Though pricier than the average economy car, the Golf offers far more amenities, and in TDI form, it's both frugal and fun. Put it on your test drive list.

2003 Highlights

The most affordable Volkswagen gets a few equipment changes for 2003. Probably the biggest of these is the availability of stability control (VW's ESP) on all trim levels. In other news, base GL models now include a CD player, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. GLS models now come with a sunroof and alloy wheels, while seat heaters and the premium Monsoon sound system will be optional across the line. Finally, VW has increased the padding on the side curtain airbag system; the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder now meets ULEV standards; and the standard stereo head unit will get backlighting for the buttons.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2003 Volkswagen Golf.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.794 reviews

Write a review See all 94 reviews

5(75%)

4(15%)

3(10%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Buyer's Beware

Remorseful Buyer,07/19/2010

I bought this car brand new in 2002. At first, everything was great. Good gas mileage. Sporty little car. Great for zipping around town and did well on road trips. However, it started having all sorts of problems after about 18-24 months, beginning with the "small" and annoying (head lights constantly burning out, display lights inexplicably going off and coming on, airbags needed

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

flyingpatricio,04/26/2011

I've had my 2003 Golf GLS for 3 years now. I bought it used with 10,200 miles on it. I've put 65,000 miles on it. I like how competent it feels no matter the conditions. It's heavy enough to feel safe on the freeway and light enough to get great mileage. I'm a paint contractor and I haul all my gear in it daily. It holds my Little Giant ladder with just the passenger front seat put

Best car I owned

Jovan,04/10/2016

I bought this car at auction in 2009 with 130000 miles on.I paid 2500 dollars (for ,then,6 years old ) Never had any problems with it ,super reliable. Now it has 235000 miles and it still drives good. I used synthetic oil. The fuel pump had to be replaced last year. Other than that only regular maintenance expenses (tires, brakes etc) still has the original clutch .Amazing

Always thought VW were known for their reliabilit.

Jack,01/14/2016

When I first bought my Golf it had 70k miles on it and I had every intention of driving it until 300k. Unfortunately at 148k that doesn't seem likely. For the first year i had it it went relatively alright, nothing too big. After that, it was all down hill. Almost all the knobs for the audio adjustments have broken off, the paint on the buttons and controls have all worn off, the ceiling

Write a review

See all 94 reviews

Write a consumer review of your vehicle for a chance to WIN $100!

Write a review

See Official Rules for eligibility and other requirements.

Write a review

Features & Specs

MPG

20 city / 27 hwy

Seats 5

4-speed automatic

Gas

115 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG

20 city / 27 hwy

Seats 5

4-speed automatic

Gas

115 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG

20 city / 27 hwy

Seats 5

4-speed automatic

Gas

115 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG

21 city / 29 hwy

Seats 5

5-speed manual

Gas

115 hp @ 5200 rpm

See all Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf features & specs

Safety

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Good

More about the 2003 Volkswagen Golf

Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf Overview

The Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf is offered in the following submodels: Golf Hatchback, Golf Diesel. Available styles include GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A), GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A), GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A), GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M), and GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M).

What's a good price on a Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf?

Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.

Which used 2003 Volkswagen Golfs are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2003 Volkswagen Golf for sale near. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf.

Can't find a used 2003 Volkswagen Golfs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a used Volkswagen Golf for sale - 6 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $13,941.

Find a used Volkswagen for sale - 9 great deals out of 17 listings starting at $10,697.

Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen Golf for sale - 7 great deals out of 19 listings starting at $8,224.

Find a used certified pre-owned Volkswagen for sale - 9 great deals out of 13 listings starting at $19,029.

Compare prices on the Used Volkswagen Golf for sale in Ashburn, VA to other major cities

City
Great Deals
Cars for Sale
Starting Price

New York, NY
Great Deals42
Cars for Sale8286
Starting Price$14,090
Phoenix, AZ
Great Deals21
Cars for Sale6003
Starting Price$10,407
San Diego, CA
Great Deals95
Cars for Sale5964
Starting Price$17,738
Detroit, MI
Great Deals28
Cars for Sale1282
Starting Price$11,198
Columbus, OH
Great Deals33
Cars for Sale7243
Starting Price$17,239
Fort Worth, TX
Great Deals44
Cars for Sale2429
Starting Price$13,996
El Paso, TX
Great Deals89
Cars for Sale2433
Starting Price$15,935
Washington, DC
Great Deals65
Cars for Sale4963
Starting Price$18,154
Tucson, AZ
Great Deals51
Cars for Sale3618
Starting Price$17,807
Albuquerque, NM
Great Deals8
Cars for Sale1354
Starting Price$13,672
Fresno, CA
Great Deals49
Cars for Sale582
Starting Price$14,853
Mesa, AZ
Great Deals61
Cars for Sale4395
Starting Price$14,859
Raleigh, NC
Great Deals23
Cars for Sale5150
Starting Price$11,515
Tulsa, OK
Great Deals41
Cars for Sale3616
Starting Price$14,222
Honolulu, HI
Great Deals31
Cars for Sale943
Starting Price$17,054
Arlington, TX
Great Deals68
Cars for Sale5058
Starting Price$16,353

Should I lease or buy a 2003 Volkswagen Golf?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf years