Used 2003 Volkswagen GTI Hatchback Consumer Reviews
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AS Fun As They Come
Have had this car for about a year now. It is just a ball to drive in any conditions. Power is great at stock levels[180} but chip it and now you can get real scary power in the low to mid range where it really shows it's muscles. Imola Yellow color gets the looks [Cops too!!] but what a cool ride.
You get what you paid for!!!!
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!!
- 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $8,977164 mi away
- 1.8T 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,995194 mi away
- VR6 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,695482 mi away
2003 Jazz Blue Gti 20AE Review
From the moment you unlock the door til the time you lock it after returning EVERYTHING about this car makes the road a much more enjoyable place to be. The seats cradle you and hold you when the 1.8T engine forces G's at you. The Sleek design of the interior is just perfection. I really think this could contend for one of the best cars created. This car is a definate way to celebrate the 20th birthday of an amazing car.
What a Surprise
I am really impressed with this vehicle. It is a great combination of perfomance/ style/ and reliability/ and Cost. Im an Automotive Engineer and a tough customer :-) Although North America does not have the Haldex AWD coupling (which my company makes) This car performs great with the stability control option. My decision was down to the GTI and the Mini S. I chose the GTI because of engine performance and the 20th annv. package is just cool!
The perfect balance for the money
I have driven many different cars, from Ferraris to Citroens to Yugos. As an everyday car, the GTI is excellent. Great power, economy, and comfort. I can't ask for more at $20,000. My last two cars have been BMWs but I don't miss their handling and the GTI is much quicker so I am very satisfied. It works great in the snow even with upgraded sport rims and tires! I am very impressed with this aspect. It proves the car has great balance.
Return of the Great GTI
I have owned many Volkswagens from the original 84 GTI to a 16V Scirocco and this is the best VW I have ever driven. Great quality, handling, and speed. Everything you could ask for in a German hatchback. No service Issues in the time I have owned the car. It has just under 20000 miles on her now.
WHOOOOOSHHHHH
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.
Factory Fun
The car drives and handles great if you don't mind the stiffness in ride. Enough interior room to seat someone over six feet comfortably. Get up and go is wonderful at any speed, along with cornering at excessive speeds, tail end doesn't get light and slide all over. I have over nine thousand miles on it with a trip over three thousand miles and never got sick of the car. I had the stereo replaced because of a fault under warranty, but other than that, nothing mechanically wrong. Love the car and worth every penny.
GTI VR6-Fun to drive......to the shop
The good: Power, car looks good--Interior looks well made--Like the heated leather seats--Radio looks cool--17"wheels The bad: Had at the dealer many times because the check engine light keeps coming on--Have to drive with the seat moved forward about 3 inches if you want to fold the rear seats down--Monsoon sound system has NO bass response--Climate control fan starting to make noise--Factory roof rack mounting bolts not mounted properly into frame on passengers side making mounting a roof rack very difficult if not impossible--No help for previous issue from VW -- Has 5500 miles on it and is developing alot of rattles and noises.
Rattles ruin almost perfect review
Turob GTI makes this car one peppy ride. Handles like a charm, I have felt nothing like it except my friends BMW M3. Plenty of head room for a tall guy like me (6'4").
Fun All Around Car
The 2003 Volkswagen GTI is a great little car. I've had it for two years now and I still love it. The power is amazing for such a small car and the attention it draws is great.
Hot Hatch
Tis car is very useful yet fun to drive. It can handle huge amounts of stuff in the back and still has the power to make you grin. Also, Very good build quality
not bad
i have a 02 gti 1.8t.fun to drive,love to use the tip tranny.i know but wife doesnt' drive stick! i test drove the rsx, no thanks!i have had problems with the coils. 6000 miles 1st coils went. vw will not replace all coils the 1st time it happens! u have to wait until it happens again! great! lucky i have a great dealership,they replaced both coils in 45 min.car rattles to much!
Love this car
I bought this car new with 35 miles in 2003.I have since put about $15,000 worth of performance mods into this car. The build quality is excellent for a $25,000 car. I was lucky to be stationed in Germany for 2 years with this car. It drives like a dream on the autobahn and on the back roads. I lapped the Nurburgring in 9:18 my first lap on the track. With some work this car is easily as fast as a 911 carrera on the track.I have never had any major issues with anything breaking. Just do the scheduled maintenance and it runs like a top. After driving more $$ cars like the BMW M3, Mercedes AMG 55 and my 2000 740i sport the Golf GTi is as well built and as fun to drive as any other high $$ car.
Wait and See
Thus far, I have experienced the same problems documented by others. My first trip to the dealership was positive, to my surprise given the heavy criticism leveled at VW service. They fixed the excessive rattling (which was present right at the start; what the hell did I pay PDI for?), but failed to fix the intermittent illumination of the brake light. When I telephoned the dealership and reported that the problem was not fixed, I was promised a free rental which they renegged. I telephoned Volkswagen Canada to lodge a complaint. If the problem is not redressed, I will make a follow up post and name the dealership.
love it
love it veary much. Fun to drive .great power and handling.Volkswagen is the best car in the world.
OWNED!!
ok if your looking for a fast and luxurious car this is the car for you. looking for performance??? chip this baby and you will be close to putting 200 hp to the wheels. this thing is a tourque monster were talking 230 ft- pounds with the chip. with a cheap 500 dollar upgrade you will own any honda. i bought this car a year ago and i still get that grin on my face every time i start the engine. i have added an uber amount of aftermarket accessories 2 this thing. VW says drivers wanted and i say DRIVERS FOUND!!!
Clean Lines Inside and Out
I just bought my GTI two months ago. This is my first VW. The GTI is a pretty fun car to drive, it accelerates and shifts very smoothly. I love the design of the car's interior and the exterior. The lines are very clean and simple. It is a little too heavy and its handling is a bit iffy. It's not as fast as I thought it was going to be. It has a bad placement for the cup holder.
Oh My Gawd
This car is one of a kind. Its fast, comfortable, Luxuriioosss... One improvement tho can be the suspension. Kinda boggy and has lotta Body Roll.
The Original Hot Hatch and It Rocks!!!!
I'm at 6,000 miles on my 2003 1.8t GTI and so far it's been a great ride. Fuel ecomony is good but does take a hit if you "drive" the car. But it's worth the hit trust me. I get a smile on my face every time I'm behind the wheel. The 1.8t engine is suberb and delivers plenty of power when needed. The car handles like a dream especially on the twisty roads here in New England. The Monsoon sound system is sounds awesome and delivers some serious bass for a factory stereo. Over all it's everything I expected!!!!!!!
My GTI-She's my baby
While I had a terrible experience ordering a custom car (it took forever), I am glad I waited. Although the GTI may not be the fastest sport compact on the road, it's low end torque makes it more fun in day to day driving conditions. The ride is superb with a sporty feel. The car does not show it's true colors until it is on the highway. It is really an autobon car. I live in Colorado and can drive up in the mountains all the way in fifth gear. Those big 17's are really bad on snow though (even with ESP, traction control, locking diff, and front wheel drive). Overall though, I love this car.
A Car Gone Bad
I bought this car with 10,500 miles on it in May of 2006. I have had it for ten months, and the AC compressor, air bag wiring harness, oil pump, front grill, equalizer buttons, and ash tray have all had to be replaced. Not only is this the worst car I have ever owned, I will never buy a VW again. That is the bottom line. It's a piece of junk. Do not buy one.
Decent for the price
Good price on my VR6. Unlike the turbo (which I also owned) broad power range and decent torque. However, handling is pretty sloppy stock, with poor understeer. Suspension roll is also fairly iffy, and the stick linkage is loose/imprecise. Number one performance problem with GTIs is WEIGHT. They weigh too much for their size, and too much weight in the front. Just being realistic folks. That said, for the price it's a good performer, and it's the only performer of its class hatchback wise.
GTI VR6
I just purchased an '03 Silverstone VR6 w/grey leather and sunroof. The car is a blast to drive and looks aggressive with the 17" wheels.The interior quality and list of standard accesories is excellent. The exterior fit and finish is also excellent.
GTI
Everything is great, fully loaded and features are excellent, only problem I've had so far ia a defective hood release
Best Hatchback ever!!
This is my 3rd new body style GTI (99' 0r newer). I love it. Powerpacked, loaded with luxury and safty features. Awesome warrenty, 5,000 mile sevrive intervals, and good customer service. I would recomend to anyone looking for a fun/safe to drive $20,000 car. No better car for the $$.
Bomb Diggity
This GTI is the funnest car I have driven in a long time. Compared to my last car, a 95 Neon, it beats the pants of that on.
2003 1.8t GTI 5spd
I have no complaints about this vehicle. The 1.8t engine is a solid performer, rated by Ward's Automotive as one of the ten best engines for 2003. Despite somewhat long throws, shifting is smooth and precise, and clutch feel is far superior to the competing Honda Civic SI. The sport suspension is firm enough for everyday spirited driving, but may be a bit soft for those weekend autocrossers. Fit and finish is on par with anything in this class, (under $25,000 hatchback), and the choice of interior materials and packaging also outclasses the competition. This car is rooted as a sporty hatchback with excellent performance, and ranks at the top of its class.
Best Sports Hatchback Out There
I have had my GTI for about 3 months now and have enjoyed every second. I got mine with every option. Taking into consideration the power, smooth refinement, luxurious feel, and the price it is by far the best sports hatchback on the market. I must also say that had another very good buying experience with Dave Walter VW in Akron. This the second car I bought from them and both times it was the best car buying experience I have had. So if you are in the Northeast Ohio area be sure to check them out.
mistake
I was seduced by the the little red car when I first saw her on the lot. Yes, it is fast, yes, it is fun to drive, no I didn't like driving a rental Dodge Neon (provided by VW) while it was in the shop for a week. Multiple problems, ignition coil failed, both windows broke, monsoon stereo replace once (still sounds horrible), seat belt replaced, engine light on, interior trim falling apart, leaking around the bottom of the passenger door. She may be fast and nice to look at, but I have dumped her after a year. See ya VW
Don't buy the Turbo!!!
I traded in a 2001 Jetta 1.8T for a GTI VR6 no comparison!!The torque and power of the VR6 is just incredible. The car feels much bigger than it is. The GRUNTTT from the VR6 at around 3000 rpm is wonderfull. This is my 7th VW and they just keep getting better. NEVER a lack of power like the Turbo.
A Blast
A total blast to drive. Power is excellent and very controllable. Steering is solid. Good over all features and comfort - seats are very good.
excellent
great car, nice handling,superior appearance, nice wheels, good stereo system. I love this car and I will always stick with VW.
Sporty Practicality
Daily driver that is nearly as much fun as my Vette. Outstanding low end torque and acceleration. (No WRX-like turbo lag.) Very good steering and brakes/ better than a WRX/ not quite as good as SVT Focus, but combined with lux car quiet and ride, it beats them both. Monsoon has great bass. Firm, comfortable, high bolstered sport seats with excellent heaters. Many items from Audi parts bin. No reliability issues at all. A practical mini-Vette.
2003 vw gti
I love my new GTI VR6 if the gas/mileage wasnt such a big factor i would drive it everywhere, all the time. the car drives sooo smooth and at 10,000 miles already after 8 months and still nothing wrong with the car. the car comes with everything you could ask for in a sporty vehicle. i love it i know u will too.
Cool car...
Bought the car a couple of months ago, so far has proven to be an excellent decision. This is a fast, tight, and reasonably priced car. European design, engineering, make a huge difference with similarly priced Japanese competitors, which have gotten over the years soo boring (they all look the same to me). Fuel economy is good, especially given the fun provided by the mighty 1.8 T. None of the quality concerns in prior reviews have cropped up.
Watch for the LEMONs...
To be honest, I have mixed feelings about the car. It's great fun to drive, but, today, I ended my lease on the car; it was in the shop 36 days from Sept 18th, 2002 to March 18th, 2003!!! I am going to the much more reliable TDI 1.9L Golf. I hope I am making the right choice. Oh, and for those of you looking to buy a GTI, beware! My car insurance TRIPLED after getting the GTI (I had a Mazda 626 before the GTI and I have a completely clean record!!!)
Excellent Ride!
I love driving this car!
Wow
I have been a GTI fan since my first one in 1986, but the whole package of this model didnt appeal to me until the 17 inch wheels where offered. My silver rocket with leather and roof and monsoon is top notch in most aspects from tons of low end torque to the whine of the turbo. my window clips broke on a rainy night, that sucked. Really no other problems expect those cup holders block the stereo.
Fun to drive, a pain to maintain
It is fun and easy to drive in heavy DC traffic or on roadtrips. The car is very stable on the highway and it plows through winter weather. The biggest problem is the reliability and build quality which is horrible. The car squeaks and rattles like a '72 AMC Gremlin. The fuel system is a nightmare. My car has had constant prolems with fuel delivery. It was in the shop for nearly 3 weeks right after I bought it. When starting up, The gas revs and then the car stalls out. You have to pump the gas to keep it running The window regulator failed . It is under warranty but the dealer hasn't had one in for a month. .
Couldn't get any better
After owning several ACURA/HONDA products, (and having my friends follow my lead and purchase several Honda/Acura products) I have made the switch to VW. Tons of character, thoughtful ergonomics, plenty of room, tons of torque, and impressive build quality lured me away from the "Rice Burners". My best friend just bought an RSX at a 5,000 dollar premium. Too generic. The VW GTI 1.8T is awesome. You won't be dissappointed.
Damn and only four thousand of 'em
AWESOME!! No other word will aptly describe this car. Pull up to the light and give everyone a fleeting glimpse before I accelerate ...
My First Toy
The car drives like something far more expensive. The ESP is nice when you need it, but if you wanna roll, turn it off and the car is a madman! it's easy to park and the extra room always comes in handy. This car is hot!
First in a Series
I'll update as the miles pile up, currenlty have 320. This is the first week I've owned the car. It's not broken in yet. Thus far it handles well, the brakes are great and the low end performance of the VR6 is very strong and very smooth. The Climate control also works well. I have been back to the dealer once to have the balance adjustment nob on the radio replaced and to pick up the center head rest for the rear seats, which was not included when the car was delivered. The dealer made good on both the day after delivery. So far the car is a blast to drive with no real problems.
I love my Wolfgang
I've owned Wolfgang now for about 6 months and love him dearly. Going from a '96 Maxima to an '03 GTI has been wonderful. I bought the car as a certified used vehicle and the warranty gives me peace of mind. I've had to drop him off for a couple check engine light things, but they were all under warranty. The true beauty of the GTI is driving it. It's literally something I look forward to doing.
Such A Shame
Owning this car is like a relationship with a hot, sexy, person who has a severe chronic disease with many symptoms which can appear at any time for any reason. The car has had the ENTIRE ENGINE replaced at 34k miles because of a problem with an oil leak. Before that transplant I had replaced the clutch at 18K, all the power windows have broken. I have a little pile of plastic peices that have fallen off the ashtrays, seats, and interior which I can't figure out where they're coming from but they all have the VW logo. Gunther Volkswagon is the best, like nurses in the cancer ward, they are very sypathetic and understanding. This car is Junk..
A Must Read
Not only does this car look stunning bathed in Reflex Silver, shod with 17 inch wheels and dealer-tinted windows, but it has all the features and amenities of cars costing much more. The only thing I find more moving than all the luxury and refinement that surrounds me, is the 1.8 liter turbo mated with a slick-shifting manual transmission. Press firmly on the go pedal and you hear a slightly-audible whooshing sound issuing from the engine bay as your turbo rapidly spools up. What happens next is nothing less than startling. You are pressed firmly into your leather seatback as you rocket down the open road. EMAIL FOR MORE excitmnt94@hotmail.com
FUN TO DRIVE
This is by far my favorite car i have ever owned. It has plenty of power all the way across the extremely smooth powerband. interior comfort is unbelievable for a car way under 30 grand. However i have had the car for about 3 months and electrical system is very disrupting. everything resets and car stalls and doesn't start back up agian too many times. It is sometimes hard to believe that it is a brand new car. Gas mileage is decent 20 mpg, it isn't a big concern of mine, plus it probably could be better if you take in account how i drive. Overall i feel better when i sit in my car, and even better when i drive it like a stole it.
Gti- Engineering.
The VW Gti is a very under-rated car, it is fully featured for the same price as a RSX premium. It is fast and corners better than any japanese car out there. (evident in a 1/4 mile ring against a Gt-s) It gets up to speed fast and has passing power to boot. Superb stock car.
The Best GTI Yet!
This is my third GTI after owning an '87 16V and then a '95 VR6. I feel all of my complaints with the other two were addressed with the Anniversary Edition. There is no more rolling through the curves, no more wobbly shifter, and a tighter suspension. This car is hot looking and fun to drive!