Used 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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not so fun to push
I was excited to purchase my third VW. I bought it with 31k on it.. By 70k I was stranded in Boston with a blown engine. VW refused to fix it because it was 5k or so over the powertrain warranty. Sludge problems on them are common yet they have no desire to correct any issue with it. Finally they agreed to give me 1k towards fixing it (which as you know if you own a VW dealeship garage prices are insane .. I was quoted a 6k figure to fix the engine ) in addition to the engine brake lights cont to come on and off, the check engine regardless of anything refuses to go away, and electrical system is poor. Its sad to see that a car that had a solid reputation has decreased in quality so much.
Jetta's a winner!!
We bought our Jetta in August 02 so we don't have any long term experience with it but the time we have had it has been great!! The quality of assembly and materials of the interior is wonderful and the exterior styling is what we were looking for. I work for an automotive supplier and could have recieved some great discounts from the "big three" but they just didn't have a car that could compete with the Jetta. The VR6 is incredible in it's smoothness and power. This is the first import we have owened an at this point we are very impressed.
Over-engineered
This vehicle has been in for repair work averaging every 8800 miles. Each time it is for something different (recalls, check engine light, power windows etc). The average driver should expect what is equivalent to about three extra car payments every other year once the warranty expires. My advice is to unload it before the warranty expires. VW refuses to stand by it's vehicles. This is not directed at the dealership. It is directed at the manufacturer's poor quality control and lack of integrity.
Minor things turns into STRESS makers
I have owned my Vw all of its life. I also had to get the windows reinstalled with the "metal clips" instead of the cheap plasic ones that Mexico put in. That was the first trip to the shop June 02, second time was last year...transmission seemed to start slipping, they reset the trans computer and was running great for 4 weeks and started it again,went to the shop about 3wks ago(9/04)to get oil changed and complained about the brakes making a loud squeeking noise, (tech said nothing wrong) still doing it and it feels sometimes like it sputters when I put it in drive,(tech found nothing wrong as well. Power seat ate its plug for the motor,going to the shop tomorrow for the 8 things on my list
I LOVE MY JETTA BUT IT HAD MAJOR ISSUES.
Had to replace drivers side windor clips because the window fell in. EPC light came on because of a faulty brake switch. Karen Radley VW in Woodbrige, VA didn't charge me for the clips because it was covered by the warrenty. I don't know which warrenty. It expired at 24K. Sometimes around 3000 RPM in 5th gear doing about 80MPH the car stalls for a second. It recently started happening. I have never driven my car like a sports car. Have babied it. This shouldn't be happening. But I guess we all have the same Jettas with the same faulty/cheap parts in them. Good luck if you buy one.
good fun car
The Jetta is a good, fun, reliable (mostly) car. No major problems exept cosmetic (glove box door broke? how?, passenger side window fell in once, and the turn signals stopped working). This is all very minor compared to the problems in my previous american made cars. Good gas mileage, very sporty and fast for what it cost.
my VW (Wolfburg)
This is my third VW I have owned. These cars are well built and fun to drive. They don't use cheap material to build any components of these cars. I am currently driving the 1.8T engine manual transmission. I recomend it!.
don't buy one
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.
Fun to drive
This car is fun to drive. It handles well, acellerates well, and breaks well. It doesn't have alot of room for passengers in the back, but what do i care? I'm driving :) I've had a few problems with the car. Bad window regulator, but it was fixed promptly and under warrenty. Battery died on me just a week ago, it was covered under the warrenty. My radio stopped working for a week and started working again, but they said they would replace it anyways. All minor issues and taken care of without any money out of my pocket.
Soooo cute but sooo stupid
I love the look of the jetta. Fun to Drive but at 40,000 miles my transmission went and took the computer with it. 3 trips to the mechanics fixed but it still does this clunk when accelerating. The interior has peeled, something up front rattles, airbag cover on passanger side shrank and fell off and you cannot charge your cell phone if you want to listen to the radio. The radio is all static until you pull the charger out.But they are so cute! But what happened to quality VW! I'm not sure I would buy on again. I dont like the new ones anyway, they look like a nissan!
silver jetta
I have had not one problem with my car outside of the first day I took it home. I drove off the lot with the reverse light on and it stayed on. I had to return to the dealership to have it repaired twice!!
Looks Great------But Quality Problems
I bought this car for the warranty, its good looks and standard side airbags. Thank goodness for the longer warranty. I don't have to worry about the next thing that is going to break (something always is). Volkswagen has been great about repairing all the deficiencies and towing to dealer. It is just a pain to take the time to get things fixed. The transmission went kaput at 30,000 miles, alternator replaced, driver window broken, dash lights out, plastic interior parts broken. For the money, I think there are better alternatives out there.
Never Again
My 2002 1.8T is the worst new car I have ever owned. After a long history of expensive repairs, the coup de grace is that my transmission now has to be replaced at 95,000 miles. A $5,500 repair, almost what the car is worth. I owned two Audis previously which I drove for a total of 13 years. The two of them combined didn't require as much maintenance as the VW. I will never, ever consider another VW.
gli 2002
awsome car, great fun. The gli sit well on the road and is great fun. I need to drive my car more.
My car hates me!
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!
Piece of junk
I bought this car new in 2002 since day one it was an electrical nightmare. Air cond. stopped working first year. It took a month for the dealer to fix. It took 7 trips to the dealer and me figuring that there was a short in the telescopic steering wheel. Besides the at least 50 or so times this car has been in the shop, the best is when the timing belt snapped while backing out of a parking spot ended up costing me $3500 because it has an interference engine where all the valves get bent requiring head to be redone. There was a bulletin stating there was a problem with antifreeze leaking down the wiring harness, of course this happened to my car. Do not buy this car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Windows
I love my Jetta i spent two years building them online, and when i finished up my senior year of high school i told my mom and dad that we were going New Car Shopping b/c i was not going to drive my POS anymore. We got my Jetta the day i graduated and a month later my drivers window broke so they fixed it. A month after that the passenger window broke we took it back but we had to drive in the pooring rain with the window down and they fixed it. That time they gave us a loaner b/c we were pissed. What we found out is that there is a plastic clip and it brakes but the replace it was a metal one. But your window has to brake first before they will fix it.
FUN WHEN IT RUNS
MY GLI HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOR 5 WEEKS. I WAS BLESSED WITH THE YEAR THAT HAS IGNITION COILS THAT FAIL ON YOU. I AM TOTALLY DIAPPOINTED IN THE VW RELIABILITY. WHEN I GET THE CAR BACK I MOST LIKELY WILL TRADE IT IN FOR SOMETHING RELIABLE.(NOT VW)PARTS AND REPAIR SHOULD NOT TAKE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.YET THEY EXPECT TO GET THEIR PAYMENT ....NOT
Fun to drive, choose your options wisely
The handling is superb, fun to drive. The automatic transmission shifting is annoying. Going above 3000 rpm is difficult to obtain, really needed when going up hills. Significant loss of power and difficulty in keeping up in traffic on upgrade and in the right gear. The quality of the interior materials are beautiful, reminds me of the BMW. This care has more rattles than any car I have ever owned. Wind drag is awful without more than 2 open. Extremely cramped back seat. Strongly recommend the manual for most fun. Not as roomy as the 97 Civic hatchback. Very poor fuel economy 18 mpg.
Will not own VW again
I brought a VW at the advice of a friend. After owning Hondas since I was able to buy my own cars. Since I have owned this car it has been in the shop more times than the previous four Honda's I have owned all put together. The skid plate was "fixed" four times. The Monsoon audio system had to be replaced. The fabric is worn. The black covering on the door handles is peeling off. The trunk does not close and latch anymore, etc. I now have an infant and it's time to get a bigger car. I am going back to Honda and won't drive anything else again. Maybe I just got a bad Jetta but I don't want to take the risk and try again. No VW's are recommended by Consumer Reports. I wonder why.
Worst car ever!
I owned this car for a total of 4 months with nothing but problems from day one! I had the super-duper 'bumper to bumper' extended warranty that still didn't fix any of the problems that the dealership said it had. It spent more time in the dealership being 'repaired' than it did in my driveway. DO NOT BUY THIS CAR! Volkswagen really messed up with this car.
Amaaazing Car
I bought this car after a serious accident in my turbo Subaru. I love the design, safety features, style and performance. Its got the upgrade factory 17 inch alloys and spoiler. This car looks tough. I bought it with 52,000 miles on it in 11/05 and have already put 16,000 miles on it. This car is hands down one of the best I've owned. I have had no major service issues to date. I'm a satisfied customer. VW: Drivers Wanted!
Never again...
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.
Problems After Warranty Expired!
The first four years that I owned my 2002 VW Jetta I didn't have any major mechanical problems. I haven't been super happy with the car in general. I drive a lot for work, and it's annoying that the car is loud on the highway. The main issue is that my warranty JUST ran out about two weeks ago and all of a sudden the driver seat adjustments stopped working and my power steering went out last night. I was driving downtown San Francisco and I heard "pop" and then all of a sudden it was like I was driving a dumptruck. I am sure that VW is going to kill me with the charges for this repair. I had planned on keeping this car until it stopped working, but now I may buy something else and never return to VW.
My Jetta 1.8t with everything
Its awesome! It has all the bells and whistles, the stereo is amazing with an 8 speaker 200 watt amp and the turbo engine just recently upgraded is powerful and lots of fun.
Buying This Car is a Bad Move
I have literally brought this car into the dealership eighteen times. Yes, EIGHTEEN Times. Every time I have had the vehicle in something else has gone wrong. The fan stopped working, the power windows wouldn't function, now the tranmission is failing and only at 34,000 miles.
Couldn't be Happier
This is our third Volkswagan. We owned an old Volks Rabbit (year unkown), a 1994 Passat Wagon and now a 2002 Jetta 1.8T. The Jetta is fun to drive. The automatic/manual transmission was a big selling point. In addition the leather interior, sunroof, and mansoon sound options added more enjoyment to a car that has all safty features strandard and a robus standard warrenty.
Great car
This is my 3rd Jetta. This is the first one I bought with the sports pkg and leather pkg. It is a MUST have. THe car is so good looking and fun to drive. Very fast! Howeever if I didn't have the 17" wheels and leather inside, it would not be nearly as fun to drive. This is the best car I have ever owned.
Frustrated with Volkswagen!
I have taken my car in numerous times for recall things. I had only had it for 1 year when the keyless remote quit working - was told it would cost $200 to re-key it - that it wasn't covered under the warranty! (I shudder to think of paying $200. every time it "loses" its memory!) Then the sunroof wouldn't open all the way - I was charged another $200 and told it wasn't covered under warranty because it was only "dirty" and "needed cleaning!" So I'm going to pay $200 every time it gets dirty!?!
Excellent Car
If you are looking for a fun-to-drive, powerful, reliable car and does not mind paying a little extra for these three things the Jetta GLX VR6 is your car. I bought mine in Feb. 2001 and I love it.
Zoom
I've only had my Jetta for a week, but boy have i had a blast. I wanted a sports sedan but couldn't really afford an Audi or a BMW. The GLX VR6 Jetta turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. The VR6 engine is more than powerful enough for me to get my kicks, and with the GLX trim line, I feel like I'm sitting in a $30,000+ car.
The Best
This car is the best compact sedan right now!
VRoooooom
I've only put on about 1500 miles on my new GLI and so far the only annoyance is putting it away for the night--this thing is FUN to drive. Its engine pulls very well below 3000, and above that I defy anyone to not wind up with a big fat grin on their face. The 6 speed feels great with short, precise, shifts. The ride is sporty-smooth: you feel the road, but without being jarring in the least. The recaro seats are both supportive and comfortable, even after an entire day behind the wheel. The ergo's are very impressive, right down to the slope on the armrest which leaves your hand aligned with the shift knob. I think I'm in love.
2002 GLS 1.8T 5A
In my opinion this car is the best vehicle for the money. Although it can accommodate 5 the Jetta is most comfortable for 2. The rear seat leg room is tight. The 1.8T is the engine of choice for performance (180 HP Stock/210 HP chipped). The interior is well laid out with the exception of the cup holder. The cup holder opens up covering the radio controls. 2003 1/2 will introduce console cup holders similar to the Passat.
The Car!
I have just recently purchased a silver one and I am loving it. It is a big change from an '86 Chevy Blazer. Leather seats really add class to the car. I am very comfortable driving it. The fact that there are so many air- bags and other safety features gives me a peace of mind when driving it out in this crazy world. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone, no matter your age, because it is an overall wonderful car.
Jetta GLX
I can't say enough about the VW Jetta. My car is equipt with the sports suspension and the 5 speed. I forgot how much fun driving could be. The car handles as a car priced in the mid $30's. For a sport suspension the ride is not rude but you do feel the road. Anything lost in the ride catagory is more than made up in the handling. The interior is laid out wounderfully if you like a driver orientaded car. Materials are first rate for the compact class then some. Makes the back roads to work worth the extra time.
Best bang for my buck
The Jetta will give you a lot of car for a modest amount of money. I have the 1.8T, 5-speed manual version of the vehicle with the sport suspension, sun roof and 17" wheel package. When I bought the car I was looking for a combination of performance and fuel efficiency. The vehicle gets about 27- 28 mpg during my city driving. 180hp under makes the vehicle very fun to drive. The trim materials in the car are above standard for this price range and the mechanical quality is usual Volkswagen, very good. I think one would be hard-pressed to find this combination for the ~$20,000 I paid for the vehicle brand new.
This car is Terrible
If you want an electrical Nightmare buy this car. It is a total piece of crap. I will never buy a foreign car again. I have never driven this car 60 days in a row. Dont waste your money.
Love the turbo!
Best car for the price
Little Red Fun Car
I really love driving this car. My previous Honda Accord Coupe was a nice car, but the Jetta blows it away in terms of sheer driving smiles. I enjoy the Tiptronic transmission, because I can put it in D when I'm feeling lazy, or I can row my own when I want a little sport. I must warn people that the velour seats will trap EVERY PIECE of pet hair and lint. If you can afford it, get the leather! My always-cold wife says the seat heaters will save our marriage.
great quality and fun to drive
Love my jetta, it's build quality is excellent with no problems. Interior looks good and heated seats are a must for leather seats in this part of the country. Quick with 1.8T engine. Going through tunnels you can really hear the turbo when it spools up. Great car no complaints. This is big because I have owned 13 cars in past 5 years, so far I plan on keeping it for awhile.
Very Disappointed
I bought my VW Jetta new in 2001. It's beautiful and fun to drive, but NOT RELIABLE! I have been in the shop many, many times in the almost 6 years I have had it. Electrical problems, power window problems, console and seat breaking easily. The repairs weren't extremely costly, but MANY! It's too bad such a nice and attractive car has been such a pain when it comes to repairs. I am going to trade it in for something else. I am tired of seeing my VW repair guy.
I Thought It Was Only My Luck
I thought it was only my luck when my Jetta broke down within the first few months I purchased it. After all, I did buy it on September 11, 2001. After countless visits to the dealership (for non-routine services), years of frustration and headaches, a few near-death experiences, and tens of thousands in cash, I will finally pay off my Jetta this September. But what's the point now? I've put so much money and energy into a car that is barely drivable. This is my first and last VW ever! I am just so damn tired having to deal with all the crap this car brings.
Teutonic Rocket
Finaly picked up my 2002 GLI last week. I shopped around for the best price and was able to get a "base" GLI (with the NE Emissions) for $20.3K. The car is a blast to drive. Fit and finish are excellent. Feature content is really high for a car of this price.
Fun Car to Drive Outdated Styling
Love the car the 180 hp engine is a great motor, fun to drive, nice interior, somtimes wonder what is different than the A4 seems the same to me
jetta
this is by far the best car it is comfotable, stylish, great on gas, very reliable
bling, but your bnk acct it will clean!
This car was fun to drive until the relationship degenerated to the point I cringed ever time I had to start it, fearing something else would break.If I weren't able to complete most repairs myself, I'd probably have spent 5-8k in repairs.All the usual problemsbad ignition coils, 3 radios, window regulators,broken keyfob, multiple wheel bearings (as in 7 or 8 of them), various failed switches, broken glovebox door, broken center console latch (x5) & antenna. In addition, I had 3 airbag system component failures (which I couldnt fix myself and cost $$$) and a wheel vibration issue that nobody could resolve. I gave up at 79k because I knew the plastic waterpump impeller was on borrowed time
Pretty cool car
I have this car for only a few months now, but i got to drive it for about 13000 miles already. This car has a nice interior that fits two adults very well but not so good in leg room in the back seat. The engine is really powerfull and with the manual transmission its even more fun to drive. I've had a few problems with it so far but nothing big.
Very Happy with used Jetta for daughter
I just bought this fun little car after much research for my daughter. I have owned German porsches before and loved them. Although you can't compare this car to a porsche, it really is fun to drive. With six air bags, solid build, it is a very safe car for a new driver. I have read the negative posts and the positive ones. Even though there were more negative ones than positive, I chose a car that is fun to drive and is safe. It has more than ample power for a teenager or adult commuter. I did get an extended warranty, mainly because of the negative posts and the costs of German repairs. As I said, I have owned porsches so I know.
Excellent
I was very skeptical about buying a new car. But i know that buying the jetta was one of the best decisions i have made. the jetta not only makes me feel in affordable nice car but a fun car too. I love the jetta it has given me what i wanted. Relaible, fun, comfortable, and sexy.