Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
Used Jetta for sale
German Engineering?
cawfebug, 01/14/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The TDI engine and the handling of this car were certainly the highlights. Reliability was horrible, making me wonder why they emphasize "German Engineering". Overall, the car was very fun to drive and solid over my 60,000 miles of ownership. I sold it due to having to take it to the dealership over and over: bad wheel bearing, heater coil, heated seat caught on fire while I was driving, each light, f/r went out within 20K, flickering lights, shudder in clutch, creaking sound from suspension, rear washer fluid tube plugged, just to name a few, there were many more issues, but can't remember all. Sorry, VW, but your premium price has lost me as a repeat customer.
i love this car
Derek Peters, 08/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost a year and i love it. Its a great fun car and i would buy another one in a heart beat......If anyone is looking to buy one get it. I was worried about performance out of a 2.0 but it has great torque I love it!!!!!!
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
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- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $2,999674 mi away
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- GLSMSRP: $3,998940 mi away
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Hate It!
HMS, 08/03/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted a Jetta for about 10 years and finally purchased one in 2003. I did this despite all the bad reviews and advice of others. I'm sorry to say that the car has been nothing but problems. Not only did I have to take it in numerous times to get it repaired under warranty, since the warranty's expired, I have sunk thousands into this car. I owned a used car that was 14 years old and only had to get a major repair done once. You name the part, it's been repaired in the Jetta: catalytic converter, cv joint, air conditioning, windows, radio, seat, armrest, swaybush, etc. I will never buy a VW again. They will try and say "this year's model is better" but it's not. Don't do it.
Too Many Problems
Tigerroux, 01/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I haven't been too pleased with the many various problems I've had with this car. Brand new, the biggest problem being a replacement of transmission, rotors, broken rear view mirror,a security system problem, and sticking drink holder mechanism. These were all fixed by a very good dealership, but all of this happened before the car had 5,000 miles on it. It doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling on the reliability of what might happen next. The other thing I'm not too happy with is the gas mileage. I think VW could do better.
Dont buy unless you love your mechanic!
H8MYVW, 02/23/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car certified pre-owned. I have had two prior VWs. I knew parts were pricey, but since I've owned this car, it's been in for a variety of non-maintenance work! The catalytic converter was recalled and VW refused to fix it unless I paid $200 for a diagnostic test. The window brackets failed and the window fell into my door ($300) plus labor. The supposed great Monsoon stereo/CD player fails to work at times. The blinker stalk clicks at random. There is a constant squeaking when I drive over bumps that no mechanic can find the source of. My seat heat also just burned through the leather seats! And this is off the top of my head... just think long and hard before you buy!