2002 Volkswagen Jetta

Exterior
The Jetta is a four-door sedan with a trunk, but it uses the same sheet metal as the Golf hatchback for the front half. At 172.3 inches long overall, the Jetta is more than 7 inches longer than the Golf but is several inches shorter than the Ford Focus or Honda Civic. The Jetta stands 59 inches tall, measures 68.3 inches wide and rides the same 98.9-inch wheelbase as the Golf. Optional 17-inch alloy wheels can be substituted for the standard 16-inch wheels and tires.

Interior
A taller stance translates to more headroom and a comfortable upright seating position for five occupants. Cargo capacity is 13 cubic feet, but the deep trunk has more usable space than that figure suggests. A split rear seatback folds for additional storage space.

Most controls are high enough to be seen and reached easily. Gauges have red needles, illuminated by attractive blue backlighting. Air conditioning, power door locks and a cassette player are standard. Steering-wheel controls for stereo and cruise functions are optional.

Under the Hood
The GL and GLS sedans come with either a 115-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine or a turbocharged, 1.9-liter, direct-injection four-cylinder diesel rated at 90 hp. The 150-hp engine from 2001 was replaced with a standard turbocharged, 180-hp four-cylinder gasoline engine on the Jetta GLS 1.8T model. The 172-hp, 2.8-liter V-6 used previously in the VR6 edition will stretch to 201 hp for the 2002 model year.

Exuberant throttle response is immediately evident in the Jetta 1.8T sedan with the Tiptronic transmission. Excellent transmission reactions and a lack of awkward gear changes add to the pleasure. The Jetta is pleasantly quiet at all times, and it yields a satisfying ride through harsh pavement. Even on wet surfaces, the sedan reacts with total control that is aided by quick, precise steering.

Volkswagens are known for their European character and responsive handling skills, and the Jetta is no exception. Buyers get an impressive array of standard safety features and can count on far more than basic transportation - especially with the latest turbocharged engine on tap.