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-
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 ($180). Future repairs include: grinding starter in cold weather, abnormal wear on rear disc brakes. Apart from the power steering line that almost left us stranded in middle-of-nowhere, Maine, the other repairs were not very urgent and not overly expensive.
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Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By calvinebox - February 25 - 2:00 amThis is my first VW and I love it! Test- drive it and you will buy it. If you are interested in Golf, go and get a GL instead of GLS because the sunroof actually cut off the interior height above your head. It was amazing I got a 110 speeding ticket when I was trying to test the performance of my new car. It can run stably around 80-90.
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VW isnt what it used to be!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By 2002 TDI - FL - January 20 - 10:00 amI dont know if consumer reports and all the people complaining of problems are cryn wolf...??? My car has had multiple problems since day one! I am pretty sure VW-DE is at fault, whether the car comes from Germany or South America. My trani and motor came from Germany and both have had serious problems. My trani was replaced (main bearing and 5th gear syncron shot), my fuel injection pump was replaced, and not to mention all the other lil things that were replaced. Two thumbs down for the Golf. Hope the R32 and the MKV will be better. Message for the Germans: "stop sending us crap, were catchn on to you!"
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Love my GLS - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Dave in Bay Area - November 26 - 2:00 amResearched different cars on Edmunds, glad I did! I even got it at the TMV price with Monsoon system, sunroof, Alloys, and winter package. Seat warmers are nice even in California! I am very happy with the design, "feels" better than other cars I test drove. Plenty of power... if I wanted more I would have gotten the turbo, but that might mean more maintenance$. Nice to have all the airbags also.
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Outstanding car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By richsquid - November 12 - 2:00 amI 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 amThis 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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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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Squeaking nightmare - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By AlexH - October 4 - 10:00 amWe upgraded to this one-year-old Golf from VW Polo. There is not as much legroom as you expect from a bigger car a bit more for your head, compared to the Polo. Driver and passenger sitting positions are far too high you feel like falling out of the car every corner (the new Golf V is better). We have the TDI Match edition in UK it has Alloys, CD, radio, Central locking, Electric windows, Air Con, Alarm and Immobiliser which is almost full Christmas wish list fulfilled. Driving this car is a nightmare especially in summer the car (where the interior panels warm up in sunshine and expand) we had to go to the dealer to fix this...
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Great pull uphill and well balanced feel - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By niedernhausen - September 2 - 2:00 amPower 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 pmI 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
