Used 2002 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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WOULD NOT WISH THIS CAR ON MY WORST ENEMY!
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
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
It's all good
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
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
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
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.
Nice Car
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!!!!
fast, fun, and reliable
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.
an honest review
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.
Bang for the Buck
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.
Lion of the concrete Jungle
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.
Silver .475 Magnum bullett
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.
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Never Buy a VW again
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
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
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Fun Car with a lot of speed
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!
dont buy!
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.
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!
Up's and DOWNS!! :(
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!
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Loaded German Luxury for 26K
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
Very great vehicle
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!
Dont Do It!
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
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
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.
Worst Car I Ever Owned
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.
It's been alright
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
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
If you're reading this I already feel sorry for you.
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
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.
I love my little Jetta
With all the negative reviews most people have about this year/model, I have been fortunate to not have the same problems. Dad bought this car in '05, and I have been driving it since '11. Bought car around 60k miles - dad had about $3000 of repairs put into it at time of purchase. Then replaced the water pump shortly after I started driving in 2008. Had to replace inner/outer CV axles after hitting a nasty pothole back in 2012 (cost $500, OUCH!) Car just passed 176k miles. Trans is having problems (expected, its all OEM far as I know), no electric issues (surprise there), the center console latch and glove box door broke, cloth liner falling down. Good car, plan to have for a while more
Nice car!
Nice overall package! VW did a great job of putting this car togather! Very fun to drive!
Oil, Oil, Oil...
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.
Too Many Problems
I want to love this car - but too many problems are making me crazy!!! Air bag light has come on three times before the car was even a year old. Oxygen sensor was recalled - something i didn't have to pay for to fix. MAF sensor needed to be replaced (25,000 miles) - sunroof broke - and just recently my window fell off the track and fell into the door!!!! It seems like everytime i fix something - something else breaks!!! There is no need for a car this expensive to have so many problems.
Do NOT Purchase!
This car is such a headache! I am in the works of purchasing a new vehicle because at 95,000 my transmission has to be rebuilt at a upwards of $4,500! The car is not even worth that! I have only had this vehicle for nearly 4 years and have had to take it in at least two times a year to have major costly fixes. Volkswagens require a lot of care because they are poorly made. It is very hard to find mechanics that know how to service a Volkswagen which makes it more expensive when you find one that does. My advice is to stay away and do not invest your money. Please do your research before hand and read up on all the complaints.
DON'T BUY A VW!!!!
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?
Fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've had my GLI for a week and I love this thing. I'm still in the break-in period, so I haven't fully tested it yet. But, so far it's very smooth and lots of fun to drive.
I LOVE MY JETTA
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.
The Jetta Rules!
This Car is the Best Car I have ever driven. It has the feel of a BMW at a way cheaper cost. The Design is sporty yet functional and the attention to detail that the Engineers at Volkswagen makes this car great. The added features such as the ability to roll the windows down with the turn of the key in the door shows that Volkswagen has thought of everything. All these features, not to mention the Flip Key that resemble the Mercedes keys make this car a must have. I give this Car a 10 out of 10
MONEY PIT
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.
GLI VR6 SPORTS SEDAN
HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR TWO WEEKS.SO FAR HAS BEEN A FLAWLESS PERFORMER.GAS MILAGE A LITTLE LOWER THAN EXPECTED SO FAR.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAR
This car was one of the worst purchases i have ever done. It worked for maybe 2k miles just fine then after that weekly now i have to fix something with this car and the value of this car is so low that even fixing the smallest thing on it could cost you more then the car is even worth. its not worth it do not buy this car because the number one thing that will i guarantee go out is the transmission just take a second to look around because i can promise you even if you bought this car brand new it still would go bad in a snap.
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Excellent car, fun to drive
We also had coil pack problems, on back order for 2 weeks. VW reembursed us for loss of usage for those weeks (leased car). Have not had any problems since. Absolutely love the car. A great value for the performance and options.
PLEASE READ THESE REVIEWS! THEY ARE TRUE!!
I bought my 2002 VW Jetta in 2004 used 40,000 miles. From day one nothing but problems. Engines coils, water pump ( like 3 times), oil pan, hoses, transmission. The list can go on and on.. I put myself in debt trying to fix this car. So EXPENSIVE to fix. I felt the trans was slipping shortly after my purchase. I kept taking it to the dealer before my warranty went out they couldn't feel what I felt while driving.. A year later after the warranty went out so did the transmission. I paid $2,600 to fix it and it still wasn't fixed the correct way!!!! Every time the car went to the shop my bill averaged $500-800. DON'T BUY A VW PLEASE. You'll regret it!!! Also no mechanic knows how to fix them!
Do not buy!
When it runs, the car is great. That's of course only on the occasional day when it isn't breaking down, the engine light coming on with sudden loss of power and stuttering acceleration, or the gas cap release falling into the abyss of the door leaving you stranded without gas. And all of this fun was in just the first 2 months we owned the car. The Ventilation system constantly whistling and doors unrelentlessly rattling and squeaking (normal by VW standards) just adds insult to injury. Nice touch, Volkswagon.
STAY AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!
I have had my 02 Jetta for almost a year now, and its given me nothing but trouble. I went from driving a 2003 Chevy Trailblazer to the Jetta to try and save on gas, BIG mistake. This Jetta has been back to the deal for repairs at least 8 times in last than a year. All before the car turned 100K the Clutch went out, fuel relays, oil seals, timing belt, to just to name a few issues. Not worth the time or money to buy one of these POS. Do some research and read many reviews about these cars. They are great on gas, but you will spend more money in the long run trying to keep the car on the road!!! Cheaply made and poor craftsmanship!!
WORST IDEA EVER
I have spent more in repairs than the car itself cost. Every repair has to be made at the dealer since an average repair shop hasn't a clue or doesn't have the special tools required to work on it. Oil pump at the VW dealer, $1000. When all hell broke loose as we drove on the highway, all new valves and fixed up heads, $4000. Not to mention that they failed to inform their clients in a timely manner of recalls so the coils had already caused further damage and the sun roof leak had already created a foul smell in the car that also cost $500 to be cleaned and removed properly. Just say NO! Also not very car seat friendly.
Great deal for around $20,000
To anyone who's thinking of buying an Audi A4 or BMW 325, you gotta try the Jetta. My VR6 has more torque and displacement thant the 325, is fully loaded with features, and costs about $10,000 less. Other than for status, I don't see why anyone would pass up the Jetta. This car is fun to drive and the VR6 has a lot of kick
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.
Oil burning, tranny chewing.
My Jetta with 64,000 miles. 100% of its service on schedule performed at only VW dealers. Last week the auto developed a shifting problem between 2nd and 3rd gear. We took the car to VW where Several shocking events then occurred: 1. VW tranny's are sealed, not serviceable, and to check what was wrong with the shifting would cost $648. 2. This was a common problem on the 4cyl Jetta 3. Our $648 would go towards the cost of 1 of 2 outcomes: (1) New Valve Body in the Tranny $1800 or (2) Re manufactured by VW tranny for $4400-The car is worth 6-7000 bucks putting us in an interesting dilemma. [Side note, the car burns ~1 quart of oil per 1,200 miles which the dealer wouldn't fix under warranty
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.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!