2002 Volkswagen Jetta

Pros: fun to drive, good fuel economy, attractive styling
Cons: VERY unreliable, plastic parts throughout car (inside and out) constantly breaking

I was attracted to the Jetta for the cute styling, great price, and great handling, but I've never had a car LESS reliable than the 2002 Jetta. Since the first 6 months, I've had the car in the shop every 3 months for one problem or another. Hearing other Jetta owner's experiences locally, I'm amazed by the good reviews on this website. I would strongly suggest that anyone interested in purchasing a Jetta check with Consumer Reports to see the REAL reliability ratings on this car.

I would NEVER own this car outside of the warranty period. I'm glad I leased this car and can't wait to get something else.

Pros: Styling, fit ,finish, performance, handling, instrument lights
Cons: No storage, cup holders, small back seat. Use prem. fuel only.

I bought a new Jetta (April '02), here it is April "04 and the car has been in at the dealer for repairs for about 3 months. As soon as I get it back I will be trading it in for something other than a volkswagen.
It had a recall, along with the comparable Audi model, due to coil problems. Needed all 6 coils replaced, dealer only had 1 in stock, hence, the first wait. Additional coils were backordered. Finally, got that repaired two day later "check engine" light came on again. This time it was a problem with the catalytic converter (which again were on backorder, and being built in Mexico). It Seems that the coil problem fouled the "Cat".
I've been told that the reason for the delay is that all of these vehicles need the parts and they have to be imported from Germany or the plant in Mexico.
Don't waste your time and/or money.

Pros: Fuel consumption is very low.
Cons: Paint, engine reliability, cost of required maintenance, VW customer suppoprt is non-existent.

I've bought a new 2002 Jetta TDI in Oct of 2001 and at 80k these are the problems I've had:
- Both front electric window attuators failed leaving the windows not functioning at all.
- Air conditioning pump failed at 49k ($1500).
- Directionals failed due to a faulty relay.
- Interior surfaces peeled off (cheap rubber coating).
- Both of the original keys with the built in remote broke and can no longer be attached to a key ring. Each key costs $250 to replace!!!! VW customer support was no help even though almost every owner has had this problem with their keys.
- A glow plug failed and needed to be replaced at 60k.
- I've just been informed that my turbocharger has failed and will cost $2000 to replace in addition to the $1500 80k required maintenance (timing belt, etc)

Pros: Reliable, ease in acceleration, handles well stock, handsome
Cons: Tight back seat for 3 year old in booster chair.

We are long-time VW enthusiasts. My husband races VWs and has a chipped 2002 GTI 1.8T for a daily driver. After experiencing his car's capabilities and looking at the car's exceptional performance record, purchasing my 2002 1.8T Jetta wagon was easy. The cars are fun to drive, handle well (mine remains stock) and are good looking. The only issue either car has experienced is with the front electric windows - the windows went down and never came up. VW originally used plastic clips (research online - you'll see dozens of sites about it) but now uses metal clips - time and replacement are free. We're also lucky to have Colonial VW in Massachusetts as our car's caretakers - and they are heads and shoulders above the rest.

Pros: fuel economy, handling, ride
Cons: RELIABILITY, rear seat room, poorly designed folding rear seats, limited dealer knowledge

My 2002 Jetta was the most unreliable vehicle I've ever owned. The ride, handling and fuel economy were outstanding. However, I spent more time at the dealer having my Jetta repaired than I did driving it. In the time period between 28,000 miles when I purchased the car and 39,000 miles when I finally traded it, I had to repair the following items.
-egr valve
-turbo charger
-heated mirrors
-cruise control
-dash lighting
-mass air sensor
-shifter release safety switch
-countless other small electrical problems
I've owned may cars, including 6 VW products ranging from 1974 - 2002. I'll never own another newer VW until the quality issues are addressed. It no longer makes sense to buy a VW TDI to get 42 mpg and awful reliability when one can purchase a Toyota Corolla, get 41 mpg on cheaper fuel and get bullet-proof reliability.
VW, I've always been a fan, but step up or move over.

Pros: The car is great in the snow, and gets 50MPG. Cold weather package is wonderful.
Cons: The following are areas that have failed:door windows, center arm console,and transmission (63,000)

Watch out for the transmission in this car; hope you have a sizable savings account, as the problems with vehicle are quite long

Pros: Interior design, Monsoon sound system, smooth acceleration for a diesel, up to 650 miles!
Cons: Seat reclining knobs hard to reach, small center armrest, a little

Many of my friends brag about how their cars/trucks are fast, look cool, whatever, but I always end up in an interesting discussion when I tell them I can go 650 miles per tank and only pay about $20 at the pump (avg $1.70/ga for diesel). And my Jetta looks cool! I bought this car because 1) the fuel mileage, 2) the overall body design is still fresh after 6 years, 3) the Monsoon sound system KICKS!, and 4) I got EVERYTHING I wanted for only $22,600. I've had a few recalls to tend to and the Mass Airflow Sensor went out 3 times (under warranty) but other than that it has been a great car for me, and I have a 120+ mile commute to work and back each day.

Pros: Good mileage.  Good engine torque.
Cons: Horrible reliability. 

I bought my 2002 Jetta TDI with Automatc Transmission new from the dealer in 2002 for about $21,000.  For the most part, I have enjoyed this car.  I averaged about 40 mpg diesel.  That's about the best I can say about the car.  Over the past 6 years I have had mostly small problems - interior paint failing,  broken window guides, frequent glow plug faillures, stuck in park due to faulty brake sensor, power brake booster failure, rear shock failures, various broken knobs and trim pieces.  But now I am faced with a complete transmission failure at 92.000 miles.  I have maintained this car extremely well and have never abused the transmission.  The dealer is no help.  My other mechanic has tried to find a good used transmission replacement for me without success.  I a faced with approximately $5,000 transmission replacement cost on a car that is worth about $7,000.  I am going to sell it as is for pennies as is just to unload it.  This car has not lived up to my expectations of saving me money.  Just the opposite. 

Pros: Fuel economy, performance, option package
Cons: Small console

I have had many station wagons over the years, but this is the best yet. I have the five speed, manual transmission with the turbo diesel engine. The car is very peppy and the mileage per gallon is great, ranging from 45 mpg to 51 mpg. This car has the deluxe package with the Monsoon sound system, leather interior and heated seats. The seats are very comfortable and are adjustable. The dash lights are great at night. With 44,000 miles so far, the vehicle has had not problems at all. Very pleased with this car, and I am expecting many trouble free miles.

Pros: peppy little power train, comfortable seats, cruise ctrl very smooth (high resolution), excellent stero Monsoon)
Cons: trunk pain to close, velour seats dust magnet, could be better on gas!...(like '92)

Very sleek & stylish clean shape, well finished trim, smooth ride, like the front lights/lens, nice storage section in trunk