Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews
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Fun to drive - lots of repairs
tri1982, 10/07/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
When I first got my Jetta, I absolutely loved it. it handled well, accelerated quickly, and was a smooth ride. But I had problems right away. The transmission didn't shift smoothly. My car still jerks and lurches when shifting gears (although the 8 times I took it in, the mechanics never experienced anything). The electrical has had issues too. My windows roll down when I pull the button to roll the window up. My engine light has been on for the last year (although I've taken it in 4 times. It goes off for a few days and then comes back on.) I love my Jetta, I just don't love all the repairs it needs.
Excellent all around car
Cliff Hunt, 12/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is my first new generation VW diesel. I have driven them in Europe, and decided to buy one in 12/02. I had to have the wagon since it is made in Germany and the sedan is Mexican. I drive about 100 mi/day commuting, and need the mileage. Despite what one of the other reviewers said, this car has been FAR more reliable than MY 88 VW. I sold my 88 VW w/ 135k on it, and it was good. This car has NEVER been in the shop for anything. DO use the DELVAC 1 oil. Insist that your dealer does if you have to take it to them. The oil costs more, but it truly is worth it. I get 42-52mpg, more in summer, less in winter. Car is NOT slow (have been > 110mph)
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $2,999460 mi away
- GL SedanMSRP: $6,490618 mi away
- GL TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $5,4951,076 mi away
See all 19 listings
another great VW
65kaefer, 07/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my Jetta Diesel in January, and love the peppy little thing! I've driven 7,000 miles so far, getting about 45 mpg. The only reason I had to bring it back to the dealer was the sunroof wouldn't close and the driver's map light would not stay on. I got the stick shift thinking I need it for accelleration and fuel ecconomy. It's ackward to shift with the armrest down, and hard to reach the radio controls while in 3rd or 5th gear. Stick with the automatic! There's plenty of head and leg room for my six foot frame. The stereo is great with cassette and CD, large buttons, and great sound.
Fun to drive when not in the shop
sean, 08/25/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I purchased my Jetta with 5 miles and all options. After 5 years, it has about 30K miles (I don't drive much) and is often in the shop. If the engine light isn't on then it's a recall. It's had electrical issues (interior dash lights no longer works), rear pillar rattling, suspension problems and the list goes on. Once off warranty, the repairs are very costly! I'm not sure how some can rate this car with a 9 or 10 reliability. Perhaps I got the lemon. It's a fun car to drive but definitely my last VW.
NO NOT BUY A VW JETTA DIESEL
James, 07/22/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I thought getting 45 city, 55 HWY would save me a lot of money. I have 2 Jettas, 2001 & 2003, and they break down all the time. To replace a radiator fan is $550. It take 2.4-2.6 hours of labor + the fan is over $200. The car feeds the exhaust back into itself, which takes maintenance. Recently, log a lot of power, would only go 60mph, had to replace a air control sensor, $180+ new, just a 4 inch pipe with a sensor in it, parts are very high. If you pull up to close to a concrete parking bumper, it will go under the car and pull your bumper facing out. The oil dip stick going into a plastic pipe, designed to break after heating/cooling, $20, and when it breaks, the plastic could go engin