Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Luv It
So far so good. I luv it. Luv the performance and gas mileage. Have had 1 problem with it and that was a humming noise from the front when you made turns. They replaced the transmission fluid with a synthetic fluid and the problem went away. There is a tech. notice on this for those of you who also have this problem. The delearship was good but their maintenence dept is the best I have ever been to. They keep you updated every 30 mins while you wait.
Most for the money
I looked at Accord, Altima, Camry, and others when researching this car and none of them could match the options, quality, performance, or style for the same price. The only drawback is the Jetta is a slightly smaller car than the others. The interior is comfortable and beautiful, the optional leather is very good quality, and I love the cool blue gauges. Don't get the V6 unless you really want it - the 1.8T is nearly as powerful, gets better mileage, and you'll save money. There's plenty of power and torque over the entire rev range, passing and merging are a breeze.
- GLSMSRP: $2,450194 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $2,999628 mi away
- GLS TDI Diesel SedanMSRP: $7,500718 mi away
GLI--Love the RIDE--hate the service
The 200 hp Vr6 is a great way to start your morning. Car pulls very hard--the 6spd manual is very percise. The monsoon radio (1300 option w/ sunroof) is what i have a problem with --the radio is not as loud/clear on the driver side. Car has 1700 miles on it and has been in the shop 4times. VW service can not fix the problem--and forget about squeezing a rental car out of them.
It's a Turbo
great car... the turbo is sweet... goes fast... kinda slow at a stop light... i've been very dissappointed with the engine. when cold it sounds like a lawn mower. tiptronic is a joke, it has to think about it before it acts and doesn't let you do much, other than gear down - a useless feature.
Watch out for Certified USED-Jettas
My car is the reason why certified used cars should be included in the Lemon Law. But beware... they are NOT! With 3000 left on the certified warranty my car has been in the shop every month since purchase. Included..5 window regulator replacemnts, 2 Mass airflow meters, 3 transmission removals/adjustments, and 25 days in the shop within a year! what a P.O.S...
Easy drive
Love this car, never worry about falling behind. enjoy the driving.
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.
So far darn good
I bought my car in July this year and I have nothing but praise for it. It looks cool,handles beautifully,has all those wonderful extras that you don't expect in the so called "entry level" model and then there's the German workmanship that you just cannot fault. A class act as far as I'm concerned.
Awesome!
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!!!
Jettas are the best
It is a wonderful car and i love it very much
Jetta is great!
My biggest helpful hint would be to wait until November if you can hold out. The TMV has gone down almost $1500 in one month since August - so you have a good chance of it going down even further. Also, print out your Edmunds.com info. and bring it to the dealer with you. Don't pay MSRP or dealer invoice again! I got mine at $500 below the TMV at the time. Best of luck & enjoy - the Jetta GLS 1.8T is a great choice.
fun fun fun
this car is great to drive and the turbo has no lag i have found yet
I am screwed
I have a 2002 1.8t. While I have no complaints with the handling of the car I am concerned about its reliability. I have had to have a linkage replaced on the tiptronic transmission. My monsoon stere system kept shutting itself off or wouldn't go on at all. The finish on the drivers door handle has all but peeled off. The cup holder is a mess and whats with no cupholders in the back seat at all? The A/C is anemic. My first VW and my last.
Best Valur for the money
I did quite a bit of research prior to purchasing this vehicle and I could not find a comparable equipped car for anywhere near the price. Most features are standard and some are only available in the higher range vehicles, i.e, Air Curtains.
so far so good
Had this 1.8T since March of 2003 So far the only problem has been a "cracking" sound when ever I start the car and proceed to turn right or left for the first time. Apart from that no other majour problems
Overall College Car
I've had my Jetta for almost two years. I tried to drift once but I forgot I had a FWD so I smashed a curb costing me 2,500 $!!! I love switching into step-tronic or w/e its called to give that extra kick of acceleration. Great on gas but It is a girl car so society says but w/e. Really interesting bass in the car too! never thought my Jetta would be bumping bass that good.
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!
There is no alternative
Amazing what 4 cyl, turbo, and German engineers can do. As former engineer, am picky. Found attention to detail superior to any other. Every inch has purpose. For 03 they smartly combined savings of GL int. with performance of 1.8T. Engine has economy of 4 cyl. but pep of turbo. Was willing to give up leather/sunroof for 1.8T. With stick, it flies. Amazingly, the "base" interior LOADED. ANY other brand in base interior would leave you with deficit in comfort or performance - requiring extra $ in aftermarket improvements.
Awesome Car!!
This was a graduation present from my parents, and I couldn't have asked for a better car. The pick up is great, awesome interior. Its a sporty car, but still practical. This car is a definite head turner and worth every penny.
A year under our belt
We love our Jetta. We even settled for the 2.0 as a 1.8T was not to be found. Handling is sharp with a nice tight turning radius. This wagon zips in and out of parking lots with ease. Great visability. This wagon is designed for the real world. I bought it for my wife but the reality is I can't wait to steal her car. Never a problem...
A costly piece of junk
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.
Very Cool Black 03
Black with black interior and blacked out windows -- looks very cool. The base engine is plenty fast enough -- it's a car I feel good about having my children drive. This is the 5th new VW I've purchased -- all have been great cars. In buying the vehicles and having them serviced, the local dealer has always been excellent.
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.
Fun car to drive
This car is fast enough to take you safely to work. Driving this car makes me feel 5 years younger. The 6 speed manual transmission is amazing if you live in areas with no heavy traffic. Perfect clutch length makes it easy to switch gears. After three months of ownership I have to say that the perfomance and quality are outstanding. I'll be happy to update my review if anything goes wrong with my Jetta.
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.
Nice ride
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.
ONE GREAT CAR!!
Have had the car a little over a year and love it. I commute 100 miles round trip everyday, have 38,000 on the odometer and my car is doing great. Couldn't wait to start modding my car with aftermarket parts. With my additions the car is even more enjoyable. Stiffer suspension, quicker acceleration, and some interior mods make this a fun car to drive. Have had no mechanical problems accept for factory recalls.
My favorite car!
I'm actually leasing this car and I plan to buy it when the lease is up. I took over the lease from someone else and I am very pleased with my decision. I always wanted a fast car but never wanted to be too flashy. I feel like this car is perfect for me. Its nice 17" rims, tinted windows, and a spoiler rock my style. But I also wanted a nice interior that I couldn't find in other basic sporty type cars in the same price area. This car really moves and always surprises my friends. The leather interior, heated seats and nice stereo system are straight out of a luxury type car. If you are looking for a car that's fast, has a nice interior and is fun to drive. This is the car for you.
Though not perfect....
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....
Reliably Fun!
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!
Not much to ask for
So far this has been a great, fun car to drive. I've taken it on a couple of 800 mile round trips and it handles/drives wonderfully on the interstates. And it's even more fun on the backroad curves. Comparable to or even better than my Jag XK8. The 6spd trans is terrific.
BEWARE OF THE JETTA!!!
Well I HAD to have a Jetta, even though my husband didn't want it. I hate when he is right! CV axle, mass air flow sensor, radio,struts,2catalytic converters in 3 months. WORST OF ALL... the ABS lights from HELL!! I have had the car since May, it's now Aug. Since the ABS light has been on, the car has ZERO power. No one seems to know why. I give up. I have it up for sale, I almost feel guilty selling it to anyone. There has been several electrical problems as well. Not at all what I expected.
I hate my car
I wish someone would have told me the truth about this car. Recent Volkswagens are junk. The interioris peeling, the review mirror casing fell off, and I've had to replace three tires -- just from normal driving in Los Angeles.
Jetta Wolfsburg
A great driver's car:)
VW saved my life
I love this car!It saved my life! I will always trust this car. I flipped my jetta 6 times going over 100 miles an hour and was ejected from the car because I wasnt wearing my seatbelt. I pretty much walked away. I only have a broken arm and cracked my back from the ejection. No cuts or anything. The window air bags protected me from glass and other objects. I would have uploaded the picture to prove it but theres no up load for pictures. Anyway, if you're going to get a car get a VW. The best car ever:) promise!
Jetta - Disguised piece of junk
I notice a lot of these reviews are from people who have had their Jetta for a week or so and "just love them". Wait till you've had it for a year or so. Ill start from the top.. Ive had to have my mass air flow sensor replaced, my computer reprogrammed, catalayic converter replaced, window regulator replaced, "check engine" is on 5 out of 7 days a week, windows go up and down when you just want it to go up, stereo gets "cup sweat" on it and stops working, A/C is loud and doesnt cool even the driver, and its the most un-dent resistant material ever! Thank god for the lemon law...
Problems from the beginning
I have had problems with my car since the second week of ownership. The dealerships tell me that I imagine the oil and smoke problems and Volkswagen tells me that they don't have any control over their dealers. Therefore, my only available recourse is the Better Business Bureau. I would NOT recommend a Volkswagen to anyone. The basis not only on mechanical problems but also on lack of customer service and concern.
YES!!this car is finally out of my life
WOW!did this car turn out to be a true lemon. the first day we had it the clutch blew out with 250 miles on it in the mountains of wv. vw was very arrogant and we sat on the interstate for 3 hours! after that fiasco we just had small problems all the time. tread on tires was gone, squeeking, leaking windows, and other annoyances for a one year old car. car has aweful traction, driving on a wet highway at 6070mph it slips all over the place. we just traded it in last week and are thankful we did before the 1 year mark came around. the clutch and many other things are covered under the 1 year warranty. also, avoid larry simmons vw in parkersburg, wv.
Huh...
Well, let me start off by saying, this is not my car, it is my brother's, but I have driven it enough. Let's start with performance. When you romp on the gas, wait a second, then you fly, and this thing can! It is so much fun, it feels like you are driving a rocket ship, the steering is so tight. But because of this, the comfort is bad, you feel every little rock, it's horrible. Oh, and don't try to put someone in the back seat. I tried, let's just say it didn't turn out so well, I'm 6'0". The exterior design is also top notch, in my opinion. The interior is also layed out very well, the Tiptronic is pretty nice too. The leather seats are supportive too. The A/C is also ice cold.
Bad Buy
This car is horrible. I brought it brand new and have had it fixed about seven times. I would not recommend this car to anyone. This was the first car that I brought myself, and is nothing but a dissapointment. It was never a smooth ride. It has always been to loud. I can not wait till the day I can afford to get another car. No more Volkswagens for me.
Stop now
This car is brand new and in and out of the shop. A real lemon. Buy anything but a Volkswagen.
my review
the jetta is the best car
DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE.
Overpriced piece of crap. My experience has been a complete nightmare. I've owned the car for 4 months & I've driven it for less than 3 weeks. It's been in the shop the rest of the time. We've filed with BBB & a lawsuit. Eventually they offered to buy the piece of crap back. The offer letter states that we are to pay for not only mileage but NEGATIVE EQUITY on a car that has been in the shop for 3 months. $4000. They think this is a fair deal? How can we buy a new vehicle that actually works if we have to give them another $4000? Too many problems to even name. Do Not Buy a Volkswagen. This is my second & they've both been bad. Absolute horrible quality.
Beauty is only skin deep...
Bought the car used in February 2010. By November of 2010 we had spent $1,800 in repairs on the car. Problems: lunging at startup, rough idle, several heat sensors went bad, light bulbs burning out, fuel pump went out, water pump went out, bad thermostat, poor radio reception, squeaky shocks, horrible waxy/crayon odor inside, AC smelled like vinegar at times, trunk difficult to open, door handles deteriorating.
Don't buy a Jetta
I am very disappointed in my Jetta. I have had continuous problems that seem to indicate poor quality construction. The include bad electric window mechanisms, broken driver seat mechanism, bubbling paint on hood, cracked front spash guard in cold weather, easily broken knobs on interior controls, easily stripped anti- theft lug nuts on tires (making it imposible to change tire) and flimsy carpet mat fasteners. I would not buy another Jetta or VW product. The legendary quality is no longer there.
03 jetta
for the price is the best build vehicle and it's fun to drive
jetta
Its a beautiful car but it looks a lot better then it drives. It has a lot of electrical problems that are annoying and expensive to fix