2003 Volkswagen Jetta Review | Edmunds.com
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2003 Volkswagen Jetta

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (558) MPG

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Volkswagen Jetta Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 2.0 L Inline 4-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Front wheel drive
  • Transmission 5-speed manual
  • Horse Power 115 hp @ 5200 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 21/29 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
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Review of the 2003 Volkswagen Jetta

  • The Jetta is no longer priced like an economy car; yet, its powerful engine lineup, near-ideal balance between ride and handling and premium cabin materials make it one of our top recommendations to small car buyers.

  • Safety

  • Pros

    Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.

  • Cons

    More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom.

  • What's New for 2003

    Volkswagen eliminates the GLX trim level for wagons -- this means that those who prefer the VR6 engine to the 1.8T engine will have to…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (558 total reviews)

Fun to drive, but many

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

My Jetta got totaled a few weeks back. She was a great car in many ways, (fast, fun to drive, gas efficient) & I got 130,000 miles out of her. However, I decided not to get another Jetta. Here are a few of the reasons: -Anytime there's a repair (and there will be many) you will pay $1000, minimum. -REEKS of crayons. (inevitably the first comment anyone makes setting foot inside the car) -Strange clicking noise coming from the turn signal -Lights turn on and won't turn off again (had to have the mechanic take them apart to get them off) -The electrical outlet/cig lighter stopped working a month in & after multiple repair attempts I had to just give up on it



146,000+ miles, lots of fun,

by on
Vehicle: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

I have owned my 2003 1.8T 5A GLS wagon since new and now have over 146k miles. It really is fun to drive and has amazing cargo hauling space. But . . . expensive to maintain and gets only about 21 mpg on premium. Make sure you have a good mechanic. Mine is one of the best, and I still have a funky/random issue - a beep, blinking dash lights, then a power drop, as if the tranny disconnected with the engine. As much as I like driving the car, I think I'm going back to Honda when old blue bites the dust.


1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Constant expensive repairs, but fun

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Vehicle: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

Fun to drive. Too expensive to own! Breaks often, all unusual problems, always over $1K to repair. Engine design is terrible! Water pump broke at 32K miles/4yrs. 2/3 of transmission needed replaced at 100K from the plastic hydraulics reservoir bursting. Plastic parts throughout engine are designed to last <10 years. An engine fuse didn't burst when shorted causing a small engine fire. Plastic parts break when removing to get to broken parts. Metal fuel lines bolted over plastic coolant parts with no line flex make DIY very difficult. Most parts can only be obtained through dealers. Aftermarket parts cause check engine light to be constantly on, only solution is dealer parts @>2-3x cost. ETC.


 
 

Full 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Review

What's New for 2003

Volkswagen eliminates the GLX trim level for wagons -- this means that those who prefer the VR6 engine to the 1.8T engine will have to stick with the sedan. As a consolation, GLS wagons equipped with the 1.8T are eligible for a premium package, which bundles traditional GLX content like power seats, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and a trip computer. Additionally, VW has made the 1.8T available on both the GL sedan and wagon. GLs now have power windows and mirrors, cruise control and a CD player, while the GLS gets a standard sunroof and alloy wheels. All Jettas are available with stability control (ESP), heated seats and the Monsoon sound system. Other changes include a ULEV rating for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, redesigned cupholders and backlit buttons on the standard stereo head unit.

 

Talk About The 2003 Jetta



2003 Volkswagen Jetta Discussions See all Started By

pgrand1
pgrand1
04-24-2012
Wipers Will Not Stop - 2003 Jetta
The wipers on my 2003 Jetta Wagon will not stop. All positions appear to work OK except "off". In the "off" position the wipers move at normal speed. In the "intermittent&q...

kristinew
kristinew
05-06-2003
My 2003 Jetta Is Consuming Oil
I have a 2003 Jetta with about 8800 miles on it. It keeps consuming oil. It strange because it seems to use oil at the drop of a hat. The dealer told me to have the oil changed every 5,000 miles. ...

steveintn
steveintn
01-04-2011
Older Jetta (pre-2000) Maintenance And Repair
A tiny piece of metal snapped off in the ignition assembly of our 1999 Jetta. It has no part name, made of pot metal, absolutely necessary to make the car start. I'm told that his style of ignition ...


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More on the 2003 Jetta

 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 20
  • cty
/
  • 27
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

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