2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
A quick look at the 2002 Volkswagen GTI will tell you much that you need to know about this car. The GTI looks fun and fast, and that was...
A quick look at the 2002 Volkswagen GTI will tell you much that you need to know about this car. The GTI looks fun and fast, and that was its main appeal for many passionate drivers who raved about the car. The styling was clean and sleek, and the car sat low to the ground, giving it a streamlined appearance. It practically begged to be driven hard, and in many cases, it was.
Drivers who preferred performance over gas mileage tended to opt for the higher-end GTI VR6 trim package, which came with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that generated 174 horsepower (boosted to 200 horsepower mid-year). It was linked to a six-speed manual overdrive transmission. Those who wanted to dial the juice back slightly, save a bit of gas, and pay less at the showroom went with the GTI 1.8T, with its turbocharged 180-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission (a five-speed automatic was optional).
And those who wanted something truly unique waited until mid-year, when a limited edition GTI 337 was introduced. It came with the turbocharged 180-horsepower 4-cylinder engine and an upgraded package that included larger 18-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel equipped with audio and climate controls, Recaro sport seats, and special red accents.
Standard features for the GTI included anti-lock brakes, a CD player, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, a tilt/telescopic steering column, side curtain airbags, keyless remote entry, traction control, and an anti-trap device in the trunk. Options included a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a CD changer.
There were no disagreements among drivers that the GTI drove and handled well, and delivered power when needed. The car's safety features were also noted by drivers. But some commented that the car had reliability issues and needed frustrating repairs.
What owners say
"Overall, drivers find the 2002 Volkswagen Golf GTI to be a fun and reliable car with good performance. Many owners praise its quick acceleration, smooth handling, and enjoyable driving experience. The build quality and interior comfort are also highly appreciated. However, some mention issues with minor repairs and higher maintenance costs, as well as the need for premium gas due to the turbo engine. Despite these drawbacks, the car remains a favorite among enthusiasts, especially for those who appreciate its tuning potential and community."
I love this car I have yet to find anything I do not like. Great performance with minimum effort, thats what volkswagen is about. I love my interior the red and blue dash lights are really unique. Volkswagen has been in my family for years.
January 26, 2010I 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.
August 21, 2009Snappy, torquey acceleration. Good braking, responsive handling. Has needed repair from time to time, to be expected with VW with high miles. Interior/exterior style is perfect for me. I love how it looks from every angle. Cost of ownership is not bad at all. Gas mileage is good if you drive nicely, still not horrible when driven aggressively. Repairs can add up. Very, very fun car to drive. handles winding country roads like no other.
February 1, 2011What owners say
I love this car I have yet to find anything I do not like. Great performance with minimum effort, thats what volkswagen is about. I love my interior the red and blue dash lights are really unique. Volkswagen has been in my family for years.
January 26, 2010I 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.
August 21, 2009Snappy, torquey acceleration. Good braking, responsive handling. Has needed repair from time to time, to be expected with VW with high miles. Interior/exterior style is perfect for me. I love how it looks from every angle. Cost of ownership is not bad at all. Gas mileage is good if you drive nicely, still not horrible when driven aggressively. Repairs can add up. Very, very fun car to drive. handles winding country roads like no other.
February 1, 2011Perfection, the car's turbo lag is like foreplay. 1.8T neva loses!
February 12, 2008High performance in all aspects, reliable enough to never leave me stranded, eye-catching inside and out as it came from the factory, inexpensive to drive and maintain...so far, economical, roomy, and most of all...always fun to drive...Fahrvergnügen!!!
May 16, 2011this car treated me very well, fun to drive, reliable
July 1, 2008Great car so much fun to drive, haven't had any problems yet with it. Looks great on outside, nice leather interior. good sound system, very roomy for a 2 door hatch. Gas mileage depends on how you drive. Engine sounds great to.
June 20, 2010little stuff tends to break but its a very fun car to own and drive. i built mine for auto crossing so its handles are way fun i like how the ECU tuning works. the VDub community is also a friendly one.
October 21, 2009It's a 337 limited edition... nuff said! tat means bbs rims and recaros Shawn Vanneer built it, solid man builds solid cars. Kinetic's turbo kit with CAI and FMI at 21psi Bosch 640 cc injectors Forged internals and a 20v head with titanium springs Audi brakes (big) with racing pads Depo and hella smoked lenses and hid Body is immaculate, wax it weekly! Great on gas if you drive it easy, and sometimes you wonder if something ripped your gas tank after you rip/race it hard for a while... Bilstein and neuspeed racing cupkit Custom double rear sway bar AHHHHH WORDS CAN'T DISCRIBE MY BABE!!! Its a very very enjoyable car. Rather have this than an m3 or a porsche 911 (cuz its faster than them too) One down side, oil changes every 3000km, but only cuz i love her. She deserves the best of the best!
July 20, 2009Awesome awesome car!!!! Comfortable, fast, sexy!!!!!! Reliable, the only down fall about volkswagens is there parts cost more and i swear they make these cars so that only volkswagen techs can work on them lol! I love this car and I would never change it for anything else!!! Buying a Jetta soon!! (for the Saturn lol)
June 7, 2009Trims & specs
Base MSRP $19,460 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 180 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $22,775 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 180 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,845 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.8L 174 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 18.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
