2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

Horrible

Faults:

You name it, it has gone wrong. From all four windows falling through the door at one time or another, to the ignition coil. It fails emmission testing every year for 3 - 4 different reasons, bad seat heaters, stereo has died. Sensors have been replaced every year at inspection, only to have the engine light go on 10 miles after I drive off the lot, every time.

Plastic molding is peeling off doors.

Interior lighting for my console is intermittent.

General Comments:

Love the drive, but hate the quality of this car. Would NEVER buy another VW... EVER!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th July, 2006

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS from North America

Summary:

Please reconsider before purchasing a Volkswagen- it was a GIGANTIC mistake on my part!!!

Faults:

The following was replaced/fixed under warranty:

-Brake light switch

-Arm rest

-Steering Wheel

-Airbags

-Windows (dropped from track)

-Battery

-Transmission

-Alternator.

The following was replaced/fixed 5,000 miles out of warranty:

-Brake light switch (yes, again!)

-Cooling Fans (all 4 at a whopping $200/fan)

-Radio (the whole thing!)

General Comments:

Please throughly check reliability ratings before purchasing a car; consumer reports rates Volkswagens as being unacceptable (black).

Since day one, I have had nothing, but problems with my Volkswagen.

Poor customer service.

Poor engineering (location of cup holders above stereo, for example).

50,000 mile warranty is tempting, but it's annoying when your car is more often at the dealership than in your driveway.

Please reconsider before purchasing a Volkswagen- I would hate for anyone to be in the position that I am currently in.

Don't bother calling Volkswagen Corporate offices for assistance; they won't help you.

My car, being a 2002, is still relatively new, however, in the last month I have paid over $1,300 in repairs for my car. Not to mention my car goes back into the shop next week for further repairs. Needless to say, I will be purchasing a new car over the summer- a Toyota or a Honda- not a Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th July, 2006

14th Jul 2006, 20:21

My 2001 Jetta VR6 has been a nightmare since 5,000 miles when the catalytic converter died. Since then, it has been replaced four more times! VW considers this "normal" for a Jetta. The car has been towed eight times since 2001. When I went for an oil change, I was informed that I didn't have any working brake lights. I drove the car to the dealership where they told me they would replace it for free because it was a recalled part. Why wasn't I informed? As other owners experienced, both driver's side windows fell in - yet another recall. My check engine light is constantly on because something is always wrong with the car. I'm still paying it off, mostly because I keep sinking my money into repairs. Do not buy a VW! Please, save yourself the agony and get a car from a company that cares about its products. My friends all laugh at my car stories; they couldn't believe VW put out such a horrible car. VW's reputation for quality is over. Don't be taken in by shiny exteriors, VWs are a sham.

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2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

Don't buy one all, these people can't be wrong

Faults:

Where do I start?

After one year, I needed new sway bar bushings, new radio, windows fell into the door 2 winters in a row, the upholstery faded, and the interior is peeling.

This one is my favorite - I have heated seats and they caught on fire with me in it. What if I was a gas station worker, and covered in gas and went up in flames? I burnt my hand, ruined a $50 pair of pants, and fire barely missed my face shooting out of my seat.

Hazard light switch malfunctioned.

With my seat problem, the dealer tried to tell me it was because I kneeled on the seat and crimped the wires. I received awful customer service from the corporate office.

General Comments:

I would never buy from this company again, and I do not suggest these cars to anyone. Buy a Honda or a Toyota. The first year I had my VW, it was in the shop 4 times, it's a hassle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th July, 2006

7th Jul 2006, 11:26

You are so right, VW are totally crap cars now. I have had two VAG cars, one VW Polo and a Seat Ibiza, both had problems and the servicing costs are outrageous. Customer service are totally non existent, so screw you VW, you have lost my custom for life.

I have a Honda Civic now, with perfect operations, no problems whatsoever, low servicing costs, and very helpful and polite aftersales. The best car manufacturer in the world, a delight to own their cars, and if more and more people move away from VW, hopefully they will go belly up, where they belong with their shoddy cars and aftersales.

8th Aug 2006, 21:05

Your wrong, Volkswagens aren't crap cars.

I have a 2001 GLS VR6 with 80,000 miles on it.

I push that VR6 engine to it's absolute limit and that thing holds strong. I have had no problems with the car, just basic maintenance issues. My friend has a 1992 Golf with 200,000 miles on it. It's still running good. If the Jetta is such a bad car, why do you see so many of them on the road? Maybe it's because I live in Houston, but I can't go block without seeing one. Take care of your car and read the owners manual for what is recommended for the car. If you do that you will get many years out of your car. I recommend the Jetta or a Volkswagen period. They are good cars.

6th Sep 2006, 11:55

I had the exact same thing happen to me in my 2003 VW Jetta! My driver's side heated seat caught on fire, burned right through my jeans and left a scar on my leg for months! The dealership was miserable to deal with, and accused me of leaving my sunroof open during a rainstorm. This was the third VW I had owned... and the last. The quality and craft of the car has fallen to pieces, and the corporation seems completely uninterested in it's clients... I went to a Saab for my next lease, here's hoping I don't burn up!!!