2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLX Wagon review from North America

Light switch on sunvisor was defective (dealer replaced)

After owning a Pontiac Sunfire sedan for all of seven months, I got the VW itch once again. (I have owned 9 VW's over the years. It's not that the Pontiac was a bad car, it's just well.. boring. Besides, I really need a wagon I told myself.

I started out thinking a GLS turbo would suit my needs, but ended up with a fully loaded GLX complete with sport suspension and automatic transmission.

I was disappointed that the tiptronic transmission wasn't available on the VR6 at that time and settled on the 4spd. auto. I also was hoping for the 24 valve 201hp engine, but had to settle for the 174 hp 12 valve.

Surprisingly, the 174hp VR6 has plenty of power and is sliky smooth. Any more power would probably get me into serious trouble anyway. The sport suspension is firm, but never harsh with some body lean in corners, but is nonetheless makes this the absolute best handling VW I have ever driven. This is a quite and capable highway cruiser, that loves the twisties as well.

The leather interior creaked and groaned for the first couple of thousand miles (as the VW service manager warned it would), but now has quieted down and is a very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing enviroment in which to spend your commute. One of the best features (and there are so many) is the Monsoon stereo system. What a great sounding system! I invested in the six disc changer as well. The steering controls for the stereo system is also a nice touch.

Negatives are few; As with all VW's maintainance costs are a bit high, but VW service is very good. Fuel consumption is also a bit lower than I expected, but still a respectable 18-22 mpg.

In summary if you're looking for a sporty, practicle people and cargo mover loaded with features and can get over the psychological shock of spending well over $25k for a VW, the Jetta GLX Wagon is worth a serious look.