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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  Nice Car, but... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By PaulM - June 12 - 9:36 am

  The 03 VW Golf is a very practical, fun to drive car ideally suited for urban commuter use. It was very reliable up to about 60,000 miles, then problems started to crop up, starting with a glow plug failure. After hitting 100,000 miles, I have spent $4,000 on repairs (injector pump, timing belt, water pump, cooling fan, strut mounts, controlling arms). Where I live, diesel generally costs 10% to 15% more than gas, mileage is probably 30% to 40% better than a gas model.

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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.

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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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  Constant costly repairs - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By bozzo - May 24 - 3:36 pm

  Original owner blew motor due to low oil and had a brand new 1.9l engine and turbo charger, decarbed, replaced EGR valve, water pump, timing belt and tensioner at 135,000 kms. At 160,00, replaced glow plug harness. 163,000 kms mass air low circuit replaced. I bought it with 172,000 kms on car and 35,000 on new motor. At 223,000 replaced front struts and mounts and sway bar bushing, 226,000 cleaned airtake manifold and carbon, new timing belt, water pump. 242,000 replaced fan motor for heater. At 302,000 engine light remains on and blowing some oil out somewhere and the alternator pully came off. Both are expensive repairs. Uncomfortable seats, and cheaply built - not worth the repair bills.