Volkswagen Jetta

Name: 2002 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 38 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 38 mpg

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

With its comfortable ride and quiet, high-quality interior, the Jetta Wagon feels as substantial as cars costing much more. It is quick and has plenty of cargo space. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. However, power delivery with the turbo engine and automatic transmission is uneven and the rear seat is very tight.

2002 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

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

Good

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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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

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 Jetta

$2,825 - $4,075

EPA MPG 38 mpg

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 Golf

$2,975 - $4,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (90 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)
2.8-liter V6 (174 hp)
2.8-liter V6 (200 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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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

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.