Used 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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under rated TDI
Huggybear, 09/05/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
20 of 21 people found this review helpful
I consistently get 48-50 mph highway milage at a steady 70mph. It should be written about more as a superb vehicle, worth every penny!
Mr. Reliable
gumbo2, 07/14/2011
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I'm going on 316K miles with this car and averaged over 53 mpg on my last tank of fuel. Yes, there are flaws in the interior design (cup holders in particular) and yes, it's difficult to perform maintenance on it sometimes but how can you find fault with a car that is so reliable? Oil changes every 10K, timing belt every 80K and everything else like brakes, tires, filters, etc., are done simply as req'd. I've had the clutch, water pump and other components each replaced once but this engine is a beast. Maintenance is certainly more expensive when required but fortunately, I have a local (non-dealer) repair shop that specializes on German cars and that helps keep the bill down.
43 MPG!
curtolaf, 03/02/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
This is my first VW. I chose the Jetta because of the optional 1.9L TDI Diesel powerplant. I commute 70 miles daily and I was looking for a way to save some cash. I got what I expected. My previous car drank 89 octane fuel and at best got 26 mpg. I'm not spending any more on diesel fuel and the savings are there. Despite its 90hp rating the Jetta is a kick to drive. The turbocharger delivers when you step on the "gas".
Best car ever
Crystal Morris-Stromberg, 01/21/2016
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I love my car. It's powerful, fun, and efficient. It has 230k miles and I still love it. Only had the timing chain replaced and the glow plugs replaced and it's still running strong. About 40 mpg going 80 mph on the highway.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good and Bad
g2driver44, 10/18/2011
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
38 of 44 people found this review helpful
I bought my 02 Jetta new from the dealer and put 263,000 miles on it. The Good: I fell in love with gas mileage..700 miles to a tank. This was my first import car and the handling was awesome. I traveled from Washington to N. California and never broke down. The most comfortable seat I have ever sat in... maybe because I spent all my time in this car, it was custom fit to me. The resale value of this car only took me 24 hours to sell. The Bad: The cost of maintenance on the TDI was enough to drive you mad. $500 every time they had to look at the car. I had some check engine lights come on after 30k, 60k and 90k. Burned through countless o2 sensors.
WOULD NOT WISH THIS CAR ON MY WORST ENEMY!
theandyn, 03/14/2012
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 5 years ago after I graduated high school to have a more reliable car for driving back and forth to college. I have literally had this car in the shop for something new needing to be fixed every single month. I had a 96 mustang before this and it had about 50,000 more miles on it and I never ONCE had it in the shop for anything but oil changes. Not to mention, everything is TWICE as expensive to fix because its a foreign car This car has been my worst nightmare and I just got done paying on it. Now the transmission is about to go and now I am forced to buy another car instead of having the luxury of no car payment. If you want something to last, please do NOT buy this car!
Best Car Ever
God blessing jetta, 01/10/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Well I just got my Jetta I love it. Very Clean car for 95000 miles on it . Its not giving me any problems since i got it . I read most of the reviews I believe if you take care of your car and this goes for all car and trucks if you take care of it , it will last you a very long time like for example i had a 1997 eclipse and It drove me everywhere and gave me no problems bc i took care of it but i sold it bc im 6ft 4in and need a bigger vehicle and it had 240,000miles and i just got my jetta and ima do the same thing is take care of it. its fast it runs good and its a 2.0litter well thats all for now
Are you Kidding
Gman, 08/21/2009
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought this from a Lady in Kansas over the internet and she drove it to me in Colorado, delivered in pretty much perfect shape. I have over a million miles on it now and I am pretty much shocked by the other owners reviews. It was built in Mexico and has had the usual faults like electric window problems and seat heaters but that was all covered in the warranty and replace with no hassle at the dealers. On the last days of my warranty I had them replace the Turbo as easy as if it was a light bulb. Since then I have done most the work on it myself. A lot cheaper than mechanics will do. Replaced the thermostat for 15$ in thirty minutes. $200 plus at most shops.
Transmission problems
josevi, 12/22/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and it is I came to the Jetta Wagon from a Civic and I have to say that it is a much better car. The cargo capacity is incredible, especially considering its compact size. However, like many European cars, it suffers from electronic gremlins (most of the issues, solved under warranty). More worrying was extensive cylinder work at around 50k miles and a rebuilt transmission at 70k, the latter, according to internet forums being a common issue. Despite its practicality, its comfort and attractive design, I would not recommend that you buy a second-hand one. I am trying to get a couple of years more of mine and will move on to a different brand.
2002 Jetta TDI
TDIowner, 02/16/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
We average about 47mpg. The best mileage was just over 60mpg and the worst being 38mpg in the summer with AC going and a lead foot. Havent had any issues with the car. We enjoy it so much we will be buying a second TDI. This car is not slow. It will hold its own. The car is very capable in city and highway driving. Our car is all stock. I have had a number of honda civic's try and race us. I normally give and and race them. Havent been beaten yet. The Jetta 2.0 is very close in performance. I just wanted to show you this isnt a doggish diesel.
Only car I'll buy
dean, 09/11/2008
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
In 3 years I've put 90,000 miles on it. I do not get below 500 miles per tank average 40 mpg city and as high as 58 hwy. There is a relief button inside filler neck of fuel tank to allow more fuel. I've gone 758 miles on one tank of fuel. Memphis TN to Madison Wi straight! Only problem with it has been glow plugs. Luckly I live in Ca so I'm not going to replace them. Other than that, expect to pay $900 every 80K for a timing belt. I'm getting ready to have 2nd one installed soon. I will buy a tdi again without a doubt.
It's all good
sandoz1938, 03/29/2014
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Great little car. I bought it with 166000km and now have 300000km. In the 134000km/5 years of owning it I've only had to replace the breaks, alternator (I blew the alternator by not replacing the battery when I should have), and the rear wheel bearing. The car now needs a front wheel bearing and muffler but that's not all bad for 166000km of driving. I tow large loads all the time and generally don't take care of the care of the car like I should but it still takes care of me, kow. I do change the oil every 6000km with synthetic (5w40?) and replace the oil filter with every change. I also run premium fuel.
Don't Listen to the NaySayers
turboDan, 08/12/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
In all honesty, I'm surprised. Being a Chevy fan all my life, we bought this car primarily for my wife and I'm actually jealous. Like every other vehicle I've owned, there are it's problems but the dealer has satisfied our every repair and maintenance need and more. Vacuum lines went at 90k and our water pump just went out at 120k. We bought it with 68k. I've done almost all the maintenance myself without difficulty. The engine is super strong for it's size (zips past most vehicles on the freeway) and it's just perfect for a small family like ours. Gas mileage can suffer if you like the gas pedal like me, but we still average 24 mpg. I still have a Chevy, but my next car will be a VW.
2002 VW Jetta GLX VR6
jnp16, 05/31/2015
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
The reviews on maintenance costs are spot on. In six years, I've reached double digits in calling a tow truck to come pick me up. x5 alternators, x4 window regulators (3 driver/1 passenger), cat converter, multiple hoses/wires seemed to have disintegrated or melted without known reasons, interior wood paneling is falling off (even double bubble wont keep them on and I used that fixing air planes). Also my black paint job began to fade shortly after the factory 10 year warranty. Now my black car mirrors a dalmatian, which I have begun to explain as it is a "custom fade" paint job. 700 words isn't enough to explain how many problems I've had since 2009.
Overall Good
chefjeff, 04/10/2008
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is the 3rd vw I've owned in the last 8 years, the 1.8 is very smooth and quick when matched with the 5 speed tranny. This is like all other vw's in the respect that repairs are costly, my best advice is to buy a vag-com scan tool and a breakdown manual and do some of the work yourself, believe it or not a lot of the problems can be fixed quite easily and cost near nothing compared to dealership and repair shop prices. parts are cheaper when boughten online or from auto stores as well.. I've saved thousands by doing so.
fast, fun, and reliable
mike, 10/10/2009
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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.
Nice Car
Denis, 10/06/2009
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
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!!!!
2002 VW Jetta Wagon Diesel
lindamh, 09/14/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my car! It is fun to drive, great on diesel, lots of room in the back and more with the 60/40 split seats down. I like smaller cars and I need room as I carry lots of "stuff" with me for my job. Last week the back was full with a wheelchair, I still put 3 cases of wine and 2 boxes of food in the side door with no problem! I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.
Silver .475 Magnum bullett
Ana Chandler, 08/06/2018
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the most long lasting and reliable car you could ever purchase. My car has been through mud holes, grass fields and way worse places and has NEVER had an issue.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Lion of the concrete Jungle
Sharkie, 05/28/2008
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I love my car to RAS!!! VW's especially the VR6 (jetta/golf) go down well with people who love and care for them and not recommended for car neglects. Treat them well and they will go down in history with you. I will never drive anything else than a VW (6cyl) or an Audi. The good thing about them is you can really supe them up nice and steady. They are great @ curves and i will always recommend the shift stick (6spd) to transmission.
Bang for the Buck
J.B., 01/31/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
You'd be hard-pressed to find a combination of styling and features in a similar car. After driving the Passat V6 and Jetta VR6/1.8T, I opted for the 2002 GLS 1.8T w/ every option available. It was just a fun car to drive. It was a tough car to find (9/01), so the dealer tried to give me the supply & demand surcharges for silver, rare options, etc. Youll experience the same headache with the New Beetle Turbo S about now. Needless to say, I worked a good price and have been extremely pleased.
an honest review
effigy3, 04/22/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
My current car is GLX 5M and is my 5th VW. This car has wonderful road manners, is quiet, powerful, comfortable, and looks great. I must have a car that can handle itself on windy highway roads at speed limit plus velocities and this car delivers! The pick a line and go, the body sets itself and tracks wonderfully. It is great for road tips and as a grocery-getter too. Just keep rear seat occupants under 6' tall. I have had great luck with my VWs but have seen others with check engine light issues, window regulator failures, and small irritants. Could it be their maintenance practices? I don't know.
German Engineering My Butt
bigwombat, 07/16/2014
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
The automatic transmission 01M of this car made between year 1999-2003 are known to be the most unreliable transmission ever made. Look for it online, there are so many reports of these transmission breaking down from 100k to 150k miles. Mine is even considered a good case, where it broke down right after 200k miles, but throughout my ownership of the car I dropped so much many to fix and maintain the transmission, that in the end, I don't think it is worth it. Pros: Gets decent MPG. Can reach high speed. The manual version seems reliable from reviews. Cons: Horrible auto transmission. Loud. Weak acceleration. Expensive to maintain.
Never Buy a VW again
crewdawg63, 10/25/2011
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Bought this 5 years ago hoping to get 30 mpg for a long commute to a new job. Had a 1986 Jetta once upon a time that was GREAT, so figured Id get another one BIG mistake. Good: Heated seats are warm and cozy in the New England wintertime while waiting for the heater to warm up. Its small and fits in tiny parking garages well. The 2 rear seat reading lights are awesome for the kiddos they control their own light and it does not create a distracting glare for me. Lots of airbags. Good city car dont care if someone scratches nor dings it anymore. Its paid for. BAD: Build quality is horrible. Replaced 3 water pumps in the past 3 years-they seem to last just beyond the 12 month warranty, of course. Driving back from a long road trip up the east coast, all 4 brake rotors warped and I just got thru having all 4 brakes replaced (ouch!). The car wash ripped the radio antennae off the top. Dealer wants $1000 to remove/replace the headliner in order to fix. The heater on the drivers side blows air on my shins, so my toes continue to stay frozen no matter how hot the rest of the inside is. The exhaust just cracked behind the manifold, another $700 bill which had to be fixed in order to pass inspection. Now the automatic transmission and clutch is starting to act up, shifting hard and not dropping in to gear without banging on the shift lever. The auto door locks sometimes dont lock or unlock the back doors. The key fob doesnt lock/unlock unless Im within 3 ft of the car, even after repeated battery replacements. Rust is starting to show on the body, despite my attention to keeping the car clean. Im going to give this car to my 16 year old son as his project car. If he can keep it running, he has wheels. No matter how I drive and keep the car tuned up, the best I can get out of it is 25 mpg. Im going to go buy Toyota or Dodge truck. Might as well have a quality built hauler that people will get out of the way of Im tired of people pulling out in front of me when they see this POS coming.
Solid sedan
furrey, 07/05/2016
updated 01/10/2022
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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 6'4" tall so not great for long rides behind the driver-just enough electronics as to not to act as a distraction
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Fun Car with a lot of speed
KJN, 08/23/2008
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2002 VW Jetta VR6 GLX in late 2005 right before the new models started to hit the dealerships. I knew I was paying more for a VW and this model has all the extras that reflected the price. The Pick-up for a small sedan without aftermarket enhancements has to be one of the best. The fuel economy is not great, but it is a V6 so that is expected. I have done minimal maintenance and the car is still running great. I wish there was Mp3 capability with the car, but I guess since it is a 2002 that was not an option. It would be great if they made the Jetta in an AWD model!
Happy camper
luckydude, 04/23/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the second Jetta diesel I have owned. The first was totalled in an accident. I was a lucky dude. The air bags worked and I had a small scratch on my wrist. The car was not at fault. It was drunk driver problem. I like everything about the Jetta. I average about 800 miles per week and on this newer vehicle, I am averaging 50 mpg, and I know it will get better.
dont buy!
germancarlife, 01/17/2013
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2011 with 56,000 miles on it and its been nothing but trouble. first the engine temp sensor went out ($400), next was the entire transmission at 65k miles ($4000) and then never ending issues with the electronics and engine internals. I change my oil every 3500 miles and drive 13 miles a day on the highway very gently so idk why this car is so bad. My wife has an 02 325i with 213k miles on it and its never given 1/15 of the problems the jetta vr6 has and she and I both drive that car very abusively to be honest, just regular oil changes, brakes and tires.
Great features, terrible reliability.
JohnJetta, 05/03/2009
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If this car were more reliable, (or at all reliable), I would be completely satisfied with it. It has a great interior with plenty of useful features and a good design. I love the look of the outside as well. BUT, this car has been nothing but trouble since the day I got it. It is in the shop AT LEAST once a month, and repairs on German cars are expensive! The check engine light is basically on more than it is off. Make sure you have a lot of money to spare and an extra car if you decide to buy a Volkswagen!
Very great vehicle
ev_rickus, 03/07/2014
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car has been very good to me through everything that I have put it through. Snow, heavy rain, whatever it has been, the FWD has been wonderful; I have never once gotten stuck in snow and have driven it in the mountains for 3 years now. Esthetically pleasing, and fun to drive. We have had to replace the water pump (5-6 years ago), and the front drivers door sensor, but otherwise no major repairs. The trans is having trouble, but what can you expect at 170k miles and after 13 years. The cloth on the headliner is falling off, and center console broke off, and the glove box door broke; ultimately, a great car that my family has had it, and I would consider getting another VW!
Up's and DOWNS!! :(
Lura, 02/16/2016
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Do your research before buying! It's a good car in many ways!,, But everytime I think all is well, something else goes wrong with it!! Now, it won't shift into 'overdrive'!! This is my work car, can't keep having it in the shop! Going broke fixing it. Any ideas out there on the 'overdrive' issue??? Thx!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Loaded German Luxury for 26K
jayjay78, 04/26/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
before I bought my Jetta i was looking at the BMW 325i. Compared both and for everyday use the Jetta drives just as nice as the 325i looks great, fun to drive and great power from the Vr6 with a super smooth Trany, there is no other car out there the size of the Jetta with the looks, price, features, and the German feel with a V6 for this price
Dont Do It!
mikejones5, 05/12/2013
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
7 of 14 people found this review helpful
Worst purchase I have bought! 135K and here is the work I have done: O2 sensor Catalytic Converter Water Pump Timing Belt All bulbs Bumper Clips (3 Times) Hub caps (on going)
VW WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE
fred, 09/07/2009
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I beg anyone reading this to please DO NOT ever buy a VW. This car has caused me so much stress. I will go as far as to say it has ruined my life. Buy this car if you want to cough up about $300- $600 every 3 months for repairs. NOTHING is cheap to fix. I have had this car for 5 years & have spent well over $5000 in repairs. You name it, I've replaced it. Its in the shop AGAIN. I am done with this car. I don't care if I lose money I am going to buy a Toyota or Honda this week. I never thought a car could be such a nightmare. VW customer care was a joke so don't even bother trying to contact them about any problems you may have. They may be cute & fun but they are not reliable at all.
Jetta
decker, 02/19/2006
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Our 2002 Volkswagen Jetta has been a great car to drive. We have not had any major problems with it. All of the recalled parts were hassel free to fix. It has the pick up that I like and good fuel economy whlie cruising.
It's been alright
monkey801, 05/30/2013
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car 2 years ago because I've always loved Jettas. Fell in love with it right away, it's definitely quicker than most would assume. Bought it with 118,000 miles. Since then I've had to replace the fuel pump, ignition coils (recall), and the hoses. These cars are expensive to fix! Aside from that it's still running strong at 136,000 miles.
worst car i ever had
chicagodriver, 04/24/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Despite all the great reviews, this car has problem after problem. First, heated seats started on fire--at dealership for over a week with no compensation from VW for burned jacket and pants.Interior cheap and falling apart. Constant engine trouble-now with only 70000 miles, the engine needs to be replaced. I have had all maintenance done on time and disgusted with this expensive, money draining piece of junk. DO NOT BUY
Worst Car I Ever Owned
Help help help, 08/03/2007
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Many, many, problems with this car. Repairs are often and expensive, most of which only VW can do. Just in the last 15 months, valve body $2600, over heat $440, AC cooling fan $625, new water pump $920. There have been many other issues, rear joint berrings, engine light coming on, cheap plastic on the interior, broken knobs, broken armrest, door handle material peeling off, radio quits and only VW has the special key to replace fuse, greasy insulation oozes from doors. And there were a half dozen recalls in the first couple years, power windows, brakes, etc. The resale on this car is terrible, once the warranty is out it depreciates much faster the other brands.
If you're reading this I already feel sorry for you.
katwoj, 04/09/2013
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
4 of 9 people found this review helpful
This car is a piece of crap. I have had two VW Jettas that were both maintained well by previous owner. I bought my current one with 87,000 miles on it and it currently has 103,000. In that period of time I have literally purchased the car over again in repairs and went into debt. The only thing I haven't repaired thus far is the transmission, and I have reason to believe that is on its way out. The water pump was replaced before I bought it and yet it went out again at 100,000. Destroyed my engine ($3,000). Also had to get all new axles, tie rods, wheel bearings. Drives jerky, erratic acceleration. Not to mention it smells like a box of nauseating melted crayons. NIGHTMARE. DO NOT BUY.
Piece of Crap
CB, 08/26/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
My wife & i bought this car with 45k, from day one, the car has been a piece of crap. the car died 7 days after we bought it. after that the mechanical problems, engine light on. for some reason the passenger door won't open unless its from the outside, the trunk release dont work. the engine lights stays on. catalytic converter replaced light still on, new engine mount. engine light still on. engine rumbles the car shakes more than a rattle snake. car in the shop now, needs new wheel bearing, complete tune up $1200. 4 time this year car been fixed. car needs oil change every 1500 miles. right side speakers blew up. Never again will buy a VW. They are worthless.
2002 Jetta 1.8T
chumani, 06/12/2013
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
If it makes you feel better I have a wagon. This car would be a great car if all the parts could be shipped next day from Germany. Good luck with your transmission. You can start thinking about replacing it at 60,000 miles. The tiptronic switch is easy to replace if you're a mechanical geek but if not it will cost you around $500.00 to fix. This is not the kind car you buy parts from your local part store. Be ready to get dirty and learn how your car works or pay a hefty price at the shop and I'm just talking about your regular maintenance. If you can afford the upkeep of an Audi then go for it because that's what you're buying anyway.
Oil, Oil, Oil...
Julie, 06/04/2006
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was the first NEW car I have bought. At my first manufacturer suggested oil change, I was surprised to be a quart and a half low. I fought with the dealership for 8,000 miles about the oil consumption on this car - which they claimed was normal for a VW because "the engine runs hot". At 13,000 miles, they finally gave in and rehoned the cylinders and replaced the pistons. But that still did not solve the problem. I've just about given up my fight since the car has now been out of waranty for 30,000 miles. I have to replace a quart every 1,000 miles now, and my current mechanic says soon it will be a quart every 300-400 miles. It's so unfortunate because I like the car otherwise. Don't bother with VW.
DON'T BUY A VW!!!!
Jen_Jen322, 09/19/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My exprience??? Where do I start? Transmission slips, goo coming from doors, windows fall into door, broken armrest, consumes a lot of oil, electrical problems, gas guzler. Other than that is has been fine!! Enough said?
I LOVE MY JETTA
Robg, 02/10/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
For a 4 cylinder it's got some pep, but I wish I had splurged, because I know the 1.8 has some kick. But I love my Jetta, and wouldn't trade it for the world. The leather/cold weather(heated seats...) package are worth the price of the car altogether, not to mention the reliability. All of our friends are jealous even a year later. Those Germans know what they are doing.
Nice car!
jrbn11, 05/21/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Nice overall package! VW did a great job of putting this car togather! Very fun to drive!
MONEY PIT
Brandon, 01/09/2010
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved this car in the beginning. I thought it was really cute and loved the turbo engine and other features like the heated seats. After the first year of ownership EVERYTHING started breaking. I've spent thousands on repairs. The last two years alone I've spent over $4000 dollars. Even the inside is falling apart. Many of the interior features are made of plastic and easily break. This car is in the shop every other month. Also as a sidenote the backseat is almost too small for passengers who aren't children. Very crowded.
Best Buy!
TommyBoy, 07/20/2006
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I have put 85,000 miles on it in about two years. I change the oil, rotate the tires and it keeps on running. I've had ZERO problems out of this baby. I routinely get 50 mpg! With gas prices at $3.00/gallon, why wouldn't you want this car. It's fun to drive, peppy and has great fuel economy.
Diesels do it better
mbeer, 01/22/2003
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The diesel engine was the main selling feature for me. I get well over 50mpg on the freeway & have no complaints about power. This car pulls pretty hard on the freeway when passing, no down shifting needed. The attention to detail when designing this car is obvious & material quality equals that of BMW or Benz. A few creeks & rattles more then a german car should have but nothing excessive. Only problems Ive had was a torn weather strip and a seeping oil seal on transmission, dealer took care of both.
go go go diesel
chiefreg1, 08/22/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have put 900 miles on in the first 4 days of ownership. First half of tank of fuel got me 47 mpgs and the second half got me 50.5 mpg. Without being broken in I can't wait. Good speed on highway needed to buy radar detector. It seems to like 75 to 85 mph. Vw dealership was easy to work with but would have been nice to see more then a couple of these great cars.
2000 Jetta TDI Love affair
jlarm3, 05/13/2002
2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Jetta TDI is a marvelous car and gives great economy. We get 39 city and 42 highway. We don't "baby" it, but rather, drive is pretty hard. We have put 53,000 miles on it in 13 months of driving. Very happy with the ride quality and the solid feel of the car. Only 2 complaints!!! 1. Why so short an interval on the timing belt change? Calls for change at 40,000 miles (w/auto trans). I was not made aware of this requirement until after I bought the car, and was surprised at frequency and cost. 2. Front bumper too low. Don't park within 5 feet of the concrete stops or curbs. You will pull off the bumper cover every time!
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