2003 Volkswagen Golf Review
Price Estimate: $1,139 - $1,898





+50
Volkswagen Golf model years
Volkswagen Golf types
- Hatchback
- Diesel
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.
For sale near Detroit, MI
3 listings
- 94,570 miles
- 2 accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 20 City / 27 Hwy MPG
- 810 Auto Motors (618 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Abington, MA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWGK61J734013494
Stock: 013494
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-16-2025- 145,946 miles
- 1 accident, 4 owners, personal use only
- 21 City / 29 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Westcoast Auto Center (1,940 mi away)
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Tacoma, WA
DISCLAIMERWhile every effort has been made to ensure display of accurate data, the vehicle listings within this website may not reflect all accurate v...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
24 Combined MPG (21 City/29 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWFK61JX34024419
Stock: 34024419
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 07-09-2025
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Michigan
$160/mo for Golf GL
Golf GL
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Volkswagen Golf Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Buyer's Beware
2.88 out of 5 starsRemorseful 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 … replacement without ever having been used or the car being in an accident). Then, around 65,000 miles, the check engine light was constantly on. Then, the transmission blew and it needed a new timing belt, air sensor, alternator & more. It has cost me thousands to repair and has become a money pit.
Best car I owned
5 out of 5 starsJovan, 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
4.38 out of 5 starsflyingpatricio, 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 … down. I've even put 2'x8' wood planks in it and was able to shut the hatch. I call it my "clown car". When we go camping it holds all of our gear with ease...camp kitchen, coolers, coleman stove, sterilite tub, etc. My wife's 2010 Honda Insight can hold about half as much...really!
In short...I love this car!
Love that Turbodiesel!
5 out of 5 starsnewflyer22, 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 … me every time I get behind the
wheel. I can go up steep mountain
grades in 5th gear and it still wants
to go faster.
2003 Golf Highlights
Hatchback
GL
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $15,295 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $160/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 18 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
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 TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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