2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Fun affordable first new car

Faults:

Various interior parts were broken at the time of pick-up, including the airbag emblem on the seats, the trunk net assembly, and the door seal.

The trunk was very difficult to close and would pop back open unless gingerly closed. It typically took three tries.

The air conditioning was notably less effective than that of the Ford Escort I've driven for 5 years.

Volkswagen fixed the broken interior parts, adjusted the trunk mechanism, and recharged the air conditioning which had no effect. The door seal was repaired in a slipshod fashion.

General Comments:

Other than the initial repairs, the car has been fun to drive.

It handles very well and has a soft comfortable ride.

The CD/Cassette sound system has big buttons and is easy to operate while driving.

The cloth interior is made from a felt-like fabric that shows wear patterns way too easily; it's much like a new carpet. I didn't want to get leather, but now I wish I had.

I drive mostly on the freeway at posted speeds and I haven't been able to get my gas mileage anywhere near what the window sticker claims.

From what I've read on this website, most of the problems start at around 20,000 miles, so I am afraid of what will happen in the next few months.

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

Review Date: 20th December, 2002

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T from North America

Summary:

Makings of a dream car

Faults:

My engine coil started to go bad at 8900 miles; called up the nearest service station and had me in the next day. They were friendly, and honest, and when they told me the part was back-ordered, but they already had a free rental car ready for me.

General Comments:

A side from the engine coil, this car has been wonderful; as has the company.

Awesome handling, pick up, braking, features, and design.

The Titronic feature, which allow manual control of an automatic car, is one that should not be overlooked. Great feature that helps a lot in the rain, and snow; as does the ASR.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th December, 2002

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T from North America

Summary:

This is by far the worst investment I've ever made

Faults:

I've lost 5 ignition coils in the last 6 months.

General Comments:

I bought my Jetta in March of 2002. Since July, I have had nothing, but problems with the car. Even though I have a 4 cylinder engine, I've lost 5 ignition coils. VW refuses to replace the older version of the coil with the supposed new and improved coil until they fail once more.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th December, 2002

24th Jun 2003, 14:20

What "signs" made them determine the engine coils? I am having major problems and my dealership says that I turned the key too far, how is that possible. Please explain the symptoms...

2002 Volkswagen Jetta 1.8T 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

Would not have bought

Faults:

Ignition coil failed at 5,000 miles. Despite admitting that coil design had changed to fix defect, would only replace one of four which has failed.

General Comments:

Would not have bought car if I had known of problem.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 10th December, 2002

2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 T 4 cylinder. turbo from North America

Summary:

My worst investment

Faults:

The first week that I had this car (200 miles) my check coolant light came on. There was a major leak in one of the hoses and it caused coolant to leak all over the engine. This took the dealership 5 days to find the problem and fix it.

I was driving on a busy road just the other day at 45 miles per hour and my car just shut off. It did it four more times that same day. I could have been in a sever accident. I risked my life and the lives of people around me.

The center console broke at 6000 miles.

The interior is made cheaply and it began to peel and chip just a few months after I purchased the vehicle.

The cup holder gets stuck when you pull it out and blocks the CD player. This is not a very good design.

My car has been shaking vigorously while in reverse.

The rear door panel vibrates loudly when the music is on.

The sunroof gets stuck a lot of the time. It just won't open when I turn the knob. I have to turn it back and forth in order for it to work properly.

General Comments:

This car looks great on the outside and the inside when new. But once it is driven off the lot the nightmares begin.

I will never buy another Volkswagen. This was my first and my last.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th December, 2002

17th Sep 2005, 00:23

I have a 2002 1.8 Turbo Jetta that has become the worst thing to ever happen to me.

It has had the Transmission replaced 4 times. The forth time was not under warranty and I had to pay for it. The windows rattle and there is a noise in the dash board that rattles constantly. The buttons on the stereo are stuck in and the cup holders are broken. The center console is cracked, broken and missing the piece that keeps the contents from spilling. There was also problems with the coolant light and EVERY TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP, it was there for three weeks. My car is fully loaded, I wash it once a week and always maintain it properly. If you are thinking about buying a Jetta just remember it's a piece with a nice paint job. I was shocked after getting so fed up with the car, I went on line and saw that everyone complaining on line have the SAME problems as I have. This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. I hate it. I will never buy from that company ever again.