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2003 Volkswagen Golf

Price Estimate: $1,906 - $6,832

Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Owner Reviews

5(75%)
4(15%)
3(10%)
2(0%)
1(0%)

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

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Buyer's Beware
2.88 out of 5 stars
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 … 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 stars
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
4.38 out of 5 stars
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 … 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 stars
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 … 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.

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 – Original
Good
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



FAQ

Is the Volkswagen Golf a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2003 Golf both on the road and at the track. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2003 Golf gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 94 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Golf has 18 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Volkswagen Golf. Learn more

Is the Volkswagen Golf reliable?

To determine whether the Volkswagen Golf is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Golf. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Golf's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2003 Volkswagen Golf is a good car. Our consumer reviews show that the 2003 Golf gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 94 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2003 Golf is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2003 Volkswagen Golf?

The least-expensive 2003 Volkswagen Golf is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $15,295.

Other versions include:

  • GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $15,295
  • GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $15,495
  • GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A) which starts at $16,170
  • GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A) which starts at $16,370
  • GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M) which starts at $16,720
  • GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M) which starts at $16,920
  • GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) which starts at $17,520
  • GL TDI 2dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A) which starts at $17,905
  • GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A) which starts at $18,105
  • GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A) which starts at $18,395
  • GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M) which starts at $18,710
  • GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A) which starts at $19,585
Learn more

What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf?

If you're interested in the Volkswagen Golf, the next question is, which Golf model is right for you? Golf variants include GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M), GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A), and GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A). For a full list of Golf models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Carolina
$205/mo  for Golf GL
vs
$231/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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