2002 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America
"Fun affordable first new car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Various interior parts were broken at the time of pick-up, including the airbag emblem on the seats, the trunk net assembly, and the door seal.
The trunk was very difficult to close and would pop back open unless gingerly closed. It typically took three tries.
The air conditioning was notably less effective than that of the Ford Escort I've driven for 5 years.
Volkswagen fixed the broken interior parts, adjusted the trunk mechanism, and recharged the air conditioning which had no effect. The door seal was repaired in a slipshod fashion.
General comments?
Other than the initial repairs, the car has been fun to drive.
It handles very well and has a soft comfortable ride.
The CD/Cassette sound system has big buttons and is easy to operate while driving.
The cloth interior is made from a felt-like fabric that shows wear patterns way too easily; it's much like a new carpet. I didn't want to get leather, but now I wish I had.
I drive mostly on the freeway at posted speeds and I haven't been able to get my gas mileage anywhere near what the window sticker claims.
From what I've read on this website, most of the problems start at around 20,000 miles, so I am afraid of what will happen in the next few months.
Recommended reviews
| Worst car made |
|
| Not reccommended! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Year of manufacture | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.0 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 260 miles |
| Most recent distance | 9000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 20th December, 2002 |