Used 2003 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon Consumer Reviews
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146,000+ Miles, Lots of Fun, but Headaches Too
pjkportland, 07/26/2013
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2003 1.8T 5A GLS wagon since new and now have over 146k miles. It really is fun to drive and has amazing cargo hauling space. But . . . expensive to maintain and gets only about 21 mpg on premium. Make sure you have a good mechanic. Mine is one of the best, and I still have a funky/random issue - a beep, blinking dash lights, then a power drop, as if the tranny disconnected with the engine. As much as I like driving the car, I think I'm going back to Honda when old blue bites the dust.
The yellow is starting to show
Sandra Bartlett, 10/16/2015
updated 10/21/2016
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought in Feb last year and can't make a yr with it.I have replaced multi things catalytic converter.2 batteries abs battled check engine light for 6 months .Now there's an electrical drain the no one can find. Fed up here.MY UPDATE-UNLOADED this crap vehicle no one ever could figure out what was draining the battery
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 Volkswagen Jetta for sale near you
3 of 16 listings
- GLSMSRP: $2,450100 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $5,499454 mi away
- GL 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,999619 mi away
See all 16 listings
This one is a heart breaker...
jahshwa, 07/16/2011
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 10 people found this review helpful
What can I say? I've poured money into this little beast, and everything is still breaking. If its not a circuit board, its a vacuum hose or an oxygen sensor... Everything just falls apart on this car, and there seems to be no stopping the decline. I just rebuilt the transmission, replaced two axels, two boots, the A/C circuit board, the windshield washer pump, the windshield... you name it I'm replacing it. It drives great, and I loved it for a while... but this thing is high maintenance & annoying. Not worth the fun drive at all... I've already dumped an extra $6000.00 into this car, and that's what its worth now.... :(
Fun, small wagon
eapj, 01/15/2010
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
So far, so good with my '03 1.8T manual wagon. I have had other VWs and wanted a small but sporty wagon and I picked this one up certified pre-owned in September 2006 with 34k miles on it. I have had to replace wear and tear items (brakes, etc.) but I have get to have a mechanical problem with it. Sure, it has quirks (sunroof sometimes opens by itself; cupholders are useless but I don't use them anyway; sometimes te rear hatch doesn't like to open). To me, these are minor annoyances that don't impact my love of the car. I plan to run it into the ground since there aren't any fun, small wagons on the market I like (new Jetta too large). So far, so good at 82k miles.
What a car!
youbikim, 10/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Frankly speaking, I worried about Jetta's small engine (2.0, only 115 hp). Now, after having it for a month, I am totally satisfied with my Jetta. I think this car is slightly small for a big individual, but its performance is awesome. At only $22000(GLS+leather seats+monsoon sound system), this car has alot of features of luxury cars.
Excellent Safety
TMack, 06/22/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
After my wife got a new car, a 2001 VW Jetta VR6, I got a little jealous. So when it came my turn to buy a new car I bought a Loaded 2003 VW Jetta GLS 1.8T. Unfortunately I just got into a major car accident on Fathers Day (2004) that ended up totalling my Jetta. And after everything was over, I walked away with very minimal injuries, a little cut on my wrist from the front air bag, and I hit my knee on the dash. All six air bags went off, and this car saved my life. And guess what, I'm going to buy another one! Great gas mileage, and a blast to drive!
The best wagon around :)
71sbeetle, 11/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We waited a long time before we could afford a new car, but we aways wanted the exact same car : A VW Jetta Wagon ! VW finally sorted out all their problems, and our 2003 is ... PERFECT !!! Lots of miles on it already, and not once in the dealership (except for scheduled maintenance ie oil changes) If you want quality, buy the Jetta WAGON (Made in Germany, sedan is made in Mexico where the quality of the materials is not as good)
AMAZING!! screw all engines but the 1.8T
RyanPortland, 12/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had several Honda civic's and after this last one was stolen (AGAIN!) I decided to check out Volkswagen. I literally drove the car down the street and knew instantly that I would be purchasing it. The 1.8T engine is the funnest I have ever driven. If you don't beleive me just test drive one. This car is beautiful on top of it all. Get the leather and sport suspension with 17" wheels. It makes it an entirely better car.
My Lovely Jetta Wagon
Leia45, 12/01/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My father told me VW was the Nazi's revenge, but I disagree. I have had my 2003 since september 2003 and have put 29,000 miles on it so far. Gas mileage is great - I drive 60+ miles a day and I love it. It has been in the shop 2 times for minor warranty work (rear wiper pump never worked, and brake rotors were warped from factory?). I recently took it into my dealer for a 20,000 mile check up and they replaced the computer, fuel throttle and fuel pump due to a major malfunction. Each time my dealer has given me a loaner free of charge and they have taken care of the problem quickly. I will by a VW again. I LOVE MY CAR!!!
Great Wgn!
D.P.B, 04/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is one of the most fun cars to drive, ever. It has tons of cool features, an awesome warrenty, and it just plain looks cool! Great mileage and dependablity.
Lets call it a piece of Shetta
E, 02/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Everything is so plastic, including the sales pitch. He tried to sell me on all the wrong Items. The car is all plastic, so its all gonna break. Then the clutch, throttle, A/C and windows will break. Then you realize half of it isnt even covered under warranty. This car is tempermental, and has made me tempermental. DONT BUY THIS CAR. If you do, make sure to get a lot of headache reliever too!
Great ride, more power than expected
Wendy, 02/20/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We love our GLS Jetta Wagon. I was a bit worried about the 2.0, 115 hp engine, but it has great pick-up and more than enough power for this suburban driver. It's incredibly stylish, comfortable and offers plenty of cargo space. I compared the size measurements between this wagon and the Passat, and the Passat is only 5-6 inches larger...not worth the extra $ in our opinion. We have the Monsoon stereo system, and my husband adores it. We also got leather interior and the cold weather package.
My All Time Favorite Car - 03 Jetta wagon
zener, 02/22/2013
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Of course its looks caught my eye first. Cute, but more than cute - stylish. Some cars have a classic, timeless design like a certain Honda Civic. This generation of Jetta does too. Bought it used with 21K miles, and gradually fell in love with it. Never got great gas mileage, about 21mpg. But I liked its zippy handling. Great car for city driving (and parking). Very useful cargo area. Rear seat a bit cramped for big adults. Engine is remarkable. Once, by necessity, drove it 8 miles without oil. Replaced punctured oil pan, added oil, and kept on going. Difficult to clean the beige interior, so I sold it. Hard to find a car this small on outside, this big on inside, so fun to drive.
Too Many Problems
Tigerroux, 01/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I haven't been too pleased with the many various problems I've had with this car. Brand new, the biggest problem being a replacement of transmission, rotors, broken rear view mirror,a security system problem, and sticking drink holder mechanism. These were all fixed by a very good dealership, but all of this happened before the car had 5,000 miles on it. It doesn't give me a warm and fuzzy feeling on the reliability of what might happen next. The other thing I'm not too happy with is the gas mileage. I think VW could do better.
i love this car
Derek Peters, 08/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for almost a year and i love it. Its a great fun car and i would buy another one in a heart beat......If anyone is looking to buy one get it. I was worried about performance out of a 2.0 but it has great torque I love it!!!!!!
1st class little car
Will G., 12/18/2007
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. 59500 trouble free miles. Would like more MPG however anything this fast won't deliver that.
Good at first but then......
lilmnstrsmom, 04/07/2009
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved this car for the first 60,000, then it was just problem after problem. I kept good care of the car but was having continuous issues with the water pump and other minor things. The major problem was the fact that a lot of parts in the engine were made of plastic so instead of replacing just a simple section of a part the whole thing had to be replaced. I averaged about $600 every time the car went in. About 2 years ago I spent over $2,400 at one time!! Recently the car had some more problems that included the fuel pump. I took the car in and the mechanic told me it was not worth fixing. The car had 119,000 miles on it. It did it's job. The sunroof was possessed.
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!
Jetta GLS 1.8T 5M
TomcatRyan, 10/06/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jetta is fun to drive, it scored very high in the IIHS crash ratings. Who else gives you a side curtain airbag. VW Dealers in the Chicago area suck! I had to go out of state for a good lease. I have the optional sport pack and the car handles great with the 17" tires. $250 for the ESP stability package that its a bargain! The Jetta gives you alot of value for the money. Check out the crash ratings on VW competitors,except for the Honda Civic,they suck! Great car for the class. Cup holder designed in the middle of the dash is terrible!
Jetta is Junk
Tomcat42, 11/16/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car less then 2 months. The car has less then 1800 miles on it. It has already been in for service 3 times, all with the same problem. Failed IG coils. The car just broke down for the 4th time and the dealer gave me an attitude. I have spent more money on rental cars then lease payments. I am pursueing relief under the Lemon Law. Due yourself a favor and steer clear of the Jetta!!!
Beauty is Skin Deep
George Martschenko, 12/15/2002
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a love/hate review. I love the looks, the 17" wheels, the ride and performance. I don't like the lack of seat space when you fold down the back seat and use the car as a wagon. I am 5'7" and had to move my seat forward to make room for the folded back seat. If you need a wagon as a wagon, I would suggest you try something else. Another issue showed up immediately. The driver seat keeps heating when you think it's turned off. I turned on the front seat to heat myself up after buying the car. Once I was warm, I couldn't get the seat to turn off. So much for one day with the car.
Love my TDI
smiling, 02/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Although I have only had the vehicle 3 months, I grow more fond of it each day,getting 44mpg, turning heads all the time, hands like a dream, fun!!
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.
Great Car - Only minor complaints
Pat K., 07/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
8 months and almost 10,000 miles. Great acceleration and handling. Cargo capacity is phenomenal. Lame cupholders. The leather is stiff and feels "vinylly." Monsoon sound is great, but I have speaker wire rattles in at least two speakers. I also have a rattle in the dash, giving concern for long-term durability. Rear knee room is also underwhelming, but adequate for adults on short trips. The Jetta Wagon GLS, 1.8T 5A delivers what it promises - exciting driving and the ability to carry a suprisingly large amount of cargo. Pat K.
Great Value for $$$
mio, 10/07/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Car exceeds expectations. This is my fifth VW, first wagon, and I have never been disappointed with the quality or performance of VW's. Do like the wagon - smaller than an SUV, plenty of back storage area. Rear seat room a little limited, but for my use is fine.
best buy
vwjettacarowner, 10/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car. I love driving it.
Jetta 1.8T
HarryLime, 10/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had it for almost a year with over 19k on it with no problems. Great, affordable fun car.
2003 JETTA WAGON
Jim lynch, 12/10/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for over one year now and am generally pleased with the vehicle. I have had a problem with the clutch pedal losing pressure a few times and also the rear seat unlocking when in the folded up position. It is a very solid car with great handling on the road. It could use a little more zip than a 2.0 offers, but for a blend of economy and preformance, it is a great car.
Great Car
tdi er, 01/06/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It really drives and handles well. Getting 45 mpg is awesome and going 600+ miles between fill ups is nice. The wagon surprisingly hold a lot of stuff, with the front seats of the car being roomy. 10,000 miles between maintenace is a plus.
I love my VW
Miko, 03/12/2006
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car new in 2003. I have had no problems out of it thus far. I love the get up and go of the turbo. Even though it is turbo, the gas mileage does not suffer. I get at least 30 mpg. It is fun to drive and economical. It is also the third VW that I have owned. It is probably all that I will ever own.
Very Happy with This Purchase, So Far
jsefcik, 02/27/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in November, 2003. Huge incentive from VW so the car was a steal. I've been thrilled with it so far. The build quality seems far superior to the Mazda, Matrix, Impreza, Focus. No comparison really. My sis-in-law owns an Audi A4 Wagon that is a spitting image -- same exact engine, same interior --except the Audi has trip computer, leather and 4wd. If you think leather, trip computer and 4WD equals $17,000, then go for the Audi. My car was half the price of hers!
Jetta - mixed results
Goldfarb, 05/25/2004
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car in early April 2004, and 3 weeks later it was in the shop for a look at the transmission, which was shifting hard between second and third gear (sometimes it would make a "clunk" sound, and the whole car would shudder). The shop couldn't find anything through their computer diagnostics and sent the car home with me. The problem continued, and the dealer ended up replacing the transmission. A 2003 car with only 4,000 miles. The "new" transmission is a slightly better but still has rather jerky shifting in the lower gears. I am very disappointed with my purchase, particularly since I traded my Honda Civic in for this VW.
FANTASTIC
Pcarnera, 04/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BEST CAR I HAVE EVER OWNED!
great car
never again...., 01/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
MUCH BETTER THAN HONDA CIVIC!!! I drove a civic, a lancer, a cavalier, and volvo v40, and they dont match up to the jetta. I have had this for almost a year and i have had no problems and i have 48000 MILES!! I drive around 50000 miles a year and i hope to keep it for a while.
Sporty and reliable wagon, fun to drive
TMcLean, 06/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had 0 (zero) problems with my '03 Jetta 2.0 wagon, my first VW after many Hondas. While I can't knock Hondas, I'm impressed by the Jetta's step up in ride, general refinement and classy manners. The 2.0 won't put you ahead of the pack but there's plenty of oomph for the average driver. Great 5-sp shifter, superb sound from the standard CD/radio/cassette system, great bump- smoothing ride, good looks inside and out, what's not to like? And given the plethora of standard features I rate it high for value. It makes me smile every time I drive it.
First Review
gurnlark, 06/29/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Wagon (2.0L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Jetta GLS Wagon is an excellent family economy wagon with great performance for very enjoyable driving. It's low cost compared to the Passat makes it well worth the sligthly less room inside. The only downside is difficulty with freezing-up doors and difficult windshield frost in the extreme cold(minus zero temperatures.
It's been a great 15 years
My most memorable car, 05/06/2020
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had a New Beetle that seemed to always be in the shop (under warranty, but still), but after Hurricane Katrina put it out of its misery, I replaced it with this puppy as a Certified Used Car. Sure, I've had the breaks and axles redone, the bottom engine cover replaced, the exhaust line fixed, and now it's leaking A/C coolant (needing a charge every few years), and there is the CEL for a stuck-open thermostat, but I can't complain for the now 167K mile (152K driven by myself) car that was the nearest thing to my home for my stuff while I bounced around as a homeless Katrina refugee. I collect pinball machines (especially replacements for the ones I lost in Katrina), and the back bay with the back seats folded down is big enough to haul them (and if I need to haul more than 1, I have a Class 1 hitch that can haul a 5 x 8 covered trailer. Good strong turbo 180 hp engine that can really accelerate on the highway by downshifting. And oh, the manual shifter is wonderful, and not a pain like on a BMW. I'll be retiring this puppy only to move on to a driverless car, but it will always be my favorite car. If I still have it in 2024, I might be driving it out to see the solar eclipse in TX, while I sleep in the back (which at 5'5" I could do).
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Premium Jetta - FUN to Drive
eubor, 07/07/2008
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car has been nothing but sensational, smooth, quiet, quick, powerful and very comfortable (even though firmer suspension). The interior quality is amazing, including soft touch materials, premium cloth and overall presentation. The car has a nice balance between fuel economy and sport. You really feel like your in a BMW, very tight. If you want a premium car, with near-luxury appointments - this is the car, believe me. I have had only two minor issues including a passenger-side seat heater stop working and a rear taillight bulb (brake light) went out. I love this car, love its beige and black interior combination that is unbelievable rich looking. Highly recommended.
GREAT CAR
2nd VW, 08/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second VW. I purchased this after reading reviews. The jetta wagon i have removed the cupholders. I am not sure if this is a .5 year model or what. Anyway, great car to drive, decent gas mileage on the highway, but it is fun with the tiptronic. very smotth ride, but still can feel what is going on, and dosen't "float" like other wagons. i wish i would have been able to get the sport package.
great car!!!
renee, 04/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome. my mom just bought it and it gets great gas mileage.