Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Lemon
CDL, 12/17/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Within 6 mos of ownership: the driver's side window fell into the door and the driver's side tail light burnt out, suspension started making creaking noises, coil pack went out, computer burnt up, sub-frame bolts were stripped and needed to be replaced, as well as other parts on the suspension. Been to dealer 6 times to correct creaking noises, but to no avail. Vehicle has spent more time in service in the past 3 mos than I've seen it-total of about 40 days. Not my idea of reliability. Appalled by the level of rudeness received from the VW Customer Service Department.
All-around great car
jettadriver, 12/26/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for almost 3 years now and with 38,000 miles on, have never experienced any problems with the car. Great German handling and quality, really puts Japanise and American competitiors to shame.
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
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Great Car
koepkeca, 12/23/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent Vehicle. Car drives like a dream. The 1.8 Turbo engine sold itself. I had test drove one with the 2.0L 4-cyl and it was alright but the turbo makes it feel like a sports car! Also test drove BMW 325i and this car is far better.
Can't afford to get rid of it.
3livsn88, 09/04/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My family of 5 has outgrown our Jetta TDI but every time we look at buying something bigger we can't afford to lose the Jetta. We bought this car when it was 2 yrs old with 55,000mi on it. We have since put 55,000 mi on it in less than 3 years. We love the exterior styling, we love everything about the interior except the cup holders, although the AC vents do keep your drinks cool forget doing anything with the radio. What we like best is that it's just plain fun to drive. My wife's car is an '06 Pontiac G6 GT and it's fun, but we still find ourselves fighting over driving the diesel. If you get a TDI make sure it's a manual, the auto is a little sluggish off the line.
excellent
vw lover, 08/26/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
with over 40 standard feathures the car sells its self...its well built...strong..fun..and sturdy...and turns very well
My first VW
lsumd, 12/25/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jetta 1.8T after driving a Civic for several years. I looked at all of the cars in this class, including the Civic, and decided that the Jetta has them all beat: more power, better styling, excellent fit and finish, and a great interior. It's not a perfect car (I hate the cupholders as much as anyone) but it sure comes close! Id have to say that the best part of the car is the way it drives. Youll just have to get behind the wheel and see for yourself. I highly recommend the 5- speed manual.
Awesome buy
C.O., 08/28/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had it for over a week now and I am very impressed. I went for the basic GL 5-speed, but you get so much with it. Power windows, power locks, security system, etc. I also got the Monsoon sound system that was already installed. Comparible cars couldn't compete. I had a Jeep Cherokee and swore I would never buy anything but an SUV again, that is until my wife talked me into to test driving the Jetta. I was hooked and I love it. It rides so smooth, so be careful. You can be doing 80 to 85 and not even realize it!
first VW more to come
Zabe, 12/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first VW ever bought. 3 of my friends had bought VW's within the past 2 yrs and they loved their cars (all Jetta' from base to GLX's) they handle great in the snow and they are alot of fun on dry roads. So far my exp have been all fun w/this new car of mine. If it keeps goin this way VW has found themselves a new customer for life. VW has put in so many little features that other manufactures leave out and it makes you wonder how you lived w/out them for so long.
I Love This Car!
Jason Kahapea, 01/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very safe, very solid. Drives smooth allows you to switch to manual transmission on the fly. Zero to 60 in manual in mid 6 seconds at 5800 RPM. My neighbor with a 2001 stocked Corvette loves this car also.
Great Car
Adrian, 06/16/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far my driving experience has been awesome. The Jetta has passed every one of my expectations.
Overall, love it.....but...
dihardvdubber, 05/07/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was my pride and joy until some jerk ran a stop light and put her out of commission. Sad day, indeed. I'd warn anyone against buying used. Can only assume every other moron out there drove the crap out of this car like I did. I mean, if the speedo says 160, shouldn't you make sure it's legit?
awesome
kerryhale, 08/30/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for my wife...I want it back for myself. And i HATE cars..I drive a big pickup truck. Fit and finish are first in this car's class by a wide margin. Acceleration with the turbo engine is exhilarating (or at least exhilarating for a car under 23,000, that is). Everything about this car is nearly perfect. I am completely satisfied, more so than with any car we have ever owned. I would STRONGLY recommend this car to anyone, even someone who can afford 35,000- 40,000. You won't find more car for your money.
volkswagens suck
Phil Swafford, 01/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this car has left me on the side of road twice in the last six months. both times the fix cost on average $1800. Highway robbery!!
Jetta 1.8T
JKandJR, 01/04/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just a lot of fun, we liked that we got more features then on most cars in this price range. Also the tiptronic is great, he gets the feel of a stick shift, I get the ease of an automatic.
Great car to own
earl, 01/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car at a great price. Our third Jetta !!!!
Jetta
mpiper, 09/03/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for only four days and I really love it. The fit and finish is is superb, the materials are all high quality. The monsoon sound system really kicks. The ride is taut and the steering is tight and very well balanced. The suspension is sporty and it stays surprisingly flat on turns. This is a fun car to drive, it handles like it should cost another ten grand.
Great Car - Service Sucks
XY BOY, 01/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. Everytime I get into it I love it more. However, I have had to take it in for service 3 times in the 2 months that I have owned it. There is a rattle in the door window that they just can't seem to fix. Thank God for the Monsoon sound system. :o) I do not like the service people and I think that their level of service leaves a lot to be desired. Fortunately, I love the car enough to make up for their shortcomings.
Jetta TDI Wagon
MJB, 08/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Awesome gas mileage and good performance from this TDI with a five speed trans.
perfect commuter car
Jay Elle, 08/20/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After waiting for almost 4 months it finally arrived last December. 13000 m on the o. now. Getting 53-56 miles per gallon.
MY KIND OF A RIDE
Nicky, 09/06/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WELL MY FATHER JUST GOT ME A BLACK 2003 JETTA GLS W/MONSOON SYSTEM,POWER SUNROOF,AND HEATED SEATS.I LOVE THE WHEELS ON THE CAR. ITS VERY BOLD FROM OUTSIDE, AND THE INSIDE IS TERRIFIC. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU EXPECT FROM A COMPACT SIZE SEDAN FOR YOUNGSTERS.
fun, reliable,safe and attractive
mark36, 01/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have a 2002 bought in december2001. Wonderful car to drive. The turbo is very peppy and fun. The car is very nice in the city and on the road. My kids really love the car and are are comfortable in the backseat. Car radio is great, wonderful storage space and nice uncomplicated and clean looks. This car is more thn a car for the younger set. The car is a great value. The dealership has been great
love it
paulie, 09/06/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
best car to just drive or turn it into a autobahn burning maching.
real race car
Geneeeee, 01/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you're looking for a race car, this is it, cant go wrong with 2003 JETTA.
Looks Aren't Everything
wowziewoo, 02/01/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
While this car looks fantastic and drives well, it is very cheaply made. My new car has had its engine replaced and now the transmission is failing. I've had a million things inside break: the armrest, the interior lights, the side mirror defrosters, the vanity lights...even the moulding on the outside of the car came off--I discovered it's held in place with double-sided tape!
Though not perfect....
New York, 09/10/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got mine 2003 model a week ago. I was very satisfied until I heard a buzzing sound around 2500RPM coming from the engine bay. The sound was so loud that I had to shift before I reach 25000 mark. So I took to the dealer, they started looking for the sound source for couple of minites and found that the oil pan was loose. After a simple tight, the sound was gone....
Nice ride
Keeper, 02/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great quality materials. Very comfortable. Very fast. Zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds using 5 speed shiftable auto trans. Tiptronic is fun and faster than 6 shifter manual cars. Shifts so fast and only takes the power of a pinky to shift between gears. Shifts faster and smoother than conventional manual trans. Put the pedal to the floor in manual. You will be impressed. Awesome car.
Reliably Fun!
Lisa Willett, 02/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's one thing to have a fun car, but to have a car that is also reliable, NOW THAT'S FUN you can RELY ON! This is my 4th VW...The 1.8T is by far my favorite...Could I afford a more expensive car, Yup! But I went back to a VW. Why? It's the perfect blend of performance, function and practicality- Overall, it's a GREAT RIDE!
Only feels Expensive
frangr, 02/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After driving the diesel, turbo, and 2.0 engines on the Jetta, I decided on the standard 2.0. The ride is very European and "rich". I have been reading many reviews on this car, and all the negatives from older models (cupholders, and dropping windows) have been redesigned. These two problems were mentioned in almost every review I have read. The treatment I got at the Volks dealer was what really "put me over the top" and made me go with my Jetta. I purchased from a privately owned dealer in Delray Beach, Florida who isn't part of one of those big dealer groups...You even get the owner's home phone number if you ever have a problem....impressive!
buy another car
floridajetta, 02/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
very small inside not comfortable. Drink holder blocks radio. Rear view mirror fell off week after we bought it...grill fell off.
Nice to drive
yiru, 09/13/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The interior and outerior of the car is perfect. Gives me a feeling of a luxery car. However, I think when it starts, the accleration is slow. It is powerful when it already at high speed, but at low speed it is even less powerful than a civic. I brought Turbo engine because I want it to run fast. But I alwasy feel powerless when begin to move.
GERMAN!!
TAZ, 02/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great fuel efficient vehicle.
The People's car could be les pedestrian
Mighty Entropy, 09/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is well made, but there are a lot of little things that annoy me about it... the rear tweeters keep rattling, the windows fall into the door..broken glove box, peeling interior and the worst part of all is the lousy service departments. The service department alone is enough to not want to buy this car. Sadly with all the things that go wrong there is no avoiding it.
Love my TDI
smiling, 02/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although I have only had the vehicle 3 months, I grow more fond of it each day,getting 44mpg, turning heads all the time, hands like a dream, fun!!
Nice step up from my 92 GTi
ScottC, 02/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the Jetta with every option available, except for the CD changer. The car rides great, has plenty of power and is very easy to upgrade. I had a chip installed to boost the stock 180 hp to 212 and added a cold air intake for another 5 hp. With the stock 180 hp the Jetta gets going pretty quick for such a heavy car, and with the upgrades it really boogies. Highly reliable and fun to drive, it gets an A+ in my book.
My TDI Wagon sips gas and zips along
balttdi, 02/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my car for about three weeks and have been delighted. With the manual, it has plenty of pep and is fun to drive. The mileage is awesome with the diesel, and this makes a big difference with fuel costs being so high now. The handling is great, and the ride is firm without being jarring. After eight years is a cushy and mushy Taurus, this car brings back the fun I had in my very first car, which was a stick shift Accord. The Jetta is also quite solid and can very quietly exceed the speed limit. 80 does not feel much different than 50. For utility, fun, and efficiency it is tough to beat this car.
Great Car I am In Love
eedjohnson, 02/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought my GLS 1.8t last night. Love the design and the features for the great price
Jetta is a lemon.
VWowner, 09/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 2000 Jetta we have has been in the shop about every six to eight weeks for something. The engine is noisy, the ride is harsh, the radio is tinny sounding. A real disappointment.
1.8T
Paul Davis, 02/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in February 2002, since then it has left me stranded 3 times with a faulty ignition coil. There has finally been a recall on them, but it does nothing to restore my faith in the car. Nice car, poor reliability, first and last Volkswagen I'll ever buy.
A Peppy Jetta!
jlr0926, 02/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
As a GLSTurbo Jetta owner, I'm very satisfied w/the car in the short time I've had it. Turbo runs like a dream and the automatic is very smooth. Best handling car I've ever owned. Here's hoping I don't have any of the problems other longer-term owners have had. Build quality, fit and finish, thus far appear to be excellent. A very solid car. Wasn't going to buy a volkswagen, until I test drove this little rocket. And, glad they changed the placement of the cupholders in the '03 model. Drop down cupholders, in front of controls, are rotten. Had that on my Subaru and hated it.
2003 TDI wagon
tdiwagonman, 09/20/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A wonderful wagon, 5 speed, TDI, GLS, leather. Much better than I expected. So far 46-50 mpg in mixed driving. I expect over 50 on a trip.
Biggest mistake ever
jeffd, 02/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great looking car and fun to drive when it is moving but this car has been a hassle from day one. Gone through 2 radios, the ignition coil problem that VW of AMerica has finanlly acknowledeged caused it to sit in the shop for 2.5 weeks one time and has broken down 4 more times.The computer, oxgen sensor, 2 other sensors have been replaced. The passenger side door sticks. The exhaust system was damaged while driving in the snow. Doesnt it snow in germany? All this under 17000 miles. Good looking vehicle but cheap parts and poor engineering make it big regret.
Be very careful!
MJK, 06/06/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always wanted a VW. About six months ago I totaled my car so I was in the market for a new vehicle. I found a beautiful 2003 VW Jetta with 49,000+ miles at Carmax. It seemed like the perfect car. Given the fact that it was a 2003 with almost 50,000 miles I decided to buy the Carmax warranty. And I'm SO glad I did! A month after I bought the car the windows and door locks would only work when it seemed to be hot outside. If it wasn't about 90 I couldn't roll the windows up or down! And never mind being able to lock the doors! Shortly there after the air conditioning stopped working. Throughout the less than three months that I have owned the car, aside from everything
What a car!!!
Wood, 02/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a pleasure to return to VW. I had a 1995 Jetta and then a Ford and could not wait to return to VW. The new Jetta is fun and has everything you could ask for. The wagon is a nice family car.
Check out the Jetta GLI
shelly13, 09/25/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looking for the fully loaded Jetta GLX but don't want to spend the money? The GLI is more reasonable priced than the GLX and the amenities you "sacrifice" are downright frivolous. Who needs power seats? Who needs the tint on the review mirror to adjust automatically for glare control? Shoot, this car has everthing you need, for less money than the GLX. We've only had the car for 1 week, and most of the "nods" we get are from other VW owners! That should count for something!
Perfection
Mae, 02/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Jetta's are the best! I would never go back to any other make or model!
German EngineeringExcellence
Cory Graner, 07/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Monsoon stereo is great but a speaker was blown the day I picked the car up. Power is awesome with the turbo, but watch out for turbo lag in first gear. Think real hard before cutting someone off. Car is solid. I drive it hard and it does not complain. No squeeks or rattles. Ride is very nice. Overall handling limits are not that high, but driving at the limit is easy, and fun. Good four wheel discs with ABS. Tiptronic is fun, but you have to think ahead and plan gear changes. I have a black/black leather car. Seats are unsupportive in turns and hard to adjust, like all Jettas before it. Overall I love it. I would buy it again in an instant.
2002 VW
maumee, 09/24/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has been a great car, tail lights burned out at 15K, but otherwise wonderful. Dealship was horrible!!! Shop around for dealers.
I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jetta Lover!!!!, 06/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLX VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about this car, great teen car!!!
Great Car - Only minor complaints
Pat K., 07/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
8 months and almost 10,000 miles. Great acceleration and handling. Cargo capacity is phenomenal. Lame cupholders. The leather is stiff and feels "vinylly." Monsoon sound is great, but I have speaker wire rattles in at least two speakers. I also have a rattle in the dash, giving concern for long-term durability. Rear knee room is also underwhelming, but adequate for adults on short trips. The Jetta Wagon GLS, 1.8T 5A delivers what it promises - exciting driving and the ability to carry a suprisingly large amount of cargo. Pat K.
Reliable and still love it
ADub, 08/29/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car new in summer 2003 with the intention to keep it a very long time. Now has 105k miles. Stayed on top of recommended maintenance and have only had to replace a glow plug at a dealer for $130 and a sensor, possibly for water temp, for $140 at a trusted auto shop. That's it! I recommend finding a shop with a former VW tech or someone with TDI knowledge for maintenance and repairs. Mileage is still outstanding at around 50 mpg highway and 44 city.