2002 Volkswagen GTI – Review, Specs, Configurations, Prices, and Interior

2002 Volkswagen GTI

MSRP: $18,910 - $22,225.
4.25

Reliability

3.9/5

Safety

4.6/5

Interior

4.1/5

Performance

4.4/5

Strengths

  • It is fun to drive, good value, plenty of regular goodies, hatchback style, six-speed manual available, gives great cargo utility.

Weaknesses

  • The back seats can accommodate grown-ups, but not long rides.
  • It has few controls that are difficult to decipher may be crisper, outdated styling for handling.

Review 

VW planned to restructure pricing and content for the 2002 Volkswagen GTI and to sell the car only as of the GTI with the options of either the 1.8T or VR6 six-cylinder engine. The GTI is one of the most advanced compacts available, exuding German precision engineering, and it is compatible with upscale trim and a high level of standard equipment. The is a fun car to drive as well. All GTI are agile, constructed on a rigid frame with suspensions that have been carefully adjusted.

For the 2002 VW GTI, several safety features are also available. Such as dual front and side airbags, the GTI comes with a side curtain airbag, which assists in a significant side-impact collision to shield the heads of both front and rear passengers. Active protection (that helps prevent an accident) is also up to snuff, with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) using antilock brakes and traction control, both features are standard.

A leather package (seats, steering wheel, shift boot, and knob), a ‘luxury package’ with power glass sunroof and premium monsoon audio, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a cold-weather package are options with the 18T (heated windshield washer nozzles and heated seats). An extra ‘Technology Package’ comes with a self-dimming mirror, rain sensor wiper, and also an automatic climate control feature is available for those who want a GTI VR6.

More details regarding the Features, Configurations, and Interior are described in the sections below. If you want to know about the 2003 Volkswagen GTI, then click our post.

Specs and Features

Engine1.8L I-4
Seating5 Passengers
Power180 @ 5500 rpm
Transmission5-spd man w/OD
MPG25 City and 34 Hwy
DrivetrainFront-wheel Drive
2002 Volkswagen GTI Specs and Features

Price

The MSRP of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI is $18,910 – $22,225.

What’s Newly Include in 2002?

The new upgrades in the 2002 Volkswagen GTI include the following features:

  • It offers a new 201-hp VR6 V-6 replaced by the 174-hp version in the GTI lineup.

2002 Volkswagen GTI Configurations

The different configurations of the 2002 Volkswagen GTI are listed below:

1. 1.8L Trim

Price: The MSRP of the 1.8L trim is $18,910.

Specs and Features: It comes with a 1.8L I-4 Engine, 5-spd man w/OD Transmission, 180 @ 5,500 rpm Horsepower, 173 @ 1,950 rpm Torque, front-wheel-drive type, ABS and driveline Traction control, 16″ silver aluminum wheels, front air conditioning, manual, AM/FM stereo, seek-scan radio, keyfob (all doors) remote keyless entry, front Fog/driving lights, heated mirrors, and premium cloth seat trim.

2. VR6 Trim

Price: The MSRP of the VR6 trim ranges between $20,295 – $21,775.

Specs and Features: It comes with a 2.8L V-6 Engine, 174 @ 5,800 rpm Horsepower, 181 @ 3,200 rpm Torque, and 17″ silver aluminum wheels.

3. 1.8T 337 Trim

Price: The MSRP of the 1.8T 337 trim is $22,225. 

Specs and Features: It comes with a 1.8L I-4 Engine, 6-spd man w/OD Transmission, 180 @ 5,500 rpm Horsepower, 173 @ 1,950 rpm Torque, 18″ polished BBS aluminum wheels, driver and passenger lumbar support.

2002 VW GTI Configuration
2002 VW GTI Configuration

Which is the best 2002 Volkswagen GTI model?

The best 2002 Volkswagen GTI trim model is the VR6 version. It comes with a reasonable price and standard features such as 180-hp, 1.8-liter I-4 (premium), 5-speed manual w/OD, front-wheel-drive, six exterior, and five-passenger capacity. Furthermore, optional features are heated washer nozzles, monsoon sound system, Climatronic (auto climate control), rain-sensitive wipers, and Self-dimming mirror.

2002 Volkswagen GTI Interior

The GTI offers a standard seating capacity of five passengers. The cargo capacity of the 2002 VW GTI is 18 cubic feet. The GTI does not have any child’s seat anchor, nor does it provide this model with any child seat. The basic features include the leather door trim, heated front doors, leather hand brake stick, leather seats, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sports seats from Recaro. Optional specifications are heated washer nozzles, monsoon sound system, Climatronic (auto temperature control), rain-sensitive wipers, and self-dimming mirror.

As for the cup holder that hides in the dash when you don’t want it and pops out when you do, the interior is well made with details that descend from German intellectuality. Compared to other same year hatches, these cars seem essential and amazingly astonishing. All features include the leather door trim, heated front doors, leather hand brake handle, leather seats, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sports seats from Recaro.

2002 VW GTI Interior
2002 VW GTI Interior

Should I Buy a 2002 Volkswagen GTI?

Yes, you should, as it has high interior quality and has a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine with fantastic performance. It provides an enjoyable ride with standard features such as a heated front seat, leather door trim, heated front doors, leather hand brake handle, leather seats, leather shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sports seats from Recaro.

You may also Ask for

What is a 2002 VW GTI worth?

The worth of a 2002 VW GTI ranging between $177-$1,111. However, a Volkswagen GTI has an annual maintenance rate of $791. Based on age, mileage, position, and store, repair, and maintenance costs differ.

Is a 2002 VW a reliable car?

The car is very reliable, especially in the area, and drives very well. I would recommend this vehicle to individuals searching for an affordable sports car as it comes with German engineering and durability.

How many miles can the 2002 VW GTI last?

With proper maintenance, the 2002 VW GTI can last around 102k miles.

For more information about the latest Volkswagen GTI, kindly visit the Official Website.

Bilal Ibrahim

Bilal Ibrahim is an automotive engineer, graduated from NED University of Engineering and Technology.