Overview & Reviews
The most affordable Volkswagen gets a few equipment changes for 2003. Probably the biggest of these is the availability of stability control (VW's ESP) on all trim levels. In other news, base GL models now include a CD player, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. GLS models now come with a sunroof and alloy wheels, while seat heaters and the premium Monsoon sound system will be optional across the line. Finally, VW has increased the padding on the side curtain airbag system; the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder now meets ULEV standards; and the standard stereo head unit will get backlighting for the buttons.
- Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.
- More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 93.00-
My First impressions - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By mikedaug - December 4 - 10:00 amMy TDI Golf has drives very well. The Diesel motor pulls the car along quite well, and is very quiet.
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50 MPG Baby - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Ryan - June 11 - 1:26 pmThis was the last year for safe Biodiesel use. Great car, keep it under 60, and get 60 MPG!
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Surprised and delighted - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Rodzilla - October 3 - 2:00 amOK...tested the Protege5, Focus ZX3, Focus SVT and PT Cruiser. Never considered purchasing a VW and was prepared to buy the Protege5 until a co- worker insisted I test drive the Golf. The test drive changed my mind! This car feels much more substantial than the other cars in its class. Handling, brakes, and comfort are very good. The list of standard safety features is awesome! A very good value IMHO.
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Great Utilitarian Vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By flyingpatricio - December 21 - 12:08 pmIve had my 2003 Golf GLS for 3 years now. I bought it used with 10,200 miles on it. Ive put 65,000 miles on it. I like how competent it feels no matter the conditions. Its heavy enough to feel safe on the freeway and light enough to get great mileage. Im a paint contractor and I haul all my gear in it daily. It holds my Little Giant ladder with just the passenger front seat put down. Ive even put 2x8 wood planks in it and was able to shut the hatch. I call it my "clown car". When we go camping it holds all of our gear with ease...camp kitchen, coolers, coleman stove, sterilite tub, etc. My wifes 2010 Honda Insight can hold about half as much...really! In short...I love this car!
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Zippy and efficient - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By asimovian - December 10 - 10:00 amI dont think I understood how much fun torque could be to play with until I bought this zippy little diesel. Blowing past folks on steeps hills without having to downshift is more entertaining than I would have expected. The features that come with the car are great, the interior is well designed, and its suprisingly roomy for our big and tall friends. On the one year anniversary of our purchase, Id have to say were very pleased.
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Adequate basic transport - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Vladimir - July 3 - 5:47 pmDont delude yourself into thinking that you are getting "German engineering" on a budget because a lot of corners were cut to make a car this cheap. The engineering design thought is there, but its betrayed by utilizing plastics instead of metals, and Brazilian assembly. This is most evident in the elegant, but squeaky interior. For the price, this car serves a very good purpose: a small yet spacious, relatively comfortable, nimble, easy-to-park city commuter that needs minimal maintenance considering its German origins. The 2.0L non-turbo engine is reliable for a VW, easy on gas and acceptably quick in the city when combined with the equally reliable 5 speed manual transmission. I got this car in 2013 with ~80,000 miles on it, and have since put on another 35,000. Maintenance-wise, I have done the predictable, reasonable maintenance that has included oil changes (Rotalla T6) every 5,000 miles, timing belt, battery, engine mount, strut mounts, sway bar bushings. There has also been a small amount of unexpected maintenance, that is a result of design faults: original water pump with plastic impellers upgraded to metal impeller model ($70), coil pack cracked leading to misfires in wet weather ($120), low pressure power steering line cut by the nearby radiator fan ($15), thermostat failed ($30), center muffler rusted ($180). Future repairs include: grinding starter in cold weather, abnormal wear on rear disc brakes. Apart from the power steering line that almost left us stranded in middle-of-nowhere, Maine, the other repairs were not very urgent and not overly expensive.
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We love it.... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By chezpi - November 12 - 2:00 amLast time I owned a VW diesel was a 1984 Rabbit diesel, what a difference in the 2003 TDI Golf! Had the car 2 weeks and we are amazed with the fuel economy & performance. Our dealer gave us a price less than Edmunds TMV. We have a Black exterior w/ black interior cloth and the car looks great. Also, I can fit three childrens car seats in the back for transporting around my son and his two cousins. My only concern is that it is currently in the shop due to a power failure that happened yesterday - though that could be a faulty battery that the dealer may or may not have failed to put in, so I hesitate to blame that on VW. Just cant beat the TDI!
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Nice Car, but... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By PaulM - June 12 - 9:36 amThe 03 VW Golf is a very practical, fun to drive car ideally suited for urban commuter use. It was very reliable up to about 60,000 miles, then problems started to crop up, starting with a glow plug failure. After hitting 100,000 miles, I have spent $4,000 on repairs (injector pump, timing belt, water pump, cooling fan, strut mounts, controlling arms). Where I live, diesel generally costs 10% to 15% more than gas, mileage is probably 30% to 40% better than a gas model.
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TDI-best kept secret of VW! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By HT - April 19 - 2:00 amNo wonder the Europeans are all excited about Turbo Direct Injection (TDI)diesels. This is the only car in US w/this technology. Drove a Merc diesel in 80s-bad experience-slow, noisy. This Golf TDI is a revelation. Enough power for regular driving, even enough acceleration and handling for fun-yet gets 50 mpg and is quiet as a gasoline car. This is the anti-SUV!
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Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By dunas cardunas - July 14 - 2:00 amThis car has been "Top Notch". I am 6 and 275lbs and bought this car because of comfort. I have logged 21K mostly long trips and have been very pleased with the ride and comfort levels. Plus the TDI has returned an avg fuel economy of 47.5 mpg. Better than I ever expected. Make sure you buy the 5 speed. The auto is a little sluggish, but the manual offers plenty of giddy-up on the highway.
