Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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invoke the lemon law
the only thing worse than the car was the dealership. After 3000 miles the jetta misfires on all cylinders when you first start it up. The dealership refused to deal with this issue and i was forced to have VW buy the car back under the lemon law. In all, a huge, unsatisfying hassle. interior fabric hard to keep clean. trim deteriorates quickly. Dealership was extremely unhelpful and the VW customer service did not follow through or return calls. All i wanted was a car that was reliable when brand new. what is the point of a 4 year warranty when it sits in the shop the whole time.
2001 JETTA DIESEL,
EXCELLENT CAR NO PROBLEMS YET ,WE HAVE 67000 KM ON OUR JETTA ,NEW BRAKE PADS FRONT @BACK AT 60000 PLUS REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 16000 ,IT IS A GOOD CAR IN WINTER STARTED ON THE COLDEST DAYS BUT IT SHOULD HAVE A BLOCK HEATER /2003 HAVE THEM . FUEL ECONOMY IS VERY GOOD 40.00 FILL UP 950 KM TOWN 1150 HIGH WAY ,EXCELLENT POWER
Return of the Jetta
Fit and finish of this car and it's rock solid feel have it all over the Japanese competitors. The exterior paint is almost flawless I get between 42 and 44 mpg no matter how fast I drive.Lots of standard features even in this entry level GL model like the standard CD player. Dealer support is excellant. I have had two problems that they fixed right the first time (transmision shifting problem and pinched fuel injector line). Everyone loves the dash board lights. The attention to every detail of the interior is amazing at this price level.The folding split rear seats give it plenty of cargo room.
More trouble then it's worth
Since I have had the car we have had to replace the water pump, put a new turbo in, thermostat, replace the timing belt (but that is standard maintenance), put 4 new coils in, replace one brake bec it was sparking, and this is all in a year and a half and around 80,000 miles. I have been in and out of VW so much they know me by my first name. Not to mention the money we have had to shell out for. I have had my car towed three times this year to VW. When it's not in the shop, it's a blast to drive but it's not worth the money.
Great little package
It's easily your all-round performer. It's a compact car. It's a sporty car. It's a luxurious car. It's everything at the same time - that's why I love it. Need to dress up and hit the town in style? The Jetta's shape and form is classy enough. Want to enjoy some sporty driving? Put the strong little 1.8T engine to work, and it responds. Need a family hauler? The Jetta does the trick there too. Everything seems almost perfect, from the placement of controls to the feel of the trim. Everything works as you expect it to work, not how some funky engineering team designed it. Smart design, excellent execution. Try it - you'll love it too!
Jetta Gli
Great performance for the price. All aroung great inside and out. the hp boost for the 2003 yr (25hp) is wonderful and leaves 02 owners wondering why im so quick. also with Esp (electronic skid protection) standard for 03, i have more confidence driving here in the wet weather.
Impressive, but sad in some areas
11,000 mi and runs great. 49mpg even at 85mph. Most impressive feature is the engine. It will surprise you. Not a race car, but lots of torque no matter how many people or how much cargo. Great passing power on the highway even in 5th gear. More comfortable, better road feel and smoother overall drive than it's competitors. Excellent commuter and touring car. Starts well even in cold weather. Very roomy up front, but lacks space for rear passengers. Strange cup holders, later '03 models have better ones. I will seriously consider purchasing another VW for my next vehicle.
Overall great
Overall, a great car, bought in 10/1999. Had the mass airflow sensor problem, window guides problem, and too low to the ground(front end) problem. Other than that, excellent car. Can't beat the mileage and build quality. Had one accident on right firewall, and still no squeeks and rattles!!!! Maybe the newer models have inproved some things, but hard to do.
Nice change from Japanese
I have had my Jetta for almost a year and have not experienced any problems. I previously owned 94, 98 Camry and a 2000 Honda CRV. I paid about the same for all these vehicles. The difference is the Jetta gives you about 10 times the bells and whistles for the same price. The Jetta handles so much better and has a quality feel. So far no problems. I have the 1.8T and it will go 135 mph before an electronic regulator kicks in at about 5400 rpm. My Japanese cars were dogs compared to this baby. This is definitely a driver's car. I was so happy with the German engineering that I bought the wife a new Beetle that she loves.
The Jetta is PIMP!
I have had the Jetta for about 10 months now, and I have greatly enjoyed the time spent with it. It is a very comfortable car with nice styling. The engine has good power (making more torque than the V6 @ lower RPM). The engine also responds well to modification and gets pretty darn good gas mileage. I get about 24-26 city. The rear seat room is a little small, but it IS a compact car after all. Also the build quality and the materials used are top notch. I have always driven American cars until this one, and it has impressed me greatly.
awsome vehicle
fun to drive , handles the road very well. feels like a solid vehicle. awsome sound system and hardly any out side moise.
Smart car for Power lovers!!
Nice car with nice stable handling and smooth ride . The interior well designed and color schemes great! Engine no problems at all ....
i love this car
I've only had this car for about 8 months but I've already tested it's reliability. I've been in two car accidents and both times it was the fault of the another. But the damage done to my car compared to the damage done to the other was unbelievable! One car hit me and her car was totaled and my bumper was slighty cracked and there wasn't even any frame damage. The car is built very well and much better than past models. My only complaint is where the drink holder is, it blocks the radio. Other than that highly recommend this car.
I LOVE IT
I had a Ford Escort with virtually no features, so when looking for a new car, features didn't matter to me. I went out car shopping, not even intending on going to Volkswagen, and test drove a few cars. The dealer is what sold me on the car. I love everything about it! I love having powersteering, didn't have it before...but with getting all the benefits of a loaded car (although it was the base GL model) I didn't lose the benefits of getting excellent gas mileage. I was worried that I would get horrible gas mileage. The car drives smooth, has lots of room.
Best Car Ever!
The car averages me 48 mpg and I have an automatic. I get 500+ miles on a take of gas. The car has more get up and go then I thought it would, and can pass without any probs. Makes me upset that all roads arnt winding roads. The vehicle also makes you feel safe with all the airbags it has. I have never liked a car this much. I recommend to anyone.
my thoughts
Smooth alternative fuel vehicle.
Good Car
Good Car, Great engine. Cool Interior.
I hate this car!
I've had 3 cars in the last 22 years, this Jetta is the only one in which extended time for repairs have caused me to lose out on jobs. I always wanted a VW but I HATE this car. The parts are too expensive, not always available, and it is hard to work on the car yourself. Pep Boys would not replace a water pump for me because the car was too complicated for their mechanics and the dealership mechanics are far from good. Everything about the car is hard. You must slam the trunk to close it, you must punch the horn to get it to honk. The doors are heavy. The seats are hard. If you drop something under a seat, forget it. The manual is complicated. And I could on and on..
WoW
I love it! It makes my day.
Bells and Whistles
Fun drive, classy interior, best crash ratings possible (very safe), awesome sound system. Very fast car for a 4 door car.
Born to commute
I drive my TDI around 250km a day and have had not a single problem in my first 55000km. Also took a long road trip down the westcoast camping and was pleasantly surprised that the car held all our camping gear and then some. Have and will continue to recommend this car to everyone!!
Simply the best
Competant, safe, and reliable
Nickel and Dime problems
Car is fun to drive, and looks very nice. At about 12K miles, I had the windows fixed (three times), things began to fall apart inside soon after. The seat height adjustment handle broke, the power mirrors quit working, and the gas tank opener switch fell inside the door. Fun car, but lots of small problems....I traded it yesterday for a 2003 Civic.
Not what I expected from a German Car
I have had problems from the begining. The whole reason I bought the car was for the safety that it provided for me & my family. Safety doesn't count for much when it is in the shop all the time. Oil problems constantly,A/C compresor went out, windshield wiper had to be replaced(it quit working while I was on a 700 mile road trip with family, so had to sit on the road for 3hrs waiting on roadside service b/c of raining and could not see to drive)and there has been many, many more things. Service has been a pain to work with. I should have bought a Kia, at least it has 100,000 mile warranty.
My first new car
I love the Jetta for it's simple, yet distinct styling. The interior is perfect, with it's black monotone look. I love the chrome accents on the door handles and the gear selector. Red gauges with blue background is fantastic. The 1.8 litre engine is smooth and powerful, with minimal turbo lag, although I wish I would have chosen the 5sp manual. My only peeve, is that the back seat is a little cramped, but I'm never back there. In all, I am a Volkswagen driver for life, or until I can afford an Audi.
VW JETTA! 2002
Leased the VW Jetta 09/2001.Jetta is a 2002 GLS automatic. Great car! Also had a 1999. They have got to raise THAT FRONT END! Way to low. Had plastic window clips replaced. Windows would fall into sleeve. Really my only problems! Great car. Looking into a 3rd in less then a year. Will trade ths lease. Ya gotta drive one! The faster you go,th better it drves! What handling!
I regret buying my Jetta
Upon initially purchasing my Jetta there were no problems. But by the winter, it started giving me problems and hasn't stopped since. The only major problem that I have encountered is that gear sticks. When I say stick I mean, will not shift into Reverse or Drive until it feels ready, which could be 5 or 65 minutes. Taken it to the dealership 7 times and they cant figure out what it but assume its the brake light switch. So they keep replacing that. I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone unless you have a very good warranty.
Put a Volkswagen in your garage!
I bought my Jetta in May after my old car (a 94 Intrepid) all but exploded. Buying a Volkswagen was the best thing I've ever done. Not only does the car look great, but it drives like I spent $40,000 on it. Nothing else I've ever driven has given me this feeling of safety and confidence. In rain I no longer have to worry whether or not I'm going to fishtail. In nice weather I know I have enough hampsters under the hood to pass whoever I need to get around. My fiance drives a 2003 Passat and neither of us could imagine being happier with our vehicles. Everyone should drive a Jetta!
So far, so good!
just got this a week ago, and absolutely loving it. previous owner of a 1992 saab. i just feel gorgeous driving it! my complaints? the cupholder is right above the radio, which freaks me out. there's not enough storage room in the front/sides...frustrating. can't see behind my right shoulder -- big blind spot, headrest for driver is awkward?, car dosn't "roll" automatically on "D" (i think this is a safety feature, but i just need to get used to it), the cloth interior looks like it'll be tough to clean.
Jetta GL
Excellent value for the money spent, deffinitely a cut above other compact competitors.
2002 GLI
Well, I bought my GLI to compliment my Turbo S beetle but it has been in the shop for seven days now. For some reason the GLI stalls out after starting and sometimes doesn't start at all. VW of North America is aware of the problem.
perfect commuter car
After waiting for almost 4 months it finally arrived last December. 13000 m on the o. now. Getting 53-56 miles per gallon.
Bang for Your Buck
I've had no problems with my Jetta. It is a pleasure to drive as well as fun. Kudos to VW.
Always broken, Expensive to fix
Granted, this car was used and had 109,000 miles when I bought it, but it has been nothing but trouble. Had to have it after my cousin got one (and I got to drive it)! Both radiator fans broke within 2 weeks, $460. Multiple cylinder misfires. Some crazy coolant system-related engine code (P2182) that never goes away, had to have the thermostat and the thermostat sensor replaced, $400+. Strut mounts and CV boot joint need to be replaced. Transmission slips going into 4th. Finally found a good VW certified mechanic, but parts are expensive! Trying to sell the thing.
Big wheels, lotsa gear and even more fun
I've had this car for a month and have over 5000 miles on it already. I traded in a 2001 Maxima SE with the 225HP V-6 and don't fell like I gave up much performance. This one is smoother, quieter and more fun then the Max was.
Jetta TDI Wagon
Awesome gas mileage and good performance from this TDI with a five speed trans.
Hot Rod Wagen
We purchased a VW Jetta Wagon with the VR6 and Sport suspension. It has seen a lot of miles and we havn't had a single problem. The workmanship is outstanding and the performance is amazing. This little grocery getter won't stop for groceries. It just blows on by. It's a blast to drive and always want's to be driven. The only complaint I have is that it's hard to drive slow. If they can change the location of the cupholder, I could cruise all day. This is really a Passat, except $8,000 dollars cheaper. This is my first VW and I am really looking forward to the V-12 powered Toureg. No more Hondas/Toyotas for me...I'm hooked
Same again
Nice car. Good head and leg room. Quiet. Don't even ask me to put a muffler on steroids on it.
Average Car
I bought this car 2 years ago. I wish that i would have researched the engine sizes available, the 2.0 is a weak engine and doesn't get very good gas mileage. I wish that I would have gotten the 1.8T. It comes with the same estimated mpg. The build quality is very good. The styling inside and out is the best i've seen. reliability has been pretty good, sometimes gets flooded. Uses a special synthetic oil that is hard to find and expensive. And at 60,000 yo need you timing belt and water pump replaced. Costs around 800, I got lucky and only payed 450.
Fix the Window Problem!
My Jetta's windows have broken twice already. The problem is that the window is heald up by a tiny, plastic device that breaks CONSTANTLY. It's a real hassle to get fixed too! My friend also has a Jetta and all four of her windows have fallen into the door as well. The cupholders are in a rotten spot (the condensation on the cup drips right onto the radio). I think this would have been a great car for me if a bit more $$ was spent by the manufacturer on the parts you don't see!
Hands Down best base model car!
I looked at many base model cars, and for $16,000 dollars you cannot get a vehicle with the Jetta's build quality and accessories. This car comes with on the base model 4 wheel disc brakes, 6 air bags, awesome cd sound system power downs/locks, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, adjustable forward/height driver and front passenger seats, and a inclimate weather steering system. Best car ever for the price.
Made a believer out of me!
I had previously driven an American 6 cylinder, and was afraid to go back down to a 4, when a friend told me about the 1.8T. After test driving the Sentra, Altima and Camry, I tested the Jetta. I knew I loved it immediately! After being bored with my last two cars, I was afraid I would never again find a car I loved -- but the 1.8T has restored my faith. My buying experience was my best ever (Burlington VW), and their service is excellent, too. The car has great pick-up, purrs nicely at highway speeds, and has lots of standard equipment. All around, a great car.
I once was a Skeptic too
I have owned My Silver Jetta named Brach for a year now and I could not be more happy with this car. It is without a doubt one of the best values on the market, and call me lucky but I am a very aggressive driver and I have not had one problem with Brach besides my wheels having to be balanced and rotated often ( I am really agressive). I sell Nissans, and we have an X5, Maxima, and Intrigue that I drive on the regular, all costing far more than the Jetta and it always feels like it is in the same league as the others. Great car.
POWERFUL
I HAVE PUT 1500 MILES SO FAR THE JETTA IS A EXCELLENT CAR 1.8 TURBO VERY POWERFUL.VERY SMOOTH DRIVE VERY HAPPY WITH JETTA.
Door/Window Rattles? Look Here!
For those of you with Window/ and Door rattles. The solution is to lubricate the door seals on the car itself.Even if you think this cannot possibly be the source of your rattles try this anyway. The best stuff to use for this is a product called Gumipledge(Sp?) It is sold by BMW dealers for about $8. They have the same issue with there cars. Lube up all the door seals and any rubber on the doors themselves. Be sure to get some on the top rubber door seal that runs along the top of the car. In addition spray white lithium grease in your door locks and hinges I guarantee this will work for many of you and your car will be rattle free. Good Luck!!!
quick, loaded with features, Fun!
I've driven my Jetta 1000 miles, and I am really having fun with every mile! The manual trans, excellent handling, braking, and turbo have made me feel like I'm in a rally car- with interior comforts and luxury. Performance is VERY good. City fuel mileage is not great at about 25.7 right now.... I rate the build quality so far as excellent, except some stray door rattles, and everything works great. Amazing features, attention to detail- gently dimming lighting, trunk release, and the unique remote key. This is my 9th car, probably the best overall quality. LOVE the interior lighting - I could drive this car all night long!
My perfect car!
I have owned Jetta's for the past 5 years and just bought a new 2003 TDI Jetta. I absolutly love it! Im still on my first tank of gas and have already gone 445 miles, and still going! Not bad for an 11-12 gallon tank with 45 MPG (Automatic).
Turbo Jett
Great car...can't beat it for the money.
Great Car!!
Great handling, fun car to drive...I've had a Jeep Cherokee, Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Mirage, Mitsubishi Galant and they all pale in comparison to my Jetta. The only thing I would change (if I could) would be the mileage. I got better gas mileage with the Toyota Corolla. But the difference in the ride is so great that the extra gas doesn't bother me.
excellent
Great performance car! great handling and fun to drive. Also VW customer service is excellent