2002 Volkswagen GTI Golf VR6 from North America

Summary:

Reliable sporty car

Faults:

I've had one coil pack go bad, covered under warranty

Window regulator, covered under warranty.

Little seat wear but I'm 6'2 230 so I'm sure that doesn't help.

General Comments:

This car is a highway car it has very awesome low, mid and high end torque. Always power in every gear. Although I have added some after market parts to it.

The interior is nice for tall people, a lot of headroom. The interior does rattle, but I have coil overs on the car, which makes it a very stiff ride.

The car is a bit bulky, heavy in the front end as the VR6 engine that is stuffed into it is heavy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th February, 2005

2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 2.8L DOHC from North America

Summary:

A costly piece of junk

Faults:

The air conditioning freon has been depleted completely on 3 occasions and is definitely caused by leakage, but no one can figure out where it's coming from. The dealership is unable to fix it and have tried each time to resolve the leakage w/o any success.

The driver side window was completely dislocated from its closed position and fell through the door... the result of a breakage in the lowering/raising mechanism. Parts were not available at the time I brought the car into the dealership to fix and was forced to jam the window in the closed position for a week, to wait for the parts to come in.

The window button in the drivers side window broke, couldn't use my window until the parts came in.

The opening mechanism on my arm rest broke, had to be replaced.

The car in cold weather does not start on the first try. It shouldn't be the case on a new automobile. The dealership cannot find anything wrong with the car to warranty a research into this.

Doors squeak when opening and closing and have brought it in numerous times to get them lubricated.

General Comments:

This car costs me too much money for all the hassle it gives me.

Aside from that, the dealership is not doing their best to make things easier on me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 21st April, 2004

20th Oct 2008, 12:49

Concerning the drivers side power window, I had the same problem, and come to find out there was a recall for the mechanism, and it should have been easily taken care of. Maybe you have to try to find a better dealer.

2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 1.8 turbo Gasoline Inline-4 from North America

Summary:

A fun car that's very versatile.

Faults:

The first thing to fail was the driver-side window regulator; this was replaced for free under the warranty.

A couple months later, the passenger-side window regulator failed as well, and that was replaced for free under the warranty.

When I brought the car in for the 5,000 mile service, it turns out my master brake light switch was broken. This was replaced for free under warranty.

On one occasion, the latch for the center console broke. This was replaced for free under warranty at the dealer.

My coil packs were replaced as designated by a Volkswagen recall at about the 4,500 mile mark.

General Comments:

The cabin is extremely high class and shames many cars that cost twice as much.

The car has crisp handling, although a stiffer suspension would be preferred.

The engine is wonderful with lots of power, torque, and good fuel economy. It also revs freely, smoothly, and quietly.

The hatchback is highly functional and enables me to haul large items.

The stereo has a great, balanced sound to it... a 6 disc in-dash CD changer would really improve it though.

The automatic is not the best mate for the turbocharged four-cylinder; a manual would be better.

The styling is clean and timeless, with a touch of sporty flair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th October, 2003

17th Dec 2003, 06:45

I have had the same experience.

Both driver and passenger side window regulators were replaced for free 3 and 2 times respectively.

The latch for the center arm rest broke 2 twice and was replaced for no charge.

The A/C developed a musty smell and was cleaned for free.

Both rear hatch shocks began to rust and were replaced for free.

MIL light came on and after several return visits to the dealer the ignition recall was announced and the ignition coils were replaced. Shortly after the engine began run roughly a cleaning of carbon deposits done free of charge by dealer solved the problem.

The car is a great one! I other than these common problems it is a fine car for the price one of the best values on the market. I wish, however, I did not get to know the dealer so well in the first year.