Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Average Car
Mshort, 12/14/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
mariahmilan, 10/30/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
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Hands Down best base model car!
falconeight, 08/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
outstanding at 50mpg
ecolamp, 11/10/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
outstanding fuel economy with excellent pickup and no smoke the only downside is they don't offer this engine across the board........You don't need all those batteries, outragous weight, or explosive gases to do your part for the environment...... with regard to any health issues I would say they are a non-issue.....
Can't beat the MPG
ecr72, 11/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far, so good. I have not had a single problem after 20K miles. The ride is nice and space is what you would expect from a small wagon. What puts it over the top is the 44+ MPG for the amount of space in the vehicle. The leather is a must, just compare the cloth and leather at the dealer and you will understand. The back seat room is small but with a 1 year old, it will be a long time before that becomes a serious issue. I'll move up to a Passat TDI by then. Purple & Red dash lights at night are a treat.
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
Made a believer out of me!
auntsue, 08/29/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Jetta
Sassy, 11/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is way fun to DRIVE! I highly recommend in the 1.8T the manual transmission. IT FLIES!
Daily Driver
GrayRhino, 01/09/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's bigger on the inside than it appears from the outside. Alot of well thought out details were put into this car, for example, with the key in the door , you can roll down all the windows. Great for venting heat in summer. Mileage commuting to work, low 40s. Highway 50, depending on conditions.
I once was a Skeptic too
Bobby1425, 08/31/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
PETER M, 10/30/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Steigs, 09/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
Jim Driver, 10/31/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
starlightmiracle, 09/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
BlackForestTurbo, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car...can't beat it for the money.
Great Car!!
GoaliesGal, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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....
WOW
Go-Fer, 12/07/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this Jetta. I have recommended this car to a lot of people. It is so smooth and comfortable to drive. I have even taken it to my other home which is 10 miles up a dirt mountain road, it did great.
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!
A joy to drive, very happy
jthreet, 06/29/2005
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had my jetta for about two years now, and I've loved every minute of it. Only problem that i've had was the transmission had to be replaced at 16000 miles -- I'll chalk that up to a fluke, the replacement has been running perfectly ever since. Handling is great, good power, I have no complaints.
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.
excellent
ERIC , 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great performance car! great handling and fun to drive. Also VW customer service is excellent
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.
Bigger - pocket rocket!!
speedricer, 11/04/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Own a 2003 GLS 1.8T for 3 weeks now. Love the drive. Even more standard features. Just remember it's a compact car, not a luxury car. No complains while I still have the new car warranty.
vw jetta
jokercecil, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great car to drive but very expensive to fix and not reliable
A great ride
petdr2000, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Jetta has been an excellent purchase. The only problem is the interior, the plastic is pealing. But it is what is under the hood that I really like. It zooms through the traffic, has great gasoline mileage and still is comfortable enough to pick up mom and dad at the airport. I have been very happy with my cool looking jetta.
Worst Car EVER!
J., 05/07/2010
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had nothing but problems with this car! The water pump, pistons, cylinders, locks, windows, suspension, (and the list goes on) have gone OUT on me numerous times!! I go to the mechanic at least 2 times a year, and average spending $400-$500 each trip. I hear a constant LOUD rattling sound when I drive on the freeway, and hear loud squeaking noises when i go over speed bumps, and make wide turns, & no one can fix it! I WOULD NOT recommend this car!
A piece of junk
JETTA A POS, 11/05/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Jetta has lot of mechanical problems. We bought ours(brand new) in march 2002.Since then it has been in the dealers workshop 7 times for repairs. The car did really well for the first 2000-2500 miles. After these initial miles it has given us all sort of problems. It started with door rattling, followed by the left view mirror cracking, followed by complete failure of the audio system 2 times in a row(within 10 days) . Yesterday the drivers side window fell into the door and won't go up. Guys, think twice before buying this car. Buy it if you want to spend your week day off at the dealers place. Atleast this is what has been happening to us.
vw rocket
danb, 09/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it is fun to drive and has very good handling for the money the car has a lot to offer need to drive it to see
I love my GLI, but ...
Geege, 12/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't understand why the GLI doesn't have steering-wheel controls for audio like the GLX. I had them in my last Jetta, a 2001 GLS 1.8T manual. I moved UP to the GLI, which has more horsepower and is still manual, but now i have to reach to change tracks and manage one extra gear, too! It doesn't make sense. Also, I loved my 2001 cupholders that tucked away into the dash. Stupidly, VW redesigned them, putting a bottom in them, thus ruining the original bottomless design. I HATE my console cupholders - they are practically under the emergency brake. NOTE: your cupholders ranked a 2 in the survey.
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.
Try a TDI, You'll Like it!
Kang, 12/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2003 Jetta TDI wagon in April '03 and have driven it over 15,000 miles. At 6' 4" tall, I find ample leg and head room thanks to an easily adjustable seat and telescoping / tilt steering wheel. The seats are firm yet comfortable for long trips. The 1.9 liter oil-burner is the quietest, smoothest diesel engine I've ever heard. The 5-speed manual tranny and clutch work together in perfect harmony; the shift throws are short and crisp. An economical car as well as a "driver's" car!
Great Value with Tuning Capabilities
tizzle0620, 09/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was surprised when I first test drove the new Jetta. I had been looking at many comparable new cars and once I drove the new Jetta, my mind was made up.
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
very nice, i love it
maame, 12/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i wanted this to be my first car, its a simple car, but has those extras that set it apart from the other cars, something different that other car companys are trying to copy NOW... to put it simply i love it
Should be a Ford fix and repair daily
THILDRETH, 06/03/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Constant repairs only 20,000 miles and most of that to repair shop been towed three times now the Windows fell out looks good just needs lots of glue and bumper to bumper for life would not recommend this car.
Awesome!
Deej0401, 12/16/2007
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So I just bought the car at the beginning of the year and I have to say this is best car that i have driven. I had a 2000 nissan pathfinder that was a really good car in terms of reliability but it had a lot of miles on it and this car was on sale and only had 40k miles on it. Drove a lot of different cars that were in the same price range, and this is by far the best car that i have ever driven. The only problem that I had was I drive aggressively, the roads in Jackson Ms are terrible so I had to put new tires on the car after about 10k miles. The tires are pretty pricey because of the rims. Other than that I have not had any problems what so ever. I love this car!!!
Do not buy VW unless made in Germany
unhappy, 01/01/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
VW are not made like they used to be, and until they do, do not keep one for more than warranty period. I grew up with my parents owning a beetle, Vanagon, rabbit, jetta, and all lasting 10 years plus with no issues. I bought a '00 jetta, kept until 45k miles and sold it to my sister, and that's when everything started failing. I bought a '03 jetta in '02; has 65k miles (fine until 50k miles when the warranty expired). Have spent $4k in past year in repairs. The electrical system is horrible! Factory radio died, temperature control module died, radiator fan and auxiliary fan failed, catalytic converter died, coolant leak, ignition coil problem, now my car won't start. Can't wait to see why.
MyJettaGL2.0
anubhav, 09/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I recent bought this new 2003 jetta GL 2.0L. I am satisfied with its performance. Fun to drive. String. Reasonable acceleration considering the fact that it is V4. I had a hard time finding the 12V outlet, but it was hiding "nicely". Music system is good. Wish they have MP3 support too. Man this is file swapping era. NEway, The only problem that I see this is a fuel consuming car. I dont thisnk that I drive that bad, but I am getting even less than 20 mpg city. Their test rating itself is 23. So expect yours to be close to +/- 20.
My car
Matthew Terry, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For the past year I have had my GLI and have loved everyday of it. This car delivers great pick up and a smooth driving experience with a comfortable interior to match.
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.
Jetta 2003 Testamonial
jharris, 01/02/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Styling is sharp, finish is great, loads of features for the money. Why don't US carmakers make something to compete with this? I've got the stick shift and it's just that much more fun to drive, heated seats, sunroof, CD& cassete, what more can you get for this p
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.
The best value
outbackflyer, 01/05/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This thing is everything I wanted and more. I tow a small trailer (about 600lbs) and I still get ~45 MPG. Currently have 30k miles and going to do my own oil changes. Did research and found the best oil is Delvac 5w40 from Mobil. You can find it at most truck stops. It is full synth and has a C4 rating. Most dealers don't use the right oil and charge $80 to change the oil. check out www.tdiclub.com for more info. I found them extremly helpful.
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.
Wolfsburg Again
Dave the VW Guy, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg Edition 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really do love my car. I used a seller in Watertown,Connecticut and my seller was a great guy yet when I brought the car in for its first service, the car was late in being returned, they charged $30 dollars for am oil change and they returned the car unwashed and with Seagull droppings on it.
Jetta Crackdown
trickytenor2, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Attracted by the impressive body styling, I realized i wanted a Jetta. Things only got better when i found they came with a Turbo charger. I decided on getting the leather seats too which is a definite plus. The only downside is that the service at the dealership is terrible. Also, my car keeps getting more and more rattles.
Excellent
Nicole Hairston, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent. The car is safe. I had an accident and it was amazing that I survived.
Great Commuter
VW88, 05/21/2010
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 4 months now and have put over 30,000 km on it driving from Calgary to Saskatoon and Calgary to Vancouver. Car is great for commuting and relatively cheap for regular maintenance. If you can do regular maintenance on a gasser - you can do it on a diesel! Just be sure to use a good diesel fuel additive/fuel filter to prolong the life of your injection pump and take it for a good run regularly to keep the turbo clean and prevent sticking. My injection pump recently went from cheap fuel filter, bad diesel and no fuel additive - $2000 bill, follow the above advice to avoid this costly repair and you'll be happy with the car!
GREAT CAR!
acg, 10/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. i drive alot for my work and i have had my jetta for over 7 months and i have 42,500 miles on it and i love it. I have not had any problems and its comfortable and fast. I also drove it from philly to california and back and it was great.