2002 Volkswagen Jetta

Pros: Roomy, comfortable seats, plenty of whistles and bells, good economy. RELIABLE
Cons: Underpowered 2.0L engine. Burns a bit more oil than expected.

Had my Jetta GLS Wagon now since October '01, so I was lucky enough to get one of the first ones available. Now have over 120,000 miles and still loving the car. Only problems have been with the driver's side door (alignment slightly off) and the interior lighting does not work when exiting from the driver's door. The car has the 5 speed and 2.0 L engine. Good gas mileage, but not much for quickness or passing speed. If you drive higher highway speeds (70 mph. ), the gas mileage drops off quickly. ALso, engine oil consumption is a bit on the high side, with about 2500 - 3000 miles per "burned" quart of oil.

Handling is very nice and tight. A bit stiff on the bumps, but that is a VW trademark. The car drives like a sport sedan, hauls plenty of stuff, the Monsoon stereo sounds great, and the car always starts and runs smooth. Tire changing is easy, and it has a full size spare tire.

Pros: Comfort, reliability, Monsoon sound system, huge trunk, full size spare tire.
Cons: Gas mileage could be better but with the amount of acceleration it's cerainly reasonable.

I just turned over 50,000 miles on my car. It has given me absolutely no problems so far other than routine maintenance. My biggest problem with the car was one of the battery terminals worked loose and would intermittently cause the car to not start, but when I was dropping it off it happened to the service manager and he fixed it right then and there. It is still as fun to drive as it was the dday it was delivered to me.

Pros: Nice handling, safe and stylish. Very comfortable.
Cons: High maintenance, expensive repairs, some reliability issues. Some lag due to the turbo.

This car is a kind of a princess. Have to maintain and keep up the car very well. It is far more costly than it should be, and is not a real good value. Turbo engine is a new experience and it sometimes feels sluggish at first. Give it some time to get used to it, some adaptation is required. It is a sissy in the cold winter and will not even move until the air for the turbo is warm. I had a lot of little problems that had to be dealt with, but no major repairs (yet).

However, the car looks cool and drives well, even 6 years later. I love to drive it through the city at night with the Bose stereo going. It is very comfortable. In the high-cost gas world, the 4cyl turbo is a nice combo of power yet efficiency. Despite the high costs, I still like it a lot, even though it was not very practical.

Pros: Heated seats are a blessing in winter even in Austin, TX. Gas mileage.
Cons: None.

This car is unbelievable! I purchaed this car since I was looking for economy and couldn't beat the TDI. I got it used with 90K on the odometer and I'm not scared. I've not heard one bad thing about the Jetta TDI (even long term). I'm hoping this will be the last car I will have to buy for 10 years (I put about 20K/year on a car and am hoping this one will go the 300K).

Pros: diesel fuel efficiency is wonderful, longevity of the engine
Cons: electrical systems, mechanical systems

this car is ranked last in terms of reliability in north america. Last. I own one and it's been horrible. Among the repairs. Because this is the most popular european car sold in america, it single handedly brought the reliability stats for all european manufacturers lower than US car manufacturers for the first time in 30 years.

* braking system overhauled at 40,000 miles because the drive by wire system malfunctioned.

* rear window switch broken and replaced
*class action lawsuit extended this warrantee

* Digital display broken

* shifting gear broken

* Turbo charger broken (three trips to garage to fix just this issue)

* Automatic shifter getting stuck in park.

* radio broken

Pros: well put together, zippy engines(Even in the 2.0 normally aspirated), Warranty
Cons: none

Whats not to love about the 2002 Jetta .. It offers 4 different trim levels to the buyer(ie.. 2.0, 1.9TDI, 1.8T, VR6).
From a safety stand point I prefer it to some of the Japenese within the same class, offering such items as Traction Control,8 Airbags(side curtain), Turbo, FWD, very refined cabin not some cheap plastic parts. The VW as most you know shares chasis(As well as other engine components) with the Audi A4 so the ride is up there with the best of them. Inside cabin's illuminations (Including the gauges) provides excellent visibility not to mention easy to read. everything is within your reach both short and tall drivers benefit form the seats including height adjustment on the driver's side. over all an enjoyment to drive to and from work as well as countryside trips.

Pros: Practicality, economy, looks
Cons: Air conditioning a little weak

These days one hears many complaints about VW reliability, but this car now has 40,000 miles and has performed well. We had it in once for a loose radio connection which triggered the alarm, and then again for peeling vinyl on inside door handles. Both issues were handled well and quickly. The car performs well and has a lot of room for a small car. The rear doors are more squared off than on a sedan, and make it easier to put in kids seats.

I recently looked over a 2004 model and other than some cosmetic changes on instrument panel, it seems unchanged.

Pros: Driving is comfortable, handles very well. Control panel laid out well, seats comfortable.
Cons: Unreliable, expensive to repair-replaced transmission, cooling fans, water pump, etc.

We love the styling and interior features of the car, and it drives very well, although it could be a little roomier in the rear seat, which is very tight for three people, or two and a car seat.

Pros: Heated seats great, mileage terrific. Easy to park and maneuvre.
Cons: Louder than the newer diesel models - and the cup holder is annoyingly placed.

Bought this car used - body was a little scratched, but interior clean. It's been a great car for commuting, we only have short kids for the back seat, so that doesn't matter to us. As per usual for Volkswagen, it has a huge trunk.

Pros: Attractive design, loads of trunk space, good outside visibility, handles very nicely
Cons: Didn't come with a hot woman.

Finally, a review website where people actually take the time of day to post why this car is not a lemon, contrary to popular belief (most people only bother commenting unless they have a negative experience). Anyway, this car is great. It's got nice clean lines, simplistic dash features, comfy seats and handles nicely. I had the check engine light come on one time, but that was due to a cylinder misfiring due to a dirty fuel injector. I have no complaints about this car; I love it. Just keep in mind, if you take care of it, it'll take care of you.

Pros: its very bad
Cons: not recomend it

I bought this car 2002 volkswagen jetta TDI on janiuary 2007, when i bought it was 165.000km on it. I know its big milage on it but not that big. I bought for $12.000 and i am not really happy, because in 4 months I spent $3.000 and i belive i have to spend another $3.000 which will cost me whole car is for $20.000. my next car will not be VW sure because maintaince is so expensive. My advice to you is never buy use car or not higher than 20.000km agian, Dont buy Volkswagen Trust me

-Timing belt
-Fuel filter
-Air filter
-Water pump
-turbo charger
-heated mirrors
-cruise control
-dash lighting
and more

Pros: High quality fit and finish, exceptional mileage, fun to drive, reliable; value for the $$$.
Cons: None that come to mind.

I have a Jetta Wagon with the TDi engine (2003) and it is a real pleasure to drive! This car never gets less than 50 mpg, rides smoothly and quietly, and is surprisingly fast. The interior is very high quality, and the exterior fit and finish are superb. I think this is a real bargain for the money and one of the nicest cars I've ever owned.

Pros: Turbo can be fun to drive, Distinctive looks
Cons: Quality, Quality, Quality. Two recalls. Requires premium fuel.

This vehicle has had more problems than any other car I have owned. I have had the car in twice for the ignition system, three times for bogging issues, once for the heat, once for the passenger window falling out, twice for the tail lights burning out(which is now a recall item), and now the water pump has died. Thankfully much of this work was done under warranty, but if you are considering buying a used one, buy an extended warranty if possible. Another "quality" issue I have is the interior finish. All surfaces that have a matte black finish on the interior have worn terribly. On the plus side though, the turbo can be fun to drive and has a very distinctive look that you do not have in other smaller sedans. Gas mileage has been as advertised, but the 1.8T requires premium gas which can get expensive.

Pros: Mileage,Quality,Size,Handling,Leather Seats with heaters
Cons: Excessive light bulb burn out,suspension issues

I have a 2002 Jetta GLS TDI Wagon automatic and leather seats. What a great car ! With 86,000 miles in less than two years time, this car never gets a rest.
This Winter has been super cold and the car "jelled" up due to no addative in the fuel but past Winters in Vermont I've had no trouble :)
Typical VW nit picks, light bulbs galore burn out and the infamous check engine light,emerging wheelbearing issue.
Otherwise very very pleased with this car.

Pros: Well built, mechanicly bullet proof, as long as the maintance shedule is followed
Cons: None except leg room for taller people, and the back seat is a joke.

I have owned many cars in my life so far, mostly performance cars. While I would never consider this little car a performance car, it certianly performs what it was bought to do and suprisingly more. I travel a lot on business related local trips and this seemed to fit what I needed. I owned a Passat before this Jetta with a V-6 and only got 20-22 mpg. This Jetta consistantly gets 50+ with out the A/C on, and with that on it gets around 46 mpg. I have over 80K on it at this time and have never had one problem. It has been dealer maintained since new, and since I follow all their maintainace recomendations, I feel it will last a long time. The car is comfortable with only one slight fault, I wish it had 2 inches more leg room, other than that I could drive it all day with out feeling cramped.
I love this car and would recomend it to anyone under 6'3". Don't try out the back seat unless you are a kid. The trunk is huge, and holds as much as the Passat.