2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Name: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 825 USD
Rating: 4.7 (94 reviews)

2000 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GLS Turbo Hatchback

2002 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback

+52

Used Golf for sale

Not available nearby

See Cars for Online Purchase See All for Sale

Appraise This Car

Volkswagen Golf model years

Volkswagen Golf for Sale

Volkswagen Golf types

Hatchback
Diesel

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

See pricing history

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.

Cons

More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.

What’s new

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.

Edmunds says

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.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$171/mo

$174/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf.

5 (75%)

4 (15%)

3 (10%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.7

94 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 94 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Buyer's Beware

Remorseful Buyer, 07/20/2010

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

Best car I owned

Jovan, 04/11/2016

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

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

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

flyingpatricio, 04/27/2011

2003 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

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 …

Love that Turbodiesel!

newflyer22, 10/02/2002

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Okay, I'll be truthful. I've only had the car a few days so I will change the ratings accordingly, but I got it for $300 over invoice and I thought that was a great deal on a car that gets 50mpg on the highway, has a solid interior feeling like a more expensive car, even if a few things need attention, a solid, sporty ride, and the power of the turbodiesel. It amazes …

See all 94 reviews of the Volkswagen Golf

Write a vehicle review

2003 Golf Highlights

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$15,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$171/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Golf include:

Alarm

IIHS Rating

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

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

People who viewed this also viewed

Volkswagen Passat
4.1 average Rating out of 8 reviews.
Starting at $27,575

See Volkswagen Passat Inventory

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

See Volkswagen ID. Buzz Inventory

Hyundai Accent
4.7 average Rating out of 11 reviews.
Starting at $16,645

See Hyundai Accent Inventory

2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Buyer's Beware

Best car I owned

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

Love that Turbodiesel!

2003 Golf Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Buyer's Beware

Best car I owned

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

Love that Turbodiesel!

2003 Golf Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}