2002 Volkswagen Jetta TDI from North America - Comments

18th Nov 2003, 11:29

"Well built, well engineered - a commuter's dream car"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

This Jetta has been flawless to date.

My previous Jetta (a year 2000) had the Mass Air Flow Sensor being replaced at 70,000 kms. They are expensive to replace. I have been told that with a minor adjustment made, the Mass Sensor for the older Jettas will work. It will save you approximately 80%

Had some minor problems with my 2000 - the cup holder, which is highly over engineered, broke as did the armrest mechanism and the glove compartment hinges.

It appears better quality components were used in my 2002.

Shop around for timing belt replacement. I have seen prices range from $ 250 - $ 800.

General comments?

The TDI configuration is by far the best power train set up available in a vehicle. Period.

Anyone driving 20,000 kms (12,000 miles) or more a year will notice the savings in operating costs compared to a gas powered car.

Resale values are significantly higher than comparable gas units.

The car handles like a mountain goat in the winter and is excellent on the highway. Handles well and is built very well.

VW should have mated these cars with a five speed automatic or a six speed manual transmission as they tend to over rev at higher speeds as the engine can easily handle the torque requirements for the extra gear. I understand they have done this for 2004.


10th Mar 2006, 21:11

The Tiptronic automatic transmission in the 2002 VW TDI is a five speed. Count the shifts.


29th Nov 2006, 16:34

Your car is like a mountain goat? I guess you have no snow there. Put a couple inches of snow in front of it and it will stop dead it it's tracks.

Add another comment

Note: A Comments RSS Feed RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site

All Volkswagen Jetta reviews

Other CSDO Media Sites: Airline Flight Reviews | Mobile Phone Reviews | Motorcycle Reviews