Not reliable
Timing belt.
Brake sensor.
Valve job/pistons.
Water pump.
Tail lights.
I like that the car is quick to move and accelerate. But with all these problems, one by one.. I'm starting to not love it quite so much.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 2nd October, 2008
I don't trust it, and would not purchase another Jetta or VW product
Front lower bumper too low, got caught on a curb when pull out. Glued back, not looking too great.
Arm rest broken.
Cheap finish, trim on doors peeling off.
Consumed a lot of oil - 1qt/1K.
Stupid cup holder design - if you use it, you can't use your stereo!
I wish I knew about this site prior to buying this. From what I've been reading on this site, the model year seems to be the worst, and as luck would have it, I have it!
I am the 2nd owner, bought when it was 4 year old @54K. So, far other than what I listed above, knock on wood, everything seem to be running OK. Oil change costs more than your standard Japanese make though; cost me $50 each at 3K miles.
When I test drove it, I was attracted to the Jetta for it looks, solid/sturdy feels, and pick up quicker than the Honda Civic. Also, it had more airbags, 6 in total. I do love the stocked stereo system. Great sound.
I am hoping that it will hang in there for me for another 3 years. I'd appreciate comments from anyone with 02 Jetta that is in the 100K miles, and let me know how's it going for you.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 2nd October, 2008
Thanks so much for all the comments that were posted. I test drove a 2002 GLS and thought it was great. I had a verbal deal done and then checked here. Needless to say I am not going to buy the car.
Have to say, I am a new owner of a 2002 Jetta GL with 67,000 miles on it, and I have experienced most of the same problems. The transmission always violently downshift at weird times, & it is more noticeable when you turn corners. Sometimes when I put it into drive, it jerks really hard and first gear always seems like it doesn't want to shift right. I HATE it so far, & I wish I had read this before my purchase. I thought buying Volkswagen would be a smart choice.
It is also uncomfortable to ride in. It is not a smooth riding vehicle at all. Never again.
It's decently equipped, yet mechanically retarded
Burns oil worse than my Harley. I go around corners and the light blinks and beeps at me, so I put in more.
Valves tap atrociously, really really loud. Used Risolene - works like a charm.
Recently we had rain for 4 days, and both passenger floor boards filled up on right side front and rear.
Mil light is on, not paying money for 02 sensors, might sand blast them.
Front pad light came on; rotated tires, checked pad wear - fine. Probably ten thousand miles left.
Fuel door sometimes does not wanna open, so I gotta peel it open with my house key.
Key fob is really intermittent.
Let's see, um great interior, leather, sun roof monsoon, stereo, the works.
Wish I had power seats like most cars with these goodies.
Slow to pick up speed; seems to eat gas at slow speeds and sip at it above 80 mph, then again posted limits 60 - 65 tops.
Noticed a transmission knock sometimes, and it's quite jerky sometimes, and slow to shift to drive, like it's stuttering and hesitant.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 18th September, 2008
21st Oct 2008, 21:13
I have all the same problems you have listed, also, my battery keeps failing causing a "non start" problem, which has led to towing my VW Jetta to a dealer (75$) and a 109$ fee to flash the key to the car. What a pain. My friend "a european specialist" recommends to replace the serpentine belt; I'm only at 40,000 miles! I'm a mechanic with 10 years plus experience. Even I'm exhausted from the problems and money spent on this car.