2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI 1.9 turbo diesel from North America

Summary:

Best buy we have ever made

Faults:

No problems at all mechanically, or with the body.

General Comments:

Best move that we made for a two person vehicle. Family friendly also, but not on a long trip.

Mileage is unbelievable with the diesel engine and cost is so cheap for diesel compared to regular fuel.

Great pickup, people are surprised at the power for such a small engine.

Great on highway with two people for comfort and easy to pass when needed.

Wife loves leather seats, but I find very hot in the summer.

Extra price paid for car will definitely be worth in the long run.

Only complaint would be that where I live it would be nice to have a way to manually keep engine speed at 1300 to keep warm during the winter.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th September, 2003

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI from North America

Summary:

The Jetta is a lemon

Faults:

1. Manual transmission notchy. Some dealer(s) said it was normal, while others adjusted the linkage. Suddenly, transmission makes a clunking sound when shifting.

2. Driver's seat became loose.

3. Interior door handle not assembled correctly.

4. Buzzing, rattling from window and door area.

5. Paint issues. Blemishes on the paint.

6. Alignment: pulling to the right from day one. Dealer redid alignment two times after swapping different tires.

7. Strut mount bolts needed replacing

General Comments:

With the price of diesel going way up, diesel is no longer a viable alternative to gasoline expense wise.

I'm sending mine in for repair and then I am selling it. Going to buy a Toyota or Honda.

Don't buy VW's. They have to improve, and VW has to win back consumer confidence.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 2nd September, 2003

9th Oct 2003, 14:39

I have a 2003 TDI jetta with alomst exactly the same problems, it sounds like it is falling apart. I just got it 3 months ago, but I am getting out now.

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4 Cylinder from North America

Summary:

ATT: Let's Do Something About These Problems!

Faults:

ATTENTION: If you are having more problems than anticipated with your 2000, 2001, 2002, or 2003 Jetta, please email me comments at jettacomplaints@yahoo.com. I have had nothing but problems from the windows to the axels to the sunroof and we are currently seeking the advice of an attorney. This is at no cost to you, but please let me know your story. Leave it anonymously or with your information so we can be in contact. I would appreciate it... these problems need to be stopped. Thank you!

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

Review Date: 25th August, 2003

16th Nov 2003, 12:01

All I have to say is the TRANSMISSION BLEW IN LESS THAN 2years..jetta from hell a brand new 2002.

30th Nov 2004, 17:55

I too have experienced many issues. I just dropped off my 02 Jetta wagon for at least the sixth time in the time I've owned it. This time the clutch pedal is stuck all the way to the floor. VW's poor customer relations make dealing with the service departments very disconcerting. Other problems include EPC lights that cause poor engine performance and all rear brake lights to fail! (very dangerous) I have another vehicle in the household with twice as many miles and 3 years older that is much more reliable and trustworthy. I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake with the Jetta's purchase.

14th Jan 2009, 20:22

Is the 99-04 Jetta really this bad? I've never owned one but am thinking about about buying a used 01-03 to commute to and from work (about 45 miles round trip). I just test drove a 01 VR6 and I liked the performance aspect as well as the handling (BTW - this Jetta had 150k miles on it, I decided against getting this one because of the mileage). I've never driven the 1.8 Turbo.

I really like the look and feel of these cars but I cannot get over how many posts there are of people disgruntled with them. I'm very hesitant about buying one after reading all of the negative posts. If anyone would like to share their overall "good" experiences I'd like to hear about them. At this point though, I'm leaning towards the Japanese makes, ie. Corolla, Camry, Sentra, Altima, and Civic.