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 11 through 20 of 93.00

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  Its my 3-d VW Golf. May be the last. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By MrBob - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Its my 3-d VW Golf at a row and may be the last. I bought it slightly used, just because I want to have German assembled Golf. And what I find out - each new Golf generation increasing driving fun and loosing QUALITY. So far its a first time when Im considering to buy another car but not Golf5.

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  VW solid dependability - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By CRinCO - January 4 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Golf TDI GLS for about 2.5 years and it has been a great car. Its tough, its fun, its well built and sturdy, and it is tremendous with fuel mileage. I love everything but the seats. The drivers seat (for me) is not as comfortable as my old Mercedes but, I will find, and pay the expense for, a set of GTI heated leather seats for this car. Its not worth getting rid of the car! I am a taller/big guy and I still fit in this car and its road handling and performance is magnificent. Buy one of these, you wont regret it! -CR

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  Great City Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By charles huff - September 17 - 3:26 pm

  I traded in my 1993 5-speed Golf for a used 2003 VW Golf 2-door hatchback, auto, 2.0L,silver, and WOW what a car. Its handling is great. It is very comfortable to drive. It makes city driving less of a stop and go nuisance as it is with a stick. The smooth transmission just glides all over the city. Its handling on the freeway is like flying an airplane. This car is easy to drive and park.

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  Perfectly Fine Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By fried003 - December 4 - 7:06 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen Golf is a solid car. It is nothing special, but its very reliable and solid. It has all the basics.

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  Not quite as bulletproof as promised - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By dusty_d - November 16 - 10:00 am

  he Brazilian Golf seems a little more fragile than its German bretheren. Sure the plastics are still top notch, the interior well designed and the shut line laser tight but there are hust a few too many problems. Windshield wipers that snapped in the first half mile, a dashboard that worked loose by 2000 miles, a passenger airbag that failed and had to be replaced at 5,000 and some very fragile wheel hubs and you see why my confidence has been a little shaken.

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  Got Quality? - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By ShelbyCobraFan - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my new Golf GL TDI yesterday morning. By 1pm im back with an electrical problem. When I touch the brakes the rear lights come on and so does my dash lights and the rear wiper. Turn signal has my dash flashing like a christmas tree and the rear wiper jerking across the rear window. Its really quite funny till you think about the fact you just dropped 25Gs C$ for this thing. I really like the rest of the car. The fuel economy is amazing. The power up hills is great. The ride is a good blend of tight response and smooth feel. Im sure the dealership will try to make things right. I have to wonder what will go next though.

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  TDi Rocks My Socks - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By THNDR-CK - January 31 - 10:56 am

  The cars not that pretty or that much fun to drive on a hot summer day compared to a BMW convertible, but it beats everything else as a daily driver/commuter. Ive gotten 750+ miles off of a single 12-gallon tank with a manual transmission (62.5 mpg). When driving in the city for the full tank, I still get over 50 mpg. Since the car is a diesel with gobs of torque, you dont have to downshift that often on hills, even when loaded with gear. There is lots of room in the car, enough for three friends, a dog, and camping gear.