Segment:
Compact/Mid-size Sedan
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, Volkswagen owners
Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Mazda3
Design Philosophy:
German engineering, practical design, solid build quality
Powertrain Options:
Reliable and fuel-efficient inline-4 engines, optional potent VR6
Chassis Platform:
A4 platform (MK4), shared with Golf and Beetle
Manual Value:
Essential for proper maintenance and repair, cost-saving for owners
Engine:
2.0L ABA (SOHC), 1.8L AGU/AUM (DOHC Turbo), 2.8L AAA (VR6)
Transmission:
5-speed Manual (02J), 4-speed Automatic (01M)
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs (ABS optional)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear Torsion Beam Axle (independent on VR6)
Electrical:
Engine management, body control modules (BCM), lighting, comfort systems, diagnostics (OBD-II)
Climate Control:
Manual and automatic climate control systems
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel filter, evaporative emissions control
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant types
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion, steering angle sensor
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals
Interior:
Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, airbags
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belts (where applicable)
Repair:
Engine component repair, transmission overhaul, brake system servicing
Disassembly Assembly:
Detailed step-by-step guides for component removal and reinstallation
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation
Installation:
Component replacement and alignment procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete electrical system schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complex overhauls and diagnostics
Engine 1 Type:
2.0L SOHC Inline-4
Engine 1 Displacement Liters:
2.0
Engine 1 Horsepower Hp:
115
Engine 1 Torque Lb Ft:
122
Engine 2 Type:
1.8L DOHC Turbocharged Inline-4 (16V)
Engine 2 Displacement Liters:
1.8
Engine 2 Horsepower Hp:
150
Engine 2 Torque Lb Ft:
155
Engine 3 Type:
2.8L SOHC VR6 (12V)
Engine 3 Displacement Liters:
2.8
Engine 3 Horsepower Hp:
178
Engine 3 Torque Lb Ft:
184
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (91 Octane recommended for Turbo/VR6 for optimal performance)
Emissions Control:
Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (on some models), evaporative emission control (EVAP)
Type:
5-speed Manual (02J)
Type:
4-speed Automatic (01M)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Features:
Lock-up torque converter, sport/winter mode
Manual Fluid Type:
VW G 052 171 A2 (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90)
Automatic Fluid Type:
ATF G 052 162 A1 (or equivalent JWS 3309 spec)
NHTSA Front Driver:
5-star
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5-star
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard on most trims, optional on base models
Traction Control:
Optional (TCS)
Airbags Front:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Radio Options:
AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional Monsoon premium audio system
Display:
Digital clock and radio display
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims
Headlights:
Halogen reflector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights
Keyless Entry:
Optional remote keyless entry
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (12 months) or as indicated by oil service light
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (VW 502 00/505 00 spec recommended)
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
VW 068 115 561 B
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 20,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 2.0L:
Every 60,000 miles (standard ignition)
Spark Plug Replacement 1.8T:
Every 60,000 miles (platinum or iridium)
Timing Belt Replacement 2.0L:
Every 70,000-90,000 miles (interference engine)
Timing Belt Replacement 1.8T:
Every 70,000-90,000 miles (interference engine)
Timing Belt Replacement Vr6:
Not applicable (timing chain driven)
Coolant Type:
G 12 (Pink) Antifreeze/Coolant (VW TL 774-C spec)
Coolant Capacity Qts:
8.0
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug (COP) systems prone to failure
Mass Airflow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing seals can leak
Suspension Components:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints can cause steering and ride issues
ABS Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors can fail, triggering ABS/ESP warning lights
Climate Control Actuators:
Blend door actuators can fail, causing temperature regulation issues
Volkswagen History:
Founded in Germany in 1937, known for durable and accessible vehicles like the Beetle and Golf.
Jetta Heritage:
Introduced in 1979 as a sedan version of the Golf, becoming a popular compact sedan worldwide.
Mk4 Generation:
The 2002 Jetta is part of the fourth generation (MK4) Jetta, produced from 1999 to 2005.
Manufacturing Location:
Mexico (Puebla), Germany, South Africa
Sales Peak Year Approx:
Early 2000s
Safety Award 2002:
IIHS Top Safety Pick (for frontal offset crashworthiness)
Consumer Reports Rating Approx:
Average to Above Average (depending on specific model year and engine)
Emissions Certification:
Meets ULEV (Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle) standards in California and other states