Overview & Reviews

VW's stability control system (ESP), which includes BrakeAssist, is now optional on the 1.8T model and standard on the VR6. A leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake are standard on both. Minor changes include increased padding for the head curtain airbags, backlighting for the buttons on the standard-issue stereo head unit, pinch protection for the sunroof's tilt function and upgraded wipers. Silverstone Gray replaces Matchstick Red on the exterior color list. Finally, it turns out that last year's special-edition 337 model was indeed special -- it's history for 2003.

• Fun to drive, reasonably priced, lots of standard goodies, premium cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, available six-speed manual.

• Not really suited for at-the-limit driving, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 173.00

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  2003 Volkswagen GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By TMullen - December 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen GTI is a very quick, very peppy car. It is absolutly a blast to drive and also a very reliable car. After Im done with this one, I plan on buying another.

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  OWNED!! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By mark p - December 27 - 2:00 am

  ok if your looking for a fast and luxurious car this is the car for you. looking for performance??? chip this baby and you will be close to putting 200 hp to the wheels. this thing is a tourque monster were talking 230 ft- pounds with the chip. with a cheap 500 dollar upgrade you will own any honda. i bought this car a year ago and i still get that grin on my face every time i start the engine. i have added an uber amount of aftermarket accessories 2 this thing. VW says drivers wanted and i say DRIVERS FOUND!!!

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  Wait and See - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By lash - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Thus far, I have experienced the same problems documented by others. My first trip to the dealership was positive, to my surprise given the heavy criticism leveled at VW service. They fixed the excessive rattling (which was present right at the start; what the hell did I pay PDI for?), but failed to fix the intermittent illumination of the brake light. When I telephoned the dealership and reported that the problem was not fixed, I was promised a free rental which they renegged. I telephoned Volkswagen Canada to lodge a complaint. If the problem is not redressed, I will make a follow up post and name the dealership.

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  2003 VW Golf GTI 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By HDM - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I had the Jetta 2.0L in 2000, then the 2001 4dr Golf 1.8T, and now thw 2003 Golf GTI 1.8T. The quality of these cars in excellent. There are no other cars in this class or price range that have this kind of durability and safety.

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  title - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By tlume - December 15 - 10:00 am

  its a great car - much overlooked

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  good - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By rasit - December 15 - 10:00 am

  this car is a lovely car but if you buy this car from the right dealer.i would never go to east cost automall again which they located in nj in englewood.the car runs perfect and its a fun car.its pretty quick and reliable.

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  5 years and going - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By joel - November 29 - 12:10 pm

  My gti is 5 years old and generally runs well and is reliable. I would buy another gti. However here is a list of my negatives or complaints, radio knobs have loosened or fallen off, radio has poor am reception antenna was replaced once already, two different sensors [computer chips] had to be replaced in one year, original tire were low quality [had an abnormal number of flats] changed tires 1 flat in four years. Cup holder bad place. Almost impossible to do your own oil change. These are the problems I have had. Most of which occurred in the last 2 and a half years. It is a great car and I love it but everyone should know what its weaknesses are.

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  Glad it is sold - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Don - November 15 - 1:10 am

  I owned my GTI VR6 for three years. I was disappointed by the gearbox (the ratios are too close - rev limits too easily), but generally happy with engine/transmission. Stock tires were harsh and gave poor handling. Electronic gadgets mostly disappointing: one touch up/down windows frequently malfunctioned, auto-dimming mirror had ghost image of headlights, climate control hard to shut off, and the rain sensing wipers used the wrong interval in certain conditions. The audio system was much better than in my previous Passat though. The interior materials were of average quality (thin leather, cheasy plastic levers and knobs on seat break easily). The car was nimble with its short wheelbase, but the suspension was harsh and sloppy in manuevers. It rattled like mad.

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  One fun (and fast) box on wheels! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By TSL - November 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! If you prefer a cushy, no bumps, no effort type of drive, this car is not for you. If you love to drive a car for the shear enjoyment of driving, I think that you would be hard pressed to find a comparable car for the money. The handling is quick and precise, and the VR6 provides power whenever you need it. Some reviewers havent liked the Monsoon sound system, but I definitely do. The jury is still out for me in terms of how well it will hold up, and I havent been impressed by the service so far. I have to admit that I worried that it was assembled in Brazil, but so far, so good.

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  Every highway an Autobahn! - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By wayne - September 29 - 3:56 pm

  Bought my 03 silver 1.8T GTI for $14000 with just 4000 mi on it. This was a VW Corporate car.Ive had no problems at all, recently rolling over 10000 miles. I get 32 mpg and pass all highway traffic with ease; sometimes three cars at a time. Never lacks passing power even at 85 mph! Understated German styling offers a grown-up look for those who want fun, but would be embarassed to drive a cartoonish sport coupe like the Mini,Celica or Eclipse.