's etc) but VW seem to build a fun pocket rocket. This car is first class - a real pleasure to drive, well built and excellent value for the price. The only things that would make this even more fun would be 4 motion (like the european version have). The six speed is well suited for short smooth changes and the car handles the power well.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best VW I have driven since 1978

cumming hutch, 05/06/2004
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A,s a licensed driver for fifty years I have owned and driven cars built by GM,and Ford.I have rented late model Chryslers and Buicks for vacations (added space needed).There is no equal with VW,s turbo I cannot see where they could improve on.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent so far

rcwired, 06/21/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my 2002 GTI just over 5 months now and must say I'm impressed. The only "problem" I have is the left tie rod popping as descibed by Russell. This car feels like a much more expensive car. I owned an Infiniti G20 before the GTI and must say the VW seems to be built just as well. We'll see how the GTI holds up over time. My G20 was still solid (no squeaks) after 125K miles. The power of the 1.8T engine is unbelievable. It's nice not to have to downshift to get in the power range - just step on it and it goes...FAST!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Vonderful

canacsgti, 06/05/2004
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

(17in wheels, moonroof, sports cloth) Always wanted one, not disappointed. Excellent performance and handling. Makes for enjoyable commute and desire to take the back (mountain) roads to/from the office.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

DO NOT BUY THIS CAR

Joe, 03/20/2010
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is the worse investment I have ever made. Bought it used in '05 with 18,000 miles on it for $18,500 and have put over $9,000 in it on maintenance. Currently it does not run because the car leaks water very badly through the ceiling. I had to replace both axels, the clutch after about 2,000 miles in my ownership, i had suspension problems, turbo/exhaust problems, leaking all over the ceiling. About 20 different hoses and gauges replaced, no exaggeration. It was on 2010's Consumer Reports worse car list. Timing belt was replaced a lot sooner than is should be replaced because of issues, the Catalytic Converter was replaced, all of this because of the cars build quality.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

The car that breaks down weekly

felix11111, 09/10/2004
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It spends more time at the dealer than actually runs ;-(

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5 out of 5 stars

Who could ask for anything more?

GTI in VA, 05/05/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

German engineering. Luxurious interior, especially with leather trim. Controlled ride and comfortable seats make long-distance driving a pleasure. Ample power for even the most performance-oriented driver. Incredible gains possible with relatively inexpensive mods. Distinctive styling. Beautiful indigo instrument illumination. Availability of Tiptronic automatic for those who don't like stick. Many safety features.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

nice car

michael, 03/05/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the power- makes the commute to work almost fun.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

coil packs and windows regulators???????

sil , 09/08/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

great car

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5 out of 5 stars

2002 GTI

Jane, 05/10/2006
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best in its class

Mohammad Bari, 06/22/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have never seen a car in this class to have such stylish interior. It feel like you are in those expensive german cars. The performance is great and driving the car is so much fun and you will never get enough with this car. Once you experience its luxury its hard to go to other types of cars in its class.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

Max_Quebec, 03/19/2003
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm very satisfied about my GTI 1.8T 2002! Fun to drive, but too much rattle sound who comes from averywhere!.... I think volks should think to upgrade HP in his 1.8T to 225hp minimum! (in competition with subaru 2.5 RS)... The thing i more like in my GTI 1.8T is high torque when you push it'em over 5500 RPM!!! Whatta feeling!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Love It!!!

InigoCO, 10/02/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my second GTI in 2 years. I bought an '01 VR6 GTI and loved it, but I found a great deal on an '02 GTI 1.8T. This car gives up nothing in the way of performance to the VR6. I noticed the VR^ had more low-end grunt, but all it ever did for me was spin the tires. The 1.8T just goes. On the Highway at about 75-80 MPH, just hit the gas in 5th and off you go, no need to downshift. This thing just pulls all the way to nearly 140 MPH. I plan to do some mods int he future, but for now, I'm happy with the power I've got and so should everyone else who buys one.

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3 out of 5 stars

Where To Start With the Problems

rocky, 10/03/2006
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love It

24vowner, 02/23/2007
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Car with some minor problems

Pulsar, 11/07/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car after considering the Vibe, Matrix, and protege-5. They all cost about the same if you add the options needed to bring them up to the GTI standard equipment. This car replaced a 95 Subaru Impreza 2.2 wagon. The interior of the GTI is great, I wanted leather but the local dealers didn't have it with the luxury package so I went with the moon roof and monsoon instead. I've had one big problem that seems like a common one for the GTI/Golf/Jetta/Beetle family...The passenger window supports broke and the window fell into the door frame. It took the dealer 3 days to fix this since they didn't have the parts.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

yee-freakin'-ha!

jazzypaul, 06/26/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just took delivery of my GTI, and man, this thing is fun to drive. On top of it being very quick, it also stays glued to the road, and all of the controls are easy to figure out and easy to reach. On top of that, I'm a professional drummer, and even with as little as the car seems to be, I can fit my entire drumset in the car with ease. How many cars are that fun to drive AND are practical too? Not too many. Man I love this car...

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4.88 out of 5 stars

GTI 337

Eric Kuhns, 05/09/2003
2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An awesome back-to basics, true GTI. Works as weekend autocross track day car (have set several FTD's over cars with nearly twice the HP), babyhauler (pretty roomy ofr it exterior size), and everday commuter. Comfy seat, decent mileage. Incredible brakes, excellent handling, very good power (extremely flexible motor). A ball to drive, anywhere.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great car, fun, and stylish

AdamBlayton, 10/02/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it after comparing with Mini Cooper, Ford Focus SVT, and Toyota Matrix. Wife wanted 4 door stylish car, (if there is such a thing) I wanted 2 door toy that she would drive when I wasn't. Very impressed with interior design, VW is great with that. Leather is definately a requirement, cloth felt like sitting on wool, very harsh. Sunroof quiet all the time, and definately need 17" - everyone says they never have seen the brakes on a car before they saw my 17"s 1.8T engine is a big sluggish off start, should get better with more miles. 5sp is a blast to drive, turbo engine puts you back in seat at about 1800rpm when accelerating, gotta get used to that..

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Car

CamarilloGTI, 11/13/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I test drove a GTI, Civic SI, Focus SVT, Subaru WRX and Celica GT. They're all great cars. If money was no object and it weren't so ugly I would've gone for the WRX. But taking money and style into consideration the GTI is the best choice. The engine is very torquey. I love the solid feel of this car. Just shut the door and hear a solid thud, not a hollow boom like on the RSX. Slide the turn signal and feel it snick into place. Run your hands over the dash and feel the quality of the components used, unlike the hard plastics in the Celica. Its the little things like these which gives a car so much of its soul that I never seem to find on a Japanese car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best VW so far

vdub, 06/01/2009
2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Have had since new, fun to drive, handles great around corners good power at high rpms and good gas mileage. Sixth VW owned this is the best car so far. The GTi has had some things break but nothing major. Will be on my third set of tires. Still has the new car appeal after 7 yrs and has an excellent resale value. Some of things that need improvement are the cup holders location and peeling from the audio unit. Seats are still firm but fading. Over all the car is great and would recommend this vehicle. Will pass this vehicle to my son and purchase a new model.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

What a car

Joomeister, 03/09/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my GTi. I have nothing really to complain about. Excellent power and feel. The turbo is awesome.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Great Car

gtimike, 06/12/2014
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Even compared to modern Toyotas and Hondas they just don't compare to the driving experience of my 2002 Volkswagen Golf 1.8T. I bought it used back in 2005 with 30k miles on it 11 years later and the car still holds it own. Sure I've had to do some maintenance on it but it was the usual stuff: Timing belt/Water pump at 60k, brakes at 90k, clutch at 100k. Parts of the interior has somewhat fallen apart due to my negligence but it still very practical. Cargo space is plentiful with the folding rear seats I can haul stuff in this little hatch: groceries, trees, furniture, you name it. All in all a great fun car that still holds its own despite it's age. I will be driving this car to the ground.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Kick *ss FUN

tyster, 01/16/2003
2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I trully love my 337. I've never had a car that was fun to drive; this one is. Very fun to pick up a friend and jump on the road. Curves are the best. Did have one problem; an ignition coil went out. The AAA roadside service towed it 15 miles to Pasadena and I got a loaner for the day. They fixed it at no expense, so I was happy. They did say that there was a bad batch of ignition coils, so it might happen again.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

GTI GLS

Sudz, 07/03/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For drivin' fast, you can't beat it, but sluggish in the corners and too many squeeks and rattles. Lots' of goodies, very comfortable ride. Easy to customize and bump up the power - large aftermarket following for bolt on performance.

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5 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car

Partyin247, 03/11/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Best features for price.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

GTI GLS

b9e4n4, 12/02/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Originally satisfied, but had many electrical problems and now it needs a new clutch...Been in the shop several times, and I don't think that VW wants to take ownership of their problems. I've owned 15 cars and this has been by far the worst in terms of reliability, but one of the best in terms of fit and finish...

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4.88 out of 5 stars

'02 Indigo Blue GTI 1.8T

rfernatt, 03/18/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great looking car, especially with the very affordable 17" wheel package, and a blast to drive. My only complaints thus far are with a few interior squeaks and rattles. I guess I was expecting a little more quality control in this area. However, materials are top notch. There are some great design features such as the way the front seats move up and away for access to the rear seat - pretty cool! Then, there are some pretty poor design features - what were they thinking when they placed the cupholder to block the radio controls and drip liquid down the center stack?

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Poor man's BMW

bigerock, 05/06/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I teetered back and forth between the BMW Z3, the AUDI TT, and others. I was going to put my money on the BMW, that is, until I drove this little number. I went to the dealership for a test drive, and went home with it that day. This car is so fun to drive. Handles very tight. It's definitely a German car. It performs almost everything you ask of it. Yeah, it's small, but I feel safe. It's got 6 airbags for gosh sake. The monsoon (upgraded) stereo blows. If you like listening to music, and consider yourself an audiophile, you're gonna have to get an aftermarket system. This car can also be electronically tuned to gain around 40 more horses and 70 more lb-ft of torque. That's a TON!

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5 out of 5 stars

YOU GOTTA BUY THIS CAR!!!!!!!

br1an, 03/25/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am having a great time driving this car..never been grocery shopping so many times in one day! I don't know what else to say except that this car has so much to offer. Compared to other cars, price wise, this car has it all. YOU HAVE TO SEE THE CAR IN PERSON to know what I mean. Very thoughtful layout.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Awesome Ride

Carmine Cupani, 12/15/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Forget about the Jap Crap. Get the GTI. Chip it and there is little that will beat you in that price range. Awesome car for the money. The dash colors rock.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Turbo Love

Biff Henderson, 07/10/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

If you want to drive a stealthy car that blows the doors off of all civics, focuses, and celicas... this is the car for you! It has awesome utility + performance for a very reasonable price. I love this car!

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4.75 out of 5 stars

2001 VW GTI

RTieken, 03/05/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Other than an engine that runs rough for about thirty seconds at start up (after a long rest), the car is great. Handles pretty well in the snow thanks to all-speed traction control. Radio reception is horrible, but the rest of the 8 speaker Monsoon powered system is outstanding.

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5 out of 5 stars

awsome

tbird, 04/08/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

fast, fun to drive reliable i love it

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4.5 out of 5 stars

We'll See

Jae, 05/28/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2002 GTI fully loaded. Problems from the day one. The "Brake" light blinks with warning sound randomly. I first took it to Gilboy VW in Allentown didn't do anything and when I told them problem didn't go away they didn't even asked me to bring the car back. They really sucked in service. They even messed up my radio treble knob. it was keep coming off I told them to fix and all they did was glue them back together and not alighned. I took it to Lehigh Valley VW twice and first they topped off brake fluid. problem still persist.. Second time they adjusted parking brake switch. no It's been almost a week.. I'll have to see if the problme ever come back.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wow

trillium, 06/24/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The new VR-6 and the six speed manual is a dream combo. The Golf body makes it just dorky enough to have the cops ignore it.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

GTIIIIIEEEE!!!

WILLIAM GARDNER, 10/17/2002
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEALERSHIP! VERY HELPFUL! IF YOU ARE IN DFW AND IN THE MARKET FOR A VW THESE GUYS ARE IT! THE CAR IS GREAT TO DRIVE. TOUGHEST THING IS TO KEEP MY FOOT OUT OF THE FOOT WELL (LIKES TO GO). THE MOTOR IS EXCEPTIONALLY SMOOTH. REVS LIKE A SEWING MACHINE AND TONS OF TORQUE. NO WAITING FOR THE VTECH TO WORK. NOW POWER! THE 6SPEEDS ARE ICING ON THE CAKE! SPRINGS ARE ON THE TO DO LIST TO SHARPEN HANDLING. OTHER THAN THAT, HITS ALL THE RIGHT NOTES!

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4 out of 5 stars

VW Has Lost Its Way

Sean, 02/20/2007
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

Dont buy one

Gary, 02/26/2010
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is the worst car I have ever had. It stays tore up, clutch 3 times,Turbo went out 44000 miles,new water pump,you name it. This car will break the bank. STAY AWAY!!!

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3.5 out of 5 stars

2002 VW GTI

Carlos Z. , 10/03/2010
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because of the exterior design and style but that's were it ends. This car was nothing but headaches and problems. I had problems with over heating, seat belt sensor, sunroof, alternator, battery, water pump, radio, ignition coils, engine hoses, coolant system, bad ECU, transmission, and thats just off the top of my head. Be ready to become best friends with your mechanic because you'll be seeing him and a check engine light on a lot. Not to mention that all VW parts are extremely expensive. Safe your money people and get your self a honda or toyota. I would never buy another VW again i have sold it since and moved on to a honda best move ever made.

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2 out of 5 stars

Stay away

Stay away, 02/12/2009
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is junk. Brakes, clutch, axles, water leaks, you name it. I am going to trade it for Nissan or Toyota.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

The Worst

Jimmy, 08/31/2009
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2dr Hatchback (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 5 people found this review helpful

Issues w/ terminal connections, burnt out fuse box on battery, always replacing head light/blinker and brake lights. Engine light always on, airbag light always on (had to replace seat belt buckle 4x's) newest addition, blown engine w/ 85k miles. Now replaced w/ rebuilt engine 2 weeks ago and engine light back on. Can you say lemon! Do not buy this car!

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Machine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jakesphere, 12/31/2003
2002 Volkswagen GTI 337 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awesome Autombile! I would recommend it to anybody if one is available to purchase!

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