After many long, wonderful years with my 1991 Honda Accord EX, I had to finally break down and get a new car. The transmission finally went kaput.

I started out looking at Honda's, Toyota's, Mitsubishi's and the like. I just didn't find anything that felt right.
After being disappointed with most brands, I decided to check out Volkswagens. Mom, at the time, had a 2002 Passat wagon that she was pleased with and wanted me to join the VW fray. It was, of course, end of model year for the 2002's and finding what I wanted was going to be an issue.

I went on the VW website and requested information for a silver Jetta with grey leather interior. One dealer of eight replied. They are located about 35 miles away, but hey, they replied and were actually calling me for my business! They tracked down the car I wanted and made arrangements for the dealer trade.

For the first two weeks, I was pleased with the car. However I have been dogged by problems since then. Be it rattling doors and windows or bad bushings, I've had it all. It stranded me in the middle of downtown Chicago with a bad coolant sensor which turned out to be part of the computer as well as the entire coolant pump. When the weather turns cooler my windows and doors rattle like crazy. I also had bad bushings in the front passenger side suspension. Every local dealer told me the constant squeaking and groaning after going over every seam in the road was my imagination - until my selling dealer finally resolved the problem (believe it or not, it took six local visits to finally get it resolved.) I've also had transmission issues since the onset - it slips, rams into 2nd gear when accelerating, you name it. Oh, and I can't forget that the Monsoon stereo has been replaced twice due to mechanical failure.

My other gripe with the car is mileage. Specifications state 24 - 27 in the city, 29 to 31 on the highway. I've never obtained 24 in the city. And 31? NEVER! I average 19 - 22 in the city, max 24 on the highway. I've tried every version of gas (VW recommends mid-grade) and it's never made any difference.

Even my salesperson has said I may have just gotten a bad car. Even my autophile ex-boyfriend has told me a neighbor of his has had constant problems with a Jetta GLI. Perhaps it was just a bad year. Or my car was made on a late friday afternoon and everyone just wanted to go home and didn't pay too much attention to assembly.

The good part of the car is it's improved warranty. I've used it quite a bit. I leased this car for four (LONG) years and it's covered for every part of that four years. I would have never leased for as long if it didn't have that warranty.

My car has a few upgrades - the Monsoon stereo, sunroof, 15" tires, automatic transmission and heated seats. The car was made in Mexico. The stats on my car are:

Engines & Power GLS 2.0
Standard Engine 2.0L 115 hp I4
Horsepower 115 @ 5200 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) 122 @ 2600 RPM

Transmissions
4-Speed Automatic Overdrive Opt.
5-Speed Manual Overdrive Std.
Fuel Economy
City (mpg) 23 - 24
Highway (mpg) 29 - 31

Comfort & Convenience
Sunroof Opt.
Air Conditioning Std.
Power Windows Std.
Power Door Locks Std.
Leather Seats Yes
Power Seats N/A
Max. Seating 5

Entertainment
Cassette Player Std.
CD Player Std.
Nav. System N/A

Safety
Airbags - Driver Passenger Side
ABS Brakes Std.
Traction Control N/A
Stability Control N/A

Final Assembly
Location Mexico

----------------------------------UPDATE...

In an update to this review, things are not improving. I've since had some additional problems and the dealership tried to charge me for warranty work. It was only after making a scene in front of others that the repair was handled properly and not charged. The repair with this specific incident involved the 'ignition switch' (this is what the service manager told me) coming UNBOLTED from it's engine mount. I don't even know where this is located on the engine nor would I care. I was told this was an "adjustment" issue and was only covered during the first 12 months of the warranty. How could an ignition which is bolted somewhere be an adjustable item?

I've also had the brake switch go bad. I was in the middle of an automatic car wash when I could not shift out of neutral to exit the carwash. I had to get out and push my car to get it out of the way of oncoming traffic behind me in the wash. In order to shift an automatic transmission on a Jetta, you have to push on the brake. The switch which allows the shift was jammed. I had to have the car towed for service. This service was performed at a dealer about 2 miles from my work and was considered under warranty.

The transmission continues to slip and jar between first and second gear - the dealership says it's all in my head, however all the websites indicate this is an ongoing problem.

The paint (I have a silver Jetta) is also an issue. If you look at it it chips off. I had a small dent handled at a local body shop who also agreed the silver paint in particular is not adhereing properly on the car body and it will chip, crack and fade.

I've done quite a bit of investigation on 2002 Jettas and have found that overall, they are NOT recommended. Consumer Reports directly states to avoid this year as a used vehicle. I found on carsurvey.org as well as many car enthusiast websites that overall, this car has not been a pleasant experience for owners.

One more year, and this lease is through. I wish it had been a better experience as I was ready to lease a Bug convertible, but unfortunately, I will never own a VW product again.

-------------------Update 8/8/2005

Well, the Monsoon radio has now died for the third time. It goes into service tomorrow for yet another replacement.

I've also noted that the door trim on the rear drivers door is loose. I'd love to say it was from use, but I never use the backseat of my car!

Just more disappointments, really. It's unfortunate, but you won't see me repeat a VW purchase again.


--------------------Update 2/13/2006

I don't think I've had a happier day - the Jetta is GONE. I traded it in five months early for a new vehicle.

During the last six months, I've been subjected to stalling, the radio went out for the fourth time, a warped rear passenger door and a glove compartment that decided to just not close anymore.

I haven't looked back and was never as happy as when I handed those keys over. Never again.
Amount Paid (US$): 21500
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: Jetta GLS 2.0