Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Beautiful Nightmare
PA, 10/23/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
A black Jetta was my dream car. Thank god I leased it because at 200 miles the car began to fall apart. Brake light switch went twice in one week and the car would not get out of park, window dropped down in a snowstorm and after being replaced 3 times it still leaks, computer shorted out and the whole car went dead, sunroof leaks, CD player broke, transmission bucks and VW doesn't know what is wrong with it, factory tires were awful and the car would slide in a dusting of snow, and I made a left hand turn and the front axle broke. Don't but this car without a warranty because you will be livid when u pay the price for german parts!
I LOVE my 2003 Jetta Diesel Wagon! (99,600 miles)
Bruce Hopkins, 08/11/2018
updated 02/13/2019
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I originally bought a new 2002 NEW Jetta Diesel Wagon, but in March, 2004, a lady ran a stop sign and totaled it <sigh>. So, I managed to find a nice, lightly used 2003 and have been driving it for 15 years. It's been a magnificent car! Now, I *do* run only synthetic oil in it (changed every 6,000 miles) and it's garaged, so those factors might make my experience better than some. It's never had to go back to the dealer. The only things that have gone wrong are the headliner is starting to sag a little, and the headlight covers "fogged" over (that was fixed for 10 bucks at O'Reilly's with an easy-to-use lens restorer). I get 36-40 mpg, but also drive the speed limit and don't dog it. My only regret is that VW no longer makes--or imports--the diesel anymore. I prefer diesels b/c the ethanol in gasoline isn't good for engines, and if the gov't mandates 15% ethanol, it will destroy a lot of them. (Ed Wallace @ insideautomotive dot com says that, if you buy your gas at some discount stations, you risk getting 15%.) My ONLY problem has been once hitting a rock and damaging the oil pan (10 years ago), and once going over a bump and doing it again! (2 weeks ago). The car is low-to-the-ground, so watch what you drive over!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- GLS SedanMSRP: $1,799135 mi away
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- GLS TDI Diesel WagonMSRP: $5,980315 mi away
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You gotta go with Turbo yo!
G.I. Joe, 08/29/2016
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Must get turbo! Upgraded mine an a few other things. Although the good parts aren't cheap, ya get what chall pay for. Make sure you have knowledge of the car or someone else does. So as long as it's taken care of you'll have one of the baddest rides on the road guaranteed!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
stay away!!
lori, 06/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I owned a 10 year old car with over 100 thousand miles on it that had less problems than the jetta. In two years I have been in and out of the service department over 14 times...Air conditioning drainage leak in my roof, two dead batteries, coolant leak, all four breaks needed to be replaced, broken ash tray, broken cup holder, passanger chair motor broke, Passanger window motor broke twice, driver's side window motor broke three times, emmissions gas leak into cabin, emmissions workshop complication, etc... Need I go on? It may be a really attractive car, but it isn't worth the constant headache and time lost!! Just stay away!!
Manual + Diesel = Fun & 40mpg
greg-dc, 03/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Want to drive 300mi on HALF a tank of fuel. Just go order one -- it's worth the wait. Expensive? At 15000mi/yr the difference between 20mpg and 40mpg is $1500/yr ($125/mo). Oh, did I mention the German fit & finish and amazing handling? Worried about driving a diesel? If you drive a stick, don't be. You'll quickly learn to use and love having the maximum torque at 1900rpm instead of 5000 (like a Honda). We test drove an automatic, and it felt sluggish. But isn't $125/mo enough to learn to drive a stick?
Got it right!
mdh, 02/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
VW has gotten it right with this one. I pulled into the fuel station yesterday and filled up. 229 miles city dirving took 5.1 gallons of fuel. Oh, by the way that was my first tank. Can't wait to see what it does when it gets broken in. This car drives like it was made to drive. I have owned several diesels and loved the economy but not the lack of power. This one has both economy and power. Love it.
Solid car - but reliability?
niteflite, 02/21/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The ride has been solid during my 6+ years of ownership. It's not the world's fastest car, but it's good enough. Fuel efficiency should be better on such a small engine and body, but I guess it weighs a lot. The car has been to the dealer a couple of times for recalls. One was a ridiculous one - the faulty brake light switch prevented me from being able to shift into reverse. Now there's a tech service bulletin that is not a recall - I have a check engine light on for some cooling sensor problem that will cost me some $100 to get replaced. Hopefully that will be it. The brakes are screeching like crazy in the back. When I took it into the mechanic they said it's fine.
My Best Car Ever
pete, 02/21/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI is much peppier than my past 1982 VW Rabbit diesel. I find it responds well in the snow. It has excellent fuel economy. I have short legs and have to leave the seat rather close. I am 5'8'' and my head always hits or knocks off my hat when entering drivers side. The rear seats are a little tight. The car rides like a much heavier car and if one is not careful, the speed can creep up on you. I find the car runs reasonably well compared to my previous diesels. Overall, in my opinion this is the best car in its class and it seems to hold its value well.
Nothing but Problems
Nothing but problems, 08/09/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2003. For the first two years, I loved it. Then, about a year ago, I started having problems. First, something started leaking. My warranty covered it. Then I broke down on a major road and had to get towed. The warranty also covered this. My car has stalled and I had to get towed (not covered), my air conditioning had to be recharged (not covered), then it had a leak (covered), my passenger side door stopped working (covered), etc. I would not recommend ever purchasing a used version of this car...it has too many problems.
Great buy
MCERK, 08/31/2005
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my third Jetta and they just get better. I've owned this vehicle for 3 years and have not had any problems whatsoever. It is great on gas. I get about 33 MPG in the city. I would continue to buy VW.
My Lovely Jetta Wagon
Leia45, 12/01/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My father told me VW was the Nazi's revenge, but I disagree. I have had my 2003 since september 2003 and have put 29,000 miles on it so far. Gas mileage is great - I drive 60+ miles a day and I love it. It has been in the shop 2 times for minor warranty work (rear wiper pump never worked, and brake rotors were warped from factory?). I recently took it into my dealer for a 20,000 mile check up and they replaced the computer, fuel throttle and fuel pump due to a major malfunction. Each time my dealer has given me a loaner free of charge and they have taken care of the problem quickly. I will by a VW again. I LOVE MY CAR!!!
Jetta TDI
Feeney, 12/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
On a long trip with three (3) grown ups I got 52 miles per gallon.
Yeah, it's great...for the first year
KCgirl1234, 07/08/2005
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Like most Jetta owners I was thrilled to be driving my fire engine red Jetta at breakneck speeds down the highway, and then a year passed and the problems began. First, the coolant thermostat wasn't working and my car overheated in the middle of rush hour traffic in Atlanta...fun. Then, all of my tires began slowly leaking air.. Not sure how it happened or what caused it but so far one has gone completely flat and I had to use the spare. Then the door handle broke on the passenger side and people were forced to climb in through the window...lovely. And most recently,the clutch blew and I had to have the entire clutch replaced, costing 1300$. Don't waste your money! Get a Honda/Toyota.
AMAZING!! screw all engines but the 1.8T
RyanPortland, 12/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had several Honda civic's and after this last one was stolen (AGAIN!) I decided to check out Volkswagen. I literally drove the car down the street and knew instantly that I would be purchasing it. The 1.8T engine is the funnest I have ever driven. If you don't beleive me just test drive one. This car is beautiful on top of it all. Get the leather and sport suspension with 17" wheels. It makes it an entirely better car.
Diesel Delight
joe in MD, 05/12/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have purchased nothing but diesel vehicles since about 1993, and this one won't send me back to gas! Despite a few negatives (mostly the flimsy front end spoiler which catches on curbs and has cost me about $100 to fix on 3 occasions) we love this car more every day. 45-50 mpg is the norm, the only drawback being the need to pay about $750 to replace the timing belt every 100,000 miles. Its repairs have been minimal--a defect in the wiring harness when we first got it, and replacing the power steering fluid line due to a mechanic's error-- both covered by warranty. It produces none of the smoke that older technology diesels produce. My sole regret is that I didn't buy a Passat TDI in the mid-90s!
Biodiesel '03 TDI
Eric J, 01/12/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought an '03 Volkswagen Jetta TDI with 60,000 miles on it. I drove it home, changed the fuel filter and oil and filled up with 100% ASTM certified biodiesel. Now we get avg. 47 mpg hwy and run on domestically produced renewable fuel! The 177 ft lbs. of torque gives this car all the muscle anyone needs to cruise at 70 and have a good time on the road.
I Love my OTTO!
AB, 04/21/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My '03 Jetta TDI has proven to be the best car-buying decision I will ever make. I've saved every fuel receipt since day 1, and with the 5-speed manual transmission, I get between 38 (a rare low) and 46 mpg, averaging around 43 mpg most of the time. That's around 500 miles per tank. With fuel prices as high as they are, I can't help but brag about having to fill up only once a month! The styling is sporty and classy at the same time. The new body style is boring and disappointing, so I'm glad I bought mine when I did. I frequently enjoy opening the sunroof, and the leather interior and Monsoon sound system keep me riding in near luxury!
Driving my jetta gives me a volkgasm
vwgrl26, 11/20/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Excellent car, will only drive volkswagons from now on. I love it!!!!
03' jetta
troy, 04/17/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased as used in 08' with 65000 miles, now has 95000. Love the drive and especially the handling. The problem is a harsh shift from third to forth ( auto trans) and have spent $1500 on a valve body R & R with no help. No codes in computer and not sure what to do now. For those who do their own maintenance, VW uses there own fluids and you cannot go to the local auto parts store and buy oil trans fluid etc, and they tend to be spendy at the dealer. The 100000 mile timing belt R & R is $+-$1000 at the dealer. Frustrated vw owner.
Best of the Best
Sniper-x, 02/13/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Get one! The TDI gets great fuel mileage (50+ highway) and is really fun to drive. Unlike diesel motors in the past this baby starts up everytime in our Wisconsin winter!
28K miles and no problems
mtimm, 11/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I can drive from DC to florida on one tank, and my back doesn't hurn when I finally fill up in Florida. It's great around town and fantastic on the highway. This car is fun to drive, gets great milage and extremely comfortable. When the need arises, it holds tons of cargo. It is our favorite car we won. In fact we us it for the majority of travels and leave the BMW in the garage.
Investigate throughly before you buy!
Rose, 10/17/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car at 33,000. With 3 months left on factory warranty. The first 2 months I had the car it was in the dealership for about a month in a half still having to pay the car note. There were problems with windows not wanting to roll down, rear passenger doors wouldn't open, sunroof would open by itself. One night I literally could not close sunroof by the switch and had to manually close it. It was problem after problem. Oh, one more thing the oil light comes on for no apparent reason even after I've had an oil change. Hopefully if you purchase a VW and you have no hassle you picked a good apple.
TDI all the way
Matthew L., 10/09/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My TDI is great because I drive 30,000 miles a year! It did have a transmission defect at 3,000 miles which promted VW to replaced the entire transmission. VW made the best of a bad situation but the dealership was horrible, never goto Congressional! The best thing about the TDI diesel is I use a type of diesel fuel called Bio- Diesel. It's diesel fuel made from vegetable oil, the kind I use is soy based. It's not very well know that this exists because of limited availability but I can switch back to dyno-diesel (regular diesel) if Bio- Diesel is not available. The TDI will run on Bio-Disel with no modifications to the car.
Reliable, Comfortable
Hozer, 06/18/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Bought the car new in 2003 and am about to turn 100,000 miles. Still getting 32mpg on the highway. Very comfortable car for the size. Only problems are the plastic water pump (replaced at 70k) and a touchy check engine light.
Precious, fun vehicle
Raul, 10/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Jetta has been very good to me. After having a 2001 GLS automatic and a 2001 manual, this is the best I've driven. The heated seats and mirrors are perfect for the Minnesota winter. Braking is well beyond above average, and even though HP might not be a huge asset, the ride is smooth and the highway torque while passing is just perfect. If you are looking to buy an Audi A4 or BMW 3-series, save your money and buy this reliable, fun car.
Nice Test Drive
First_Time_VW, 09/10/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just took a test drive in a new Jetta tonight. I was impressed with how many features come standard; it took while for the saleperson to show me all the controls and how to use them. The one I drove had leather, sunroof, and the Monsoon system, as well as the Cold Weather Package. The ride was much better than I expected. The 6-speed manual was very smooth to shift, and the engine had decent power. Overall, it was a much better ride than my current vehicle (an old Pontiac Grand Prix). Although I'm primarily interested in the GTI VR6, I'd seriously consider a Jetta now.
2003 Jetta great drive.
JDEVW, 10/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I looked around for a car and found a dream of a car 2003 Jetta. I test drove the car before it was preped and it still had all the plastic inside and out. My wife drives the Jetta most of the time and loves it. We had a 1990 Accord and we don't miss it at all. The Jetta has a lot of power and handles great. It's best for 4 people but will fit 5. The sound system fits the car and sound good. Very happy with all it over all. A happy VW owner John E
Awsome new engine
skiman29456, 09/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well folks I just got a 2004 Jetta and man its great. Aside from the new trunk lid design and chrome outside and around the guages, it run wonderfully. The HP is up by 10 but the torque is up i think about 30ft lbs. The only thin i'm not really jazzed on is the sound system. Its not bad...but, MTX makes a subwoofer that fits on the right hand corner of the trunk and its really brings the bass nnotes to life. Jazz has never sounded so good. If you haven't driven one yet you owe yourself a favor to go drive the new 2004 model. Bill P.S. Don't forget the subwoofer install
N east jetta tdi sedan Auto trans
northeastjettaowner, 10/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far(2500miles)-so good. averaging about 45 miles per gallon of fuel! Handling is good. Several sqeaks in the interior dash and doors. Overall very good handling and GLS features.
Don't buy it!
duckrun101, 08/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I regret buying my my 2002 1.8T Jetta. Within 3 months the engine went down, not once but twice. They claimed to have fixed the problem at the first time, but a week after, the engine went down again. It was the coils that they said caused the problem but they didnt replace all of them the first time even though they knew they were not right for the car. Another problem - Just a few days ago, my A/C was broken. Since all the dealerships are so busying fixing other more serious problems like engine and falling-apart windows, they won't have time for my A/C problem until after this summer is over.
Another Good One
RBouchardJr, 08/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Gas mileage is excellent (47mpg/hwy) and the acceleration is great. Cruise control is reliable. Monsoon stereo is very good. Handling on the corners is very secure and reassuring. It is very quiet for a diesel. Passing acceleration is very good.
Great Car
coolihigh, 11/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had some holdbacks in getting the VW due to misleading presumptions such as poor quality and such. I am happy to say that I've had the car for about 8 months and have been unbelievably satisfied with its handling, interior and exterior design and most importantly reliability. This is definetly a well built and fun-to-drive car.
Love the Jetta
meljr, 08/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second Jetta, had a 5 speed GL for 3 years, just got an automatic Wolfsburg and I am in heaven. So easy to drive, takes turns so smoothly. A lot of pick up, no turbo drag. Won't buy anything else. Love the Jetta.
50 MPG - SWEET!
JettaTDI, 09/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
8 airbags, seats 5 comfortably, rich interior, awesome stero, loads of standard equipment, lots of power under foot...and it gets 50 MPG. Need I say more?
Jetta Wolfy Sweet
JDel, 08/01/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Well, if you plan on buying a Jetta 1.8T I would highly recommend it with all honesty. I've put 36000 miles on my Wolfsburg and have never had a problem or felt that I was not in control of the vehicle especially on curves and with highway "pass the bad driver" moments which occur 73% of the time these days. Driving the Jetta is truly an exciting and fun experience everyday and still feels like it did the first day of purchase. Quiet, quick, and comfortable would be an appropriate description. I would be hard pressed not to buy another VW in the future.
mydub
dubman, 10/06/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
owning this 03 jetta has been wonderful and my kids love the car as well.Plus it being a 5 speed,makes it more fun to drive.The only thing that i would change is the location of the cup holders.When your on the freeway and your driving this vehicle you could be doing 80 miles an hour and not even know it.
Best car I have ever owned!!!
kharley, 08/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I get excelent gas mileage average around 45 miles to the gallon. The only thing is that an oil change cost 60 dollars because you use more oil along with a different kind of oil in the disel version. I would not trade my car for anything it is fun to drive very cute and money efficent. I highly recommed it to anyone who is on the road often. I put 6500 miles on it in 3 months and got it straight off of the truck. Its great!!!!
Based on New Purchase
M Nylen, 10/11/2007
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Loved the look, the zip, and the plush seats. However, its been nothing but fustrations. I have been to 4 dealers in 4 years. With less than 50,000 miles the weld failed on the exhaust, the water pump went, the throttle body needed work, and now I hit 50,000 mi, I have to pay for a new radio that gets horrible reviews - Monsoon. And the list goes on.
Great Little Car
w11slim, 03/15/2007
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The Jetta GLX CR6 is a totally fun ride. It has some great features. It came down to this and the BMW 3-Series and the Jetta trumped the BMW in just about everything. It even was $2,000 less in price. Mine is red with a black interior and it is a beaut. The only negative thing I can say is I thought the gas mileage would be a little better. I have been selling Volkswagens ever since my wife and I got this car.
The best wagon around :)
71sbeetle, 11/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We waited a long time before we could afford a new car, but we aways wanted the exact same car : A VW Jetta Wagon ! VW finally sorted out all their problems, and our 2003 is ... PERFECT !!! Lots of miles on it already, and not once in the dealership (except for scheduled maintenance ie oil changes) If you want quality, buy the Jetta WAGON (Made in Germany, sedan is made in Mexico where the quality of the materials is not as good)
VW Jetta TDI Wagon Review
Rob Gunnemann, 08/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love the gas mileage on the TDI. It gets 35 mpg city & 45 mpg highway. My wife loves the heated seats. We got the cold weather package which is just great.
Bittersweet!
RLomeli, 11/17/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my jetta in oct of 07. Ive had to replace a cooling sensor water pump radiator hose and thermostat. I commute 60 miles daily so it doesnt surprise me that ive done this. I wish I had gotten the 1.8t for the horse power but that gets me in trouble. I am overall happy with the car to this point. I firmly believe if you take care of it it will take care of you. Oooo my radio stopped working but I was thinking of purchasing something different anyway. This is as I like to call it a cheap luxury car..... This is as close as I'm gonna get to a BMW or Mercedes so yes I love it. And VW has a history of being diff which I like.
I love it
rocketdiesel, 01/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I picked up my new car on January 3rd. I have 1600 miles on it already. I am getting between 500 and 600 miles out of a tank of fuel, combination city/hwy. This is a great car I plan to keep a long time. And you can even make our own fuel.
The pleasure was all mine
heat, 10/17/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Driving this car on a 789 mile weekend trip was a great experiance that I can't fully explain. It has to be driven to understand what I mean. The 789 miles had many steep hills to go up, I set the cruise control at 70 mph and never once did the transmissions shift down going up the hills. I have a V6 and I know that it would have shifted down on many of the hills. With the firm heated seats my back felt better than it had in weeks after the trip. It has many standard features that can't be found in other cars of its size. PS. The speed limit here is 110kmph
Has it improved in build Quality???
economan, 10/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 1999 new Jetta TDI for a 2003 model. Generic faults with the earliar models. 1-Glove compartment hinges break. 2-Front and rear cup holders break prematurly. 3-Rear ashtray breaks easily. 4-Mass airflow sensor fails. 5-Black Cloth material losses its color, fades. 6- Interior material hard to clean. 7-Water pumps fail prematurly. 8-Diesel model intake plugs up with tar Due to EGR design. 9- Relay 109 fails every 20,000 miles on Diesel models. 10-Electric windows fall out of guides. 11-Floor mats do not stay in place.
Love my 1.8t!!!!!
kristajibby, 01/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is so much fun to drive, it's super smooth and great when you need an extra boost. I love the interior style and the outside design is solid. I would recommend this car to anyone...it's perfect!
A Good Choice After All
a.ferrari, 11/25/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Is my first car purchased for me by my father. We went to Westloop Mitsubishi looking to buy a 2008 Lancer like my sisters but when I saw this I was whoa! I was surprised that my father had any interest in it but he did. We test drove and he loved it. It being a standard was the only set back. I knew how to drive standard but it had been a while. The salesman told us that it was a 1.8t but it said GLI. Not really knowing the difference we were okay with it. The problem arose when trying to insure it, the VIN number did not match anything. It turned out to be a VR6 shock made my insurance more than double. I have to pay for insurance but this car is definitely worth it.
Kind Of Stinks
MS760, 10/28/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used about a couple weeks ago. I'm starting to notice a few things. Firstly the horrible crayola smell! Its such a strong nasty odor that gives me headaches when i drive. Found out i need to remove sound deadening material under carpet to eliminate the smell. Its shifting is jerky. A belt in the motor squeaks loud so i replaced it but continues to make noise, was told its something more pricier to fix. Steering wheel is hard to turn. Car struggles when going up hills, transmission gets loud. Shocks squeak loud. Purchased car because it was the most decent one available at car dealership. Regret buying this car. Will definitely stick to hondas after paying off this car.
Really like my TDI Jetta Wagon
new VW owner, 03/31/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
TDI Jetta Wagon GLS in an automatic. Automatic is peppy - it can take warming up as you drive when outside temps. are cold (~10 deg. F) before getting to its best performance. Good torque to get started & it seems to get better as the engine is broken in (only 2000 mi. so far). Driving a little more conservatively (safely, that is) to see just how much over 40 MPG I can get - a bonus. Good std. features on the GLS (incl. the moonroof!) - got the Monsoon sound system since that's what the dealer had and the TDI Jetta Wagon is hard to find. Sounds great! Like the lit dashboard at night & "secret" storage near spare tire's a plus.
Great Car with Minor Flaws
odachimaster, 01/02/2007
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car handles, performs, is responsive, and rides smoothly on these 17" tires, just as it should for a car stickered at $27,895. It has an excellent interior design with high quality materials. It has better leather than the GLSs. The 8-way power seats have nice touch memory. One negative, mine has had a few little electrical problems. Cruise would only work intermittently or the cruise light would come on and would not go off. It has been very difficult for my service center to figure out when it is not doing it when they have and they have not been as nice as tey could be. VW moved its assembly to Mexico and I would like to see if more problems have arisen.