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Used 2003 Volkswagen GTI Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
177 reviews

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3.25 out of 5 stars

First and last time.

Marbles, 12/16/2002
2003 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was very very pleased with the car up to about week 3, and now I can honestly say that I will NEVER buy another VW. Reason? The South-American Assembled interior rattles more than a jar of marbles in the paint shaker at home depot. Going straight, going slow, on the highway, in the neighboorhood, doesnt matter. constant rattles from everywhere in the car, more than even my 91 chevy blazer with broken interior pieces. My question for VW is this: Why are we still paying German prices and premiums for South american construction and quality?

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2.75 out of 5 stars

You get what you paid for!!!!

1.8T driver, 12/22/2002
2003 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I felt good until the coilpack failed and interior trims started to rattle. VW dropped the price and they did not forget to lower the quality!!!!!!! It is unacceptable for A BRAND NEW CAR!!

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3.75 out of 5 stars

VW Quality

mwestbrook, 11/02/2002
2003 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my brand new GTI in March of 2002. I have already had both window regulators break, rendering my driver/passenger side windows useless and trapped inside both doors. Not good since I park my car on the street. It took over 3 weeks to get the windows fixed...because window regulators are on national back order. Now my right tail brake light is out and I only have 10,000mi on my car. It makes me wonder...what's next?

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4.63 out of 5 stars

happy with car

der meister, 12/24/2002
2003 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

went from a 2000 vr6 to the 03 1.8t, the car is great bang for the buck, wish it had the 6spd like the 337 though. missed out on that one.

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5 out of 5 stars

WHOOOOOSHHHHH

Raman Gain, 12/20/2002
2003 Volkswagen GTI 1.8T 2dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The original Hot Hatchback and still the best. I drove a SVT Focus for a full day, then a single test drive of the GTI 1.8T was the answer. By far the most 'mature' in this scrappy class - am I getting too old? Is enjoying full torque at 2k RPM too mature for this class? You can't beat the 4 year warranty or fuel mileage if you drive it maturely. Performance is very good, some say best in class. Turbo boost comes on strongly at 2k RPM and is smooth until PAST redline. Brakes are initially very grabby but responsive. Gearbox hates being rushed. RECOMMENDED upgrade is new diverter valve (~$140) to reduce boost-lag during shifts.

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