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2002 Volkswagen GTI User Reviews

2002 Volkswagen GTI Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 42 reviews

  • Performance:4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars4.5 out of 5 stars 4.5 / 5
  • Appearance:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars4.3 out of 5 stars 4.3 / 5
  • Overall:4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars 4.7 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"power" 19 reviews
"ride" 19 reviews
"fuel economy" 14 reviews
"speed" 12 reviews
"handling" 10 reviews
CONS
"expensive car" 7 reviews
"power" 5 reviews
"speed" 3 reviews
"service" 2 reviews
"headliner" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 42 reviews 12345 Next
Sean writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Review
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It is all around an enjoyable car.

Cons

Volkswagen electronics are going to fail.

45

Amazing — This car is my baby. I love it. I has a great balance of performance and comfort without costing me tons of money. The car is very responsive. It handles great, smooth gear box and it is very quick. I would recommend this car to anyone who is looking for their first sports car.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Garrett_VR6 writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Review
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Cornering and handling, ride is actually very comfortable, will beat a car seven years newer of the same caliber, looks great, the sound system is extremely satisfying, and it will make you a VW freak.

Cons

juuuussstttt a tiny boring sheet metal, doesn't rev to nine like the Si, gotta manipulate the clutch to make it jump right off the line.

Garrett_VR6
45

Best Car I've Owned, Looks A Bit Like A Sleeper, And Really Is A Killer. — I am a person who came from the normal car, ya know, the guy in the old yukon on his way to work. My best friend has a brand new Civic Si, and I drive it regularly. I wanted to buy a car that would compete, and I have to say, its the best car ive ever owned, and I'll never buy anything but a Volkswagen again. my 2002 will out-accelerate his 2009 Civic Si, it will out-maneuver it, and its better in braking. true, the Civic feels like you're driving a spaceship, but I hate the harsh ride and crude suspension and seats. the build quality is great. no squeaks, no rattles, no cheap pieces falling off, VW even thought out the feeling of the key. The exterior looks simple, and mean at the same time. I gladly set it in front of my house without worrying about baddies bashing it with bats & such. what I mean is, its not brash enough where people will hate you for owning one. The gas milage is actually very good out of a car that can move like this. Its like an athelete who always seems to not be thirsty til the whole thing is over. But honestly, I am a huge car guy, and there are very few vehicles I've driven that are this much fun. the Corvette Z06 is one of them.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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David writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

Balance between performance and function

Cons

Speeding Tickets

45

Gti's Are Amazing Cars, Definitely One Of The Better Cars In The Hot Hatch Market — The 1.8 turbo is a phenomenal motor, a nice balance between power and fuel economy. I avg 25-28mpg in mixed driving. The car handles great in the twisties, it's light, nimble, and the Anti-Slip Regulation allows me to drive in the rain with confidence, wheel spin isn't a big issue. It's also got a lot of creature comforts, When u lock the car from the remote the sunroof and the windows come up. Both windows go down all the way or up all the way with the lightest push of a button. Also the build quality is solid, the interior is roomy, I will definitely have this car for a while

Primary Use: Commuting to work

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Michael writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

i <3 VW&turbos

Cons

if you cant afford it loll

45

Wouldnt Trade It For A Ferrari — i love my car, lol. the only thing i hate is the little things. for example, i cant just replace the one control arm bushing i have to replace the whole control arm. the first thing you wanna do is delete the pvc system and secondary air pump, get a decent reflash and you'll never want anything else haha.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Stuart writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI Review
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Pros

Great looks and Buld Quality and Great MPG !

Cons

A bit more power would be nice

65

Vw Golf Gtianniversary Edition (diesel) — VW Golf GTi Anniversary, VW launched this model in 2002 to celebrate the 25th Birthday of the VW Golf. The car is based on the mk4 GTI with the option of the 1.8T turbo engine (180BHP) or the 1.9 TDI engine delivering 150BHP. The only visual difference between the two models is the rear valance on the petrol model, which has a cut out for the 90mm stainless tailpipe. The diesel follows the VW norm of hiding its twin downswept tailpipes behind the valance. The anniversary edition golf also came with a new interior consisting of aluminium radio surround, GTI embroidered sport seats and a golf ball geear knob. On the outside, the anniversary came with 18" BBS alloy wheels, and was slightly lower than the normal GTI. It also came with Anniversary styled GTI badges both front and rear.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Daniel writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

Feel, performance, handling, looks.

Cons

High-maintenance, not many shops work on VWs.

65

Best Car I've Ever Had. — You probably won't understand a VW unless you've actually owned one. The commercials that say "Once you get into a Volkswagen, it gets into you" are spot on. If you've ever owned a modern-day VW, you may understand that. One of the best things about VWs is the way they feel. You get in, and its like everything is right where it's supposed to be, there isn't anything loose, nothing out of place, and everything works together perfectly. That's the best way I know how to describe it. One of the worst things about VWs is that they are a different animal when it comes to working on them. I personally love working on mine, but most mechanics (automotive technicians) won't touch them.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Charlie1208 writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

Acceleration, handling, smooth gear shifts, cargo space, mileage (28 city/31 hwy)

Cons

Back seats can hold adults but not for long rides.

Charlie1208
20

Street-legal Rally Car. — Nothing to dislike. Interior is typical VW quality. It's just fun to drive! Great acceleration! Takes some getting used to the turbo kick. Handles very well. Corners like it's on rails. Shifting is smooth and allows power to flow without hesitation. Plenty of cargo space, especially when rear seats are folded down.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Nick writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Review
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Pros

Power, styling, excelent transmission.

Cons

Has some blind spots and being used to and AWD car or rear engine/RWD car the FWD powertrain is intimidating.

805

The Verdict's Not Yet In. — Thhis is a new car to me and as it is my first FWD car I am very much trying to get used to it, I think it has potential but it also scares me to push it hard. I'm expecting that this coming summers Street X season should help get me a little more comfortable with a high hp ff layout handling wise. In a straight line the car is great, plenty of pull, the 6 sp is one of the best shifting transmissions I have ever used.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Lulama writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

speed, comfort , nice family car although its old but it holds its own ground against 'newer' cars ...very fun to drive ,nimble

Cons

front suspension, turbo lag

25

Gti Forever — handle it with care ,, it will definitely take care of you . First time I own a GTI with this one and its definitley not the last GTI in my sights. GTI 35 edition next. Gas consumption depends on your diving style , but its good. Not costly to own but the front suspension is weak man , ball joints,shocks have a short lifespan.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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Mathieu writes:
2002 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T Review
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Pros

look great, power and tons of parts to tuned

Cons

steering response

45

'02 Gti 1.8t Boost 17psi — bad sterring response, need better suspension, tires and alignement, everything else is hot! powerful when chipped, hard metal, good places for the speakers. dealer parts are not so expensive, fun to drive, no rattle, little road noise. great option not on base model.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

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Similar Cars Compared to a 2002 Volkswagen GTI

2002 Volkswagen GTI 2002 Volkswagen Golf 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
2002 Volkswagen GTI, 2005 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T picture, exterior
2002 Volkswagen Golf, The 2006 Volkswagen Golf, exterior
2002 Volkswagen Jetta, 2005 Volkswagen Bora picture, exterior
Cost $5,541 Average Instant Market Value $6,088 Average Instant Market Value $5,872 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 28 28 28
Horsepower 180 115 115
Crash Test Rating 8 8 5
Front Leg Room (inches) 41.5 41.5 41.5

Reviews From Other Years

2013 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

Fabulous By Luis

The ability to upgrade to APR and not lose the warranty is great! I really enjoy riding this car with the DSG. It lets me go to higher revs. The acceleration on this thing is just great! I love this C... Read More

Read all 2013 Volkswagen GTI reviews

2012 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

Great Car By Finn

As most of reviews i have read on this car have stated this is an overall great well rounded car. It is extremely reliable, it is very fuel efficient, and fun to drive. for a performance car in the ... Read More

One Of The Best Compact Car With Great Price/quality/fun Ratio By Cedric

Performance - Lots of torque for a lightweight car, loads of fun! Build Quality - it's German, DUHHH! Appearance - Looks simple and beautiful without all the bells & whistles Cost of Ownership - great... Read More

Read all 4 2012 Volkswagen GTI reviews

2011 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

Smiles Per Gallon By Davrod12

Shopping for a new hot hatch to buy, I narrowed my search to the 2011 GTI, WRX, and MazdaSpeed3. The GTI was the winner...here is why: Drivability: As a driving enthusiast and avid kart racer, I lo... Read More

Very Practical And Excellent To Drive By Juan

very german, fantastic to drive, fuel efficient and handsome looking, feels very high quality, has fantastic seats, it feels very solid and very confident every time I get in it, it is very spacious... Read More

Read all 4 2011 Volkswagen GTI reviews

2010 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

Would Love To Take It On The Track By mahill510

I understand that there is an after market chip that you can purchase to add speed and other neat go-fast options to the GTI. I would love to have those mods done and take it on a track for a few laps... Read More

Great Value & Daily Driver. Solid German Hatchback By Nick

Great daily driver! Great handling, slight turbo lag but consistent torque & power. Have wanted one for years & it finally happened! Highway mpg up to 34mpg, life mpg at 27. Had a 08 rabbit before t... Read More

Read all 18 2010 Volkswagen GTI reviews

2009 Volkswagen GTI Reviews

Wont Be The Last Vw Or Gti I Will Buy In My Life Time By Chad

My first new car has good acceleration since it has a turbo. Has a good warranty I dont have to pay for any maintenance for the first 3 years at all. It is a blast to drive it is the worlds first Ho... Read More

Hot Hatchback By Mohamed

Acceleration and brakes are quite perfect, if you once drive it on sport mode you will never drive it normally you need to spend on it if you drive it violently it looks nice with german best interior... Read More

Read all 20 2009 Volkswagen GTI reviews
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