Used 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
Happy and Sad
Purchased this used vehicle for my 90 mile a day/6 day a week job. Right away noticed that at least twice a year something would go wrong requiring $500-1200 dollars to fix at the local dealership. Now with 156000 miles my little yellow light told me it required a new transmission. Bummer as I wanted to fully test the longevity of the diesel engine. It reminds me of an expensive girlfriend that you really love, but have to lose to keep your sanity/money. Hence the bipolar ratings I gave this car.
WOW
Two words: Holy Crap (in a good way) Engine and handling are amazing. Interior design is beautiful. Radio controls on steering wheel offsets cup holders. Worried about more room in back, get a Passat or tell rear passengers to walk and miss out on an unreal ride. Get sports Lux package with manual and you will not be sorry. not by a long shot.
Ho-hum
So-so vehicle. Turbo lag aggravating. Engine maintenance light's been on 2 times in 7000 miles. Reason unknown. I would not recommend the optional sport suspension package. The Michelin 225x45/R17 Pilot HXMXM4 tires are impossible to obtain locally (had a flat - after 9 days of trying to obtain tire, I restorted to another tire type). Dealer's sales mgr no help.
Zippy, Fun and Sassy
Firstly, the handling on this car is amazing. It is very agile and responsive. Secondly, the powerplant on this car is amazing. There is plenty of passing power and enough acceleration to smoke most cars out there. The turbo spool on this car is minimal, but exists. Thirdly, the interior is sexy. The quality of materials is most appealing. American car companies: take a note from VW!! Basically, the Jetta is a budget luxury sport sedan. It's trimmed like a luxury car, its materials are the quality of a luxury car, its body is solid like a luxury car, its Monsoon sound system rocks like a luxury car.
Turbo Difference
The 2002 Jeta1.8T is an extremely quick car. I love the Jetta's 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!