Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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!!!
Great little sport sedan.
1.8T is an exciting engine that's also easy to live with and rewarding during normal driving. Engine and ride are smooth and quiet. Sport suspension and 17" alloys betray some road noise and stiffness on bumps, but handling is precise, though a bit marred by overboosted power steering. Clutch is somewhat too soft for sport riding; clutch throw is also too long. I would give the car a 10, if I haven't driven a BMW 325i. 8-9 will do just fine.
- GLI VR6 SedanMSRP: $5,498348 mi away
- GLX VR6 SedanMSRP: $7,995395 mi away
- GL WagonMSRP: $3,999853 mi away
Great car to own
great car at a great price. Our third Jetta !!!!
Sweet Car
Went from an Acura to the VW... No regrets!
Stunning Car to Look At and Drive
I bought mine used but it was a official VW fleet vehicle with only 3,000 miles on it. Trust me, this car is a very decievingly fast car and a joy to drive. I have owned previous Volkswagens and looked for something new and after talking to the mechanics at my local shop they said there is no other way to go besides the VR6 engine. Stock it puts out 204 hp (no one shows the extra 4 when putting up specs but its there) and after a few slight modifications I dyno'd at 230 whp and nothing around with a V6 can touch it -- have to move up to the V8's before they're close in speed. Overall I love this car and wouldn't pick anything over it.
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.
I had a bad experience
This was my first VW. I leased it for 3 years and can't wait to give it back. It took 5 trips to the dealership before they could figure out why the engine light kept coming on (bad fuel- injector sensors), I had a front bearing go, a broken front axle, and had the driver's seat heater shorted out with me in the seat. This will be my last VW.
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.
Very Average
I bought my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T new in '03. It immediately had some problems with the ESP (took it back twice for the same problem). A year later I had to go back to the dealer for some other electrical problems. Now there's a rattle in the engine compartment and it's making a popping noise from the front left wheel while turning (yet nobody can find a problem). This car was babied from the beginning and I am still having problems with it. However, it is fun to drive. The 1.8T engine has nice power and minimal turbo lag. Its suspension is mushy at speed though, I've been in cheaper cars that handle better. The Jetta looks are great inside and out, with the exception of a few cheap looking accents (door grips wear, floor mat holder broke).
vw jetta
great car to drive but very expensive to fix and not reliable
Easy drive
Love this car, never worry about falling behind. enjoy the driving.
vw rocket
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
A joy to drive, very happy
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.
Jetta
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
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.
Fun, comfort, performance, and style
After 12 years in an Acura Integra, the Jetta felt very strange to me. It was taller, roomier, and more quiet. The GLI VR6 engine was very powerful yet quiet--I sorta missed the whine of the Integra a high RPM. I chose the Jetta GLI because I wanted a car with performance but also a car with some refinement. It's a car that you can dress up or dress down. The only reservations I have are that: 1) it doesn't have the peripheral visibility of the 1991 Integra, 2) it's a little bit harder to park b/c it's wider and taller, 3) it's a little clumsy on corners at higher speeds and, 4) the arrow on the fuel gauge seems to go down fast--the car is very thirsty!
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.
MyJettaGL2.0
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.
Good Buy
This car is very comfotable, reliable, and fun to drive. It has good interior materials. Its Moonson stereo system is great considering that it is factory installed. I have had a few of problems with the electrical system, but no major problems. I am very satisfied with the purchase and recommend this car to all European cars lovers.
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.
Wolfsburg Again
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.
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!
The Jetta
I love this little car. I drive over 65 miles one way to work and the gas mileage has been awesome. I think the car is really classy. This is the first time I have ever owned a VW and I would buy another.
fun, reliable,safe and attractive
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
Awesome Ride!!!
I was originally going to buy my Jetta with a mind to use it as a commuter vehicle. With that in mind, I was looking at the TDI as a powerplant. When I went to test drive at Frema Motors in Goldsboro, I fell in love with the VR6. Wow!!! What a ride!!! With a 6-speed manual transmission and 200 ponies under the hood......well lets just say it was an unbelievable experience. The ride was road hugging with the sports suspension, with plenty of acceleration for needed get up and go!!! Simply stated, it was the best experience overall I have ever had on a test drive! Two thumbs up for the GLI VR6 Jetta!!!!!!!!!
Excellent
Excellent. The car is safe. I had an accident and it was amazing that I survived.
Be very careful!
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
2002 Jetta GLS (5M)
Despite some negative feedback from a few owners, my vehicle has been very reliable. Power is outstanding on the 1.8 Turbo, with fuel efficiency second to none. Build quality is excellent, inside and out. I am very satisfied with this vehicle and recommend it highly.
Great
I love the car
Yipee
What a great car! The power and pick up are unbelievable. A very smooth ride for a smaller car. The interior lights top it all off. I also love the heated cloth seats.
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!
Don't do it
Our car has only 27,000 miles on it and it has been in the shop constantly. I hope you don't have the misfortune of owning a Jetta
I love my GLI, but ...
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.
MY KIND OF A RIDE
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.
real race car
If you're looking for a race car, this is it, cant go wrong with 2003 JETTA.
If you love to drive, you'll like Jetta
First things first, this car is fun to drive. It's comfortable and quiet on the inside but has power when you need it. It's not a sports car if you drive it stock, but for what I was looking for, it was the perfect balance. The only thing I wish it had is more rear seat room, as there is not a lot if you're tall.
Do not buy VW unless made in Germany
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.
Excellent Car
Wow, what a fun car to drive. I have had this beauty for 4 months now and have put 4500 miles on it. I love every bit about it. I have never owned a VW till now, and I don't think I will ever change.
she sucks!
at 3000 miles and my windshield wipers stopped working on the middles of the highway. i was almost killed. i want my honda back!!
Bigger - pocket rocket!!
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.
Disappointment
I've had this car for 3 weeks & it has been in the shop for more than 7 days of that 3 weeks. I've written VW about it & they called the service center & ticked them off while my car is still in the shop! I had trouble before it had 1000 miles on it. Some kind of malfunctioning sensor in the steering column. They tore the entire dash out of the car to get to it. They've had it for 5 consecutive days now and act like I shouldn't be upset. I really would be happy if I could just drive my new car.
03 Jetta
I have had my Jetta for one month and two days, it has been at the dealer three times for five seperate issues. If you are looking for a reliable car, do not buy a jetta, rather buy a jetta if you like the look and feel of luxury at a economic price. Mine is black with black interior, but its getting traded in this week already for a different car....I got a lemon...
03 Jetta GLI
My first new car
A great value for the Volkswagen Buyer
The Jetta GLS 1.8T Jetta is a great buy for this market segment. The BMW 325i was only other option based on size, performance, and features. After two years and 40,000 miles, I've had 180 hp, 30 mpg, and only 3 warranty repairs. I've been on multiple 700+ mile trips with no problems. It's fast, fun, and the insurance isn't bad for a turbo car. A host of performance upgrades and customized parts are available as well. With the same powerplant as the Audi TT you can be assured this engine has the performance and German engineering one could need. Look for a model with a 5-speed transmission, leather interior, and the Sport Pkg. if your in the market for one!
love it
best car to just drive or turn it into a autobahn burning maching.
Looks Aren't Everything
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!
Great Overall Car
Solid, "Euro" feeling ride and handling. The Jetta feels like a miniature Audi. Great quality interior. Very comfortable ergonomics, and the seats themselves are top notch. Styling is more classy than the competition. Nice details abound, like the beautifully crafted headlights. Again, fit and finish make me think Audi. I especially like the nicely illuminated gauges and switches at night. My average over 5,500 miles has been 28.1 mpg with the 2.0 and 5 speed. It's peppy in normal everyday driving and has a fat torque curve - enough power for my needs. Those that want more can choose the Turbo. I haven't had a single problem with the car.
Six Speeds!
The GLI is definitely the BEST Jetta to own! Lots of power, easy handling, and sport suspension make this model my favorite. No complaints except for the "ghost" fuel relay problem I experienced one month after purchasing the vehicle. I took it in to the dealer for service because the engine stalled a couple of times. I was told it could be a fuel relay problem, but they couldn't replicate it. No problems since.
My Alaska Green turned Lemon
Out of the two weeks that I have owned car, one week has been spent in the shop, and the car is still there. Problems with the computer and sensory stuff. "CPU" and dash console have been replaced...car only has 200 miles on it. I'd now rather be owning my loaner than my new jetta. So sad, discouraging. While the car will be fixed, I have no assurance this won't happen again. I have lost all trust in my new car. The jetta I was so excited to own and drive is now my heart ache.
A contradiction
I fell in love with the Jetta 1.8T when I first drove it. After owning one for several months now, I am no longer in love. While the Jetta performs well and is still fun to drive, the quality of the car is just awful. There are creaks and rattles galore. The front rotors needed to be re-machined after 1000 miles. The stereo was wired incorrectly and one of the speakers was blown. One of the air conditioner vents fell off. After driving a problem-free Nissan, this just makes me mad. Don't be fooled by the test drive: this is not a high quality car. Search some discussion boards and VW enthusiast sites and you'll see what I mean.