2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS Reviews

I've had this car for about a year and a half and put roughly 20k miles on it so far. It is one of the best cars I've owned. I've read many bad reviews on the car and it's series and it was listed in consumer reports cars to avoid. Mine is slightly rare in that it is the GLS, leather, premium sound, moon roof, seat warmers, etc. but it's manual transmission. The only problem I've had with this car was in winter time in Washington state. The rain gutters clogged up and caused water to get into the car. I was easily able to treat the issue and it was a few months before it happened again. I may be annoyed with this issue every few months but now I'm living in southern California and I park my car in a garage. Issue avoided. The car is responsive and handles well. Plenty of trunk space. I get complements on it all the time. People say it's a cute little car or that it just looks good. People who sit in it are usually impressed with the look and feel, especially at night. Though the back seat doesn't have much leg room for a 4 door. The cup holders block radio control and the readout. However, there are buttons on the steering wheel so it's a minor issue.

The fourth generation Jetta and Golf introduced in 1999 has given compact cars a new standard in interior appointments. The Jetta is vastly improved in interior appointments than the 3rd generation Jetta.

The fourth generation also changed VW image around for better and worse. Despite its attractive looks, the Jetta suffers from electrical problems such as Radio, power windows, cd changer, etc. Moreover, in recent times, there has been a recall for coilpacks that need to be replaced in 1.8T engines due to cylinder misfirings.

Despite the problems the fourth generation Jetta has, it is still an exceptional entry level european ride. It gives off a sense of confidence and more importantly it feels safe inside. It rides heavier than most other compact and as a result feels very substantial when crusing on highways and small roads.

I have a sick love affair with my car.  I need to go to a support group.

Fun Factor - Performance - Build - all great!

Cost of Ownership?????  That's a stupid question, big fat turbos and carbon fiber don't come cheap, so probably way too much.....

This is a 2002 VW Jetta 1.8T. As you can see its based off the 2004 GLI but with a twist. Has custom molded GLI bumpers, sideskirts, and lights. Performance as of right now it has 215whp and 260ft-lb of torque to stop the torquesteer it has 4 piston brembo big front brakes with gli brakes in the rear. Slotted Rotors that are vented as well. Acceleration will put you in your seat by suprise. You feel the 260ft-lb of torque as it spins first and chirps second and sometimes third. Inside the aggresive body is a black interior with a suede headliner and pillars. Matinence is not bad as long as you keep up with the schedule mantinence. This car has been very good to me. With all the mods it has 24city and 30highway. The car is a BLAST. It handles almost like a go-kart and out of turns it accelerates HARD! If you drive this car you will NEVAR need VTEC again

I bought this car after riding in one and being blown away by the acceleration, so once my last car was completely ruined I decided to search one out. I ended up finding one near Chicago *about 300ish miles away* that was resonably priced. After the test drive i had to have it. I haven't had a problems with it yet, not to say that i won't have any. I have heard alot of bad things about the 1.8L Turbo motors but the problems all have seemed to be the lack of matinence. If anyone does buy a jetta with a 1.8T in it make sure that you plan to take car of it, oil changes at every 3000 miles at most with full sythetic oil only. Otherwise the engine will start to clog and you will definately regret that. But if you can handle that, then this is a very fun car to drive with great acceleration, really good handling