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 31 through 40 of 93.00

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  another VW purchase - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By nicole and jason - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I love VWs! I have only owned Volkswagens. I recently purchased a brand new 2003 Golf GLS and I am having a wonderful time. It drives smooth, its reliable, and its sporty. Chaplins dealership provided EXCELLENT service. Carter did not!

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  151,000 miles and still going - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Mary - February 1 - 6:34 am

  My Golf TDI is going on 14 years-old. I bought it brand new and wouldnt part with it for anything. I have followed the owners Manuel as directed, changed the timing belt just under 100,00 miles as suggested even though there was no problem. Changed the oil faithfully, and addressed all other regular issues as advised via the owners manual. I have kept seat covers on it and the original cloth seats look like new. The other day a stranger rang my doorbell and offered me $6,000 for it....Im like no way. I hope I will never have to part with my little Golf buddy after 14 years I still Love driving it.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By frogpond - November 5 - 2:00 am

  So my 2002 Jetta Wagon did not work out (in shop 11x in 1st yr). This replacement car is amazing. Fun to drive, fantastic mileage, great features, fun , fun, fun (want to drive all the time)!! Hopefully second time around is better.

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  Value and Enjoyment - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Bartleby - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Matrix, Protege and Protege5 and never really considered VW as a possibility. I was always more of the Japanese type. However, the second I pulled that thing out of the lot my world changed. Its got quite the pick up for 115hp and 120 torque. But I have to agree that the cupholders do block the stereo controls, but I do like how they are tucked away.

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  Pure Driving Pleasure - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By countrygirl - August 9 - 10:00 am

  We love our Golf. It handles like a dream. We took ours for a vacation to visit our son in South Carolina. We took the scenic route and went through the mountains. It went up the mountains without a hint of hesitation and you want to talk about economy...it didnt even cost us $50 to go over 1400 miles. There is plenty of room for packing a double tent along with suitcases. I would certainly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Diesel is The Way to go - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Paul S - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Previously owned 95 sentra,92 GTI, 89 Shadow Turbo. Wife owns a Matix. The Golf has more quality than the Toyota. Test drive both and youll see. Golf almost as fast but will get 80% better MPG. GM should be sued for giving diesels such a bad name in the 80s! Power delivery is enjoyable as it has a liquid feel. My Shadow turbo felt the same way.

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  Truck-Stop Attention Getter - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By rainylake - June 24 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a TDI Golf for my wife. Her commute if 1hr. She loves the MPG, sound system and color(black). I love the drive. It cruises with ease on the interstates. Passing is a breeze. Some concerns: cost of maintaining and long term reliability(previous Honda owners). If you want a great small car with some zip, get a TDI Golf. The car takes corners with ease and feels intact with the road at any speed. Hatchback is roomy, but rear seats are not.

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  Great car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By supersolidasp - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Great car, have almost 8000 miles on it already and no problems. Insane fuel economy, runs great!. Real perk for anyone the likes a peppy car and good fuel economy. Car is designed very well and it fun. On a trip to New york from Montana drove for 1 and a half days almost nonstop. Did not feel stiffly sore or pained after spending almost 800 miles at a time in car. Just stretched and felt great. Was perfect for trip, and for 5000 miles only took about 80$ The diesel is also very torquey and can climb steep grades in 5th gear and even accelerate where standard gas engines cant! Love it!

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  well worth spending your money on a golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Nemanja.C - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I owne a Golf GL 1994, i got it in 1996 with only 45,000km on it, for a good price. Ever since then i love the car its been great driving it. Good performance, fast good on gas, a nice looking car in general. Did some mods. on it but overall to be honest i would be lying to you if i didnt said this car is the best car on the market today.

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  Before you buy that Honda or Nissan... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By RoyB34 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car for the money! Test-drive a VW, and then try the rest. You will find yourself under-whelmed by the JPN manufactures. The Golf is quick, handles like a dream, has awesome stopping power, a ton of safety features, and a high resale value. Not to mention its tall person friendly. If you’re over 6’1” you don’t need to buy the optional shoehorn to get in and out of the car. Before you buy another Honda or Toyota test-drive the Golf.