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 21 through 30 of 93.00

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  My 3rd - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Sammyyou - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I havent had a single problem with my golfs,owened 3 of them and all i had to do is normal oil change and brakes. the only thing is the rear seat space,im sure itll be better in the 2004 new style, MY 4th Golf..

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  Great Little Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By weebs86 - September 17 - 7:13 pm

  This car is great! I love everything about it but the main reason why Im writing this review is because of the lack of information about the audio system online. My car has the Monsoon system, and man oh man, is it awesome. I have a friend who has a Chevy Trailblazer with the Bose system and this thing is seriously just as good. Here are the specs, straight from the owners manual: 4 tweeters at 20 Watts each (Two in front, two in back), 2 Woofers (Front Doors) at 30 Watts Each and - get this - 2 Subwoofers at 30 watts each (rear doors) = 180 total watts. Sure, 60 watts for the combined subs doesnt quite match aftermarket subs of 1000s of watts, but TRUST me, youll be plenty happy.

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  48MPG - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By samson - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Idrive 25000 miles per year and get 48 MPG. Diesel fuel is now 15 cents cheaper than regular gas.

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  5speed manual a must! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Steve Theisen - September 3 - 10:00 am

  Wow i got an 03 2.0L first day i was liting up the tires, whoah!, what a fun car. The 5 speed gave the car so much more spunk compared to the automatic. (I took both for test drives unless you get the tiptronic auto the car is lame!) The handling is just excellent but than again what else would you expect from the best of the best German autos (VW, AUDI, BMW) you always have excellent handling and no lack of power. Also remember 5k miles for oil is way too much. Trust people that have 270k+ miles on there car.

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  Great Smalll Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By AtlantaAl - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Compared to all other small cars, the Golf wins as the best quality and best value. No car at $16K to $19K is perfect, but the Golf is the closest. At 3000 lbs., with 8 airbags, standard 4-wheel anti-lock disks, and available ESP, it is the safest. It is also fun to drive, with solid handling and a remarkably compliant ride for small a car. High resale value makes VWs the only econoboxes that are worth leasing.

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  my golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By taz - August 21 - 10:00 am

  very nice and fun to drive in manual

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  Golf Fun, even after Audi A4 - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Bob E. - May 20 - 10:00 am

  After owning an Audi A4, I am surprisingly happy with the Golf. The handling, quietness and comfort are very close to the A4. I was disappointed at first with the fuel mileage, but after slowing down to 65 MPH on the highway, I actually got 40 MPG. My only complaint is that 5th gear revs too high. At 65 MPH, Im at 3200 RPM.

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  Love it. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ebcourmoon - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Peppy, and responsive. Stylish, and convenient. Fun to drive, cant say enough good things about this car. The dealership where I bought this car is great also. I recommend this cat to everyone.

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  VWGOLF GL 2003 - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Apache1969 - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is our third VW and our second Golf dating back to 1997. We loved our 1997 K2. It performed very well and saved us a lot of money on owning and operating costs. We have a 1999 Cabrio GLX that has been great and just bought a 2003 Golf GL. We didnt think they could improve on a great product, but they did. We expect years of economical, fun service out of this golf as well. We consider it a best bet for all around utility, comfort, economy and reliability.

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  Just Great! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Nizefski - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Reliable, Excellent fuel economy.