2003 Volkswagen Jetta Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

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.

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 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.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Kind Of Stinks

Written by: MS760 on 10/27/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	3	Fun-to-Drive:	4	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	3	Interior Design:	4	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	7

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car used about a couple weeks ago. I'm starting to notice a few things. Firstly the horrible crayola smell! Its such a strong nasty odor that gives me headaches when i drive. Found out i need to remove sound deadening material under carpet to eliminate the smell. Its shifting is jerky. A belt in the motor squeaks loud so i replaced it but continues to make noise, was told its something more pricier to fix. Steering wheel is hard to turn. Car struggles when going up hills, transmission gets loud. Shocks squeak loud. Purchased car because it was the most decent one available at car dealership. Regret buying this car. Will definitely stick to hondas after paying off this car.

Favorite Features

Interior lighting, ignition key, gas mileage, small compact design, and a roomy trunk.

Suggested Improvements

Fix awful crayola smell, add an armrest, relocate cup holders, make a better transmission, make seats more comfy, and make a bit more roomier inside.

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Beautiful Nightmare

Written by: PA on 10/22/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

A black Jetta was my dream car. Thank god I leased it because at 200 miles the car began to fall apart. Brake light switch went twice in one week and the car would not get out of park, window dropped down in a snowstorm and after being replaced 3 times it still leaks, computer shorted out and the whole car went dead, sunroof leaks, CD player broke, transmission bucks and VW doesn't know what is wrong with it, factory tires were awful and the car would slide in a dusting of snow, and I made a left hand turn and the front axle broke. Don't but this car without a warranty because you will be livid when u pay the price for german parts!

But the car is nice inside! It has the most features that money can buy for a cheap price! I love the blue lights, moonroof, sunroof, keyless entries, the car handles well on the road, heated seats are great in the cold weather, and it is great on gas. It's a perfect car for young female drivers!

How about VW builds cars that are reliable? This car is the hottest lemon out there! We call it my lawn ornament, because when it is not dead in a shop, it is dead on property! Fix your cars VW and I will come back!

Mostly Reliable

Written by: JHozer on 10/17/2009


Performance:	5	Fun-to-Drive:	6	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Bought this Jetta new in 2003. It has been a reliable commuter except for the usual VW problems. Replaced the plastic water pump at 75,000 miles. Also, the computer is very sensitive. Check engine light pops up occasionally. Changed mass air flow sensor twice, O2 sensor, coolant temp sensor three times. On the bright side, the Jetta is a smooth ride with a very comfortable interior. Love the heated leather seats! Still getting 32mpg on the highway after 6 years.

Heated leather seats. Smooth ride. Child seat anchors. Monsoon stereo. Fuel Economy. Exterior styling - New Jettas look like Toyota Corrollas!

2.0L engine underpowered for this car. Sensitive computer.

i love my GLI

Written by: tankman29 on 10/11/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)

I have a 2003 Jetta GLI and i love it. no one expected my car to be fast because it is vw and o boy where they wrong. i took the limiter of the car and have gone up to 150mph... Great car and a lot of fun. the only thing that i don't like is that the car needs more power. It has 200 hp but i will have it turoed by the end of the year and will be putting down 475hp at the wheels. I would say that it is a great car because i have been in an accident in my old Jetta were it rolled end over end and i had only a broken finger because my hand hit the roof so other then that it is a great car.

The best thing about this car is the safety... And i mean that 100%

MORE POWER... ABOUT 70 MORE HP AT MIN

mydub

Written by: dubman on 10/06/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

owning this 03 jetta has been wonderful and my kids love the car as well.Plus it being a 5 speed,makes it more fun to drive.The only thing that i would change is the location of the cup holders.When your on the freeway and your driving this vehicle you could be doing 80 miles an hour and not even know it.

having all the windows going down when you turn your key to the left and the windows go down.

placement of cup holders

2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Ratings & Reviews