2002 Volkswagen Golf 2.0

Summary:

Decent car for the money

Faults:

Taillights went out several times within the first year.

Had to replace the oil pan because it was stripped by a Jiffy Lube. It cost me $400 USD to replace.

Brake light sensor went bad 5 times.

New tires at 45,000 miles.

New battery around 20,000 miles.

General Comments:

This was a very reliable car for me.

I specifically liked the seats. Wide with lumbar support. Very comfortable.

The automatic transmission would slip from time to time, but no major problems otherwise.

Seemed a little sluggish on take off, but at higher speeds this thing was quick. I did a lot of distance driving and this car never had a problem passing.

AC was the best. Super cold very fast, which is nice in the Florida heat.

The blue dash lights inside define comfort in a vehicle to me. Very soothing interior.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th May, 2007

2002 Volkswagen Golf GL 1.9 TDI

Summary:

Do not plan to own a reliable VW for more than 5 years, and do not buy as used one

Faults:

1) Rear window washer line failed and saturated head liner.

2) CEL for glow plug code. Changed harness and plugs, later CEL comes back. Turned off with VAG and still comes back.

3) Air bag fail light. Known issue, VW feels no obligation to fix. 500$ dealer charge; I just leave it lit.

4) Auto trans failed at 67k. 5k$ for complete fix cycle. In 2001 the drivetrain warranty was 10/100k, in 2002 it was changed to 5/60K. I should have taken the hint.

General Comments:

With the repeated electronic/CEL issues and the transmission failure, VW looses all credibility with me. Readers are advised not to purchase a VW without a comprehensive after-market warranty.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th December, 2006

19th Dec 2006, 13:26

I see your previous car was a Grand Marquis why the odd change?

2002 Volkswagen Golf TDI 1.8 turbo diesel

Summary:

The honeymoon is over..

Faults:

The service at the dealer was poor. They did not put back the screws of the under-protector after the 2nd oil change.

This caused damage to the under-protector and they wanted to charge me for it. I had to battle with them and make a case to Volkswagen Canada.

The car just seems to have no power. It just idles between 1500 and 2500 Rpm as if I had no acceleration. And then it just kicks in and the car goes on normally, but the check engine lights comes on and stays on.

It is as if the car has no gas pedal. I went to an independent mechanic; he plugged the car to the computer and found out that the Mass Airflow was defective and he let me know that recently Volkswagen was recalling a lot of them.

So be advised that Mass Airflow is a recall problem.

General Comments:

I love the economy.

I enjoy the road handling.

However it's always a pain to try and make sure the car is properly taken care of at the dealer's...

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 29th March, 2005

2002 Volkswagen Golf GLS

Summary:

I love to drive this car, but the oil consumption isn't worth it

Faults:

Consuming too much oil at 5,000 miles.

General Comments:

I have been having a oil consumption test ongoing for almost a year. The car is consistently using 1 quart of oil every 1500-1700 miles. Volkswagen refuses too inspect the engine unless it consumes 1 quart of oil with in 1000 miles. I am over by 500 miles and they still refuse to look into the issue. I can't even make it to a 3,000 mile oil change with out having to put oil in, and they recommend oil changes every 5,000 miles. I asked every service agent (even the service manager) how often they check the oil in their car and they all said they don't. That's because they don't have to. What's up with that. Has anyone else had any luck getting Volkswagen to look into this problem? I am seriously looking at taking this to the press and showing other people how poor the customer service is for Volkswagen and that they are not the only ones out there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 27th October, 2004

28th Oct 2004, 21:03

There is something wrong with the latest 2.0 VW engine. We have a 1998 Jetta GT 2.0 which comsumes almost no oil. That is the last of the "Boxy" looking Jettas, pre-1999. I add about 1/2 quart of oil in 5,000 miles. The car has almost 80,000 miles on it. I also had a 1988 Fox 1.8 which did not use any oil either, even after 200,000+ miles. There was slight changes the 2.0 engine when the newer 1999 and later Jetta body came about. With the new styling came the oil consumption problem that the local dealer admits to. It was not there in the earlier cars.

9th Nov 2004, 09:44

We have a 2002 Golf GLS and were shocked by the oil consumption as well (close to 1 quart per 1000 miles). After doing some online research into this phenomenon, its seems to be "normal" for the Golf. I contacted our dealer/mechanic and he tried to convince me that this was perfectly normal (as if ALL cars did this!). I also contacted the state of Massachusetts to see if they were concerned about the emissions/pollution this was creating. They said as long as it met emissions standards, it was fine with them. Our oil consumption has dropped somewhat, but the oil light did come on (again) the other day...

6th Jul 2005, 19:50

2001 VW Jetta, 60k miles 1QT of oil/1000miles since it was new. Seems to be burning up my exhaust system because so much oil is being shot out of engine.

28th Nov 2005, 14:25

I too have had problems getting to a 3,000 mile oil change with no loss of oil. I seem to be at least a quart low every trip to Valvoline.

Has anyone seen this affecting the performance of the exhaust system/emissions? Causing the car to shake slightly upon startup or a "chopper" type sound during acceleration?