Volkswagen Golf

Name: 2002 Volkswagen Golf
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 7 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Golf feels solid, handles well and can really stretch your fuel dollar. However, its superlative fuel economy must be balanced against modest acceleration numbers. Overall, we think it's a small price for the diesel's 41 mpg. A higher price to pay: increased emissions from the diesel engine.

2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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2002 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2002 Volkswagen Golf

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Civic

$2,900 - $4,825

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Honda Insight

$3,100

EPA MPG 65 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Accent

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Hyundai Elantra

$2,775 - $2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Rio

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Kia Spectra

$2,725

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mazda Protege

$2,925 - $3,425

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mini Cooper

$3,075 - $3,275

EPA MPG 31 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,800 - $2,950

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Mitsubishi Mirage

$2,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Nissan Sentra

$2,800 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Subaru Impreza

$2,950 - $4,900

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Corolla

$3,325 - $3,675

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Toyota Prius

$3,150

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Beetle

$ NA

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2002 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,075

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

2-door hatchback

4-door hatchback

convertible

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (90 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2022

2022 Redesign Year

The 2022 redesigned Volkswagen Golf is available in a single top performance R with a 315-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and all-wheel drive. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is optional. Volkswagen builds on the long-running tradition of elevating a mild hatchback into a fun-to-drive, yet sophisticated, practical alternative to sports coupes. The Golf R is once again a special model tailored to a Volkswagen enthusiast that craves power, refinement, and exclusivity. The Golf upgrades connectivity and infotainment to the latest from Volkswagen. The interior comes with a large 10-inch infotainment screen. Active safety features such as FCW, AEB, BSW, LKA, RCTW, and ACC are standard.

2015-2021

2015 Redesign Year

Redesigned for the 2015 model year, the coarse and antiquated five-cylinder powering the previous Golf is replaced by a smoother, more refined 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo, which delivers 28 mpg overall. Soft-touch materials, quality components and comfortably supportive seats upgrade the passenger experience considerably. A wagon and a high-performance AWD Golf R were also added to the lineup. While choosing between models is largely a budget decision, we do recommend finding a car with the optional lighting package as the HID headlights perform much better than the standard halogens. You'll need to get at least an S w/Sunroof for this package. Note: Volkswagen suspended sales of 2016 TDI diesel versions of the Beetle, Golf, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, and Passat; as well as the Audi A3, due to the EPA notification of emissions violations. USB ports were finally added for 2016 as well as available keyless access and push-button start. The Alltrack, an AWD wagon with a raised ride height, was new for 2017. A 1.4-liter engine became standard in 2019, as did forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot warning.

2010-2014

2010 Redesign Year

After a brief stint during which it was once again known as the Rabbit, the Golf returned with an impressive 2010 redesign. We got 38 mpg overall from the diesel. (But it may not meet emissions regulations. Be cautious when purchasing a used TDI). Interior quality improved and the car had responsive handling, supportive front seats, and a good ride. Stability control, traction control, antilock brakes and brake assist are standard.

1999-2006

1999 Redesign Year

The Golf was redesigned for 1999, and became quieter and more comfortable, with a higher-quality interior. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was introduced a year later. A fuel-sipping turbodiesel four cylinder is also available. The R32, a V6-powered AWD model, arrived for 2004.