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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  Im very glad i bought this car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By refloyd - September 27 - 2:50 am

  I bought this car new and have mostly used this for city driving. I haul a lot of stuff. Im a paint contractor and I do work in decorative concrete. I can fit my little giant ladders inside the vehicle, and other ladders on my roof rack. It handles a lot of sacks of concrete, with no adverse effects on braking, handling. I can get 8 2x4s in there also. Ive gotten 4 sheets of 3/4 ply on the roof and still an easy drive. Its surprising just how much this can haul. This is a fantastic Urban car. The best, imho. Enough power to hit the highways in the burbs. Short enough to parallel park in tight spots. Amble space for groceries. And great mpg for city.

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  TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By JoanieChachie - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for almost five months now, and have had no problems. The car gets about 48 mpg and is a lot of fun to drive. While it seems that getting a reliable VW is a crapshoot these days, I dont regret this purchase at all.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By calvinebox - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my first VW and I love it! Test- drive it and you will buy it. If you are interested in Golf, go and get a GL instead of GLS because the sunroof actually cut off the interior height above your head. It was amazing I got a 110 speeding ticket when I was trying to test the performance of my new car. It can run stably around 80-90.

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  Love my GLS - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Dave in Bay Area - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Researched different cars on Edmunds, glad I did! I even got it at the TMV price with Monsoon system, sunroof, Alloys, and winter package. Seat warmers are nice even in California! I am very happy with the design, "feels" better than other cars I test drove. Plenty of power... if I wanted more I would have gotten the turbo, but that might mean more maintenance$. Nice to have all the airbags also.

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  Outstanding car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By richsquid - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 28 cars. This is overall the best I have owned. The TDIs low end torque is amazing. I feel like I am driving a six cylinder instead of a four. Dont be afraid of the automatic. I love it. I just hope this car is reliable. I wish Toyota made a diesel for U.S. consumption. If it stays reliable this WILL be the best car I ever owned. Just 3000 miles so far. Great seats. Starting so far at about 18 deg.F.

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  Perfect commuter car... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By d@g - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has everything you need and nothing you dont. Its a blast to drive, and even more fun when you can drive PAST the gas stations for 700 miles on every tank. This is my second TDI and I would never buy another gas-powered car again. The entry fee for membership in the VW cult is low and the benefits are high. What a cool car this is.

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  Great pull uphill and well balanced feel - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By niedernhausen - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Power steering pump slaves and makes noise on low idle tight turns. Turning radius larger than expected. Mercedes and Volvo are bigger cars and can turn in less space. Rear wiper has plastic nozzle cap that can clog with road salt. Pry plastic cover off and pull out nozzle and clean. Cruise control solid, anti-pinch windows great, turning key in door lock to put all windows down when entering in summer superb turn key other way to put all windows up

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  Best car I owned - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Jovan - July 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this car at auction in 2009 with 130000 miles on.I paid 2500 dollars (for ,then,6 years old ) Never had any problems with it ,super reliable. Now it has 235000 miles and it still drives good. I used synthetic oil. The fuel pump had to be replaced last year. Other than that only regular maintenance expenses (tires, brakes etc) still has the original clutch .Amazing

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  3rd Diesel/7th VW - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By TDIBabs - March 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Diesel in our family (also had a Rabbit and currently an 18- year old Jetta that still runs fine). I picked up my TDI the other day and so far have been very impressed. It doesnt have the same zoom as my Subie, but since its mostly for city traffic, its perfect. It may be the best commuter/city driving car ever--maybe thats why its so popular in Europe. BTW, they seem to have revised the cupholder placement on the later 2003s, or maybe its because mine has Monsoon. Theyre down between the seats, and can even hold Big Gulps.

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  Golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By dleecycles - October 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a super fun drive. Lots of interior room with the seats down. The car gets pretty good gas mileage.