2003 Volkswagen Golf Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.61/5 Average
93 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.
Cons:
  • More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.

User Reviews:

Showing 51 through 60 of 93.00
  • Diesel is The Way to go - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    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.

  • Fool me ONCE !!! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Apparently I am one of the few individuals that have had trouble with the Golf, but I assure you, it has been nothing but trouble. Although it drives ok and handles about the same, it certainly has its problems. The check engine light always seems to be on and impossible for the VW dealership to fix. Plus, the power window cables keep breaking causing me to take it once again back to the dealership. Grrr What a waste of time and energy. VW certainly fooled me.

  • Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    This car has been "Top Notch". I am 6 and 275lbs and bought this car because of comfort. I have logged 21K mostly long trips and have been very pleased with the ride and comfort levels. Plus the TDI has returned an avg fuel economy of 47.5 mpg. Better than I ever expected. Make sure you buy the 5 speed. The auto is a little sluggish, but the manual offers plenty of giddy-up on the highway.

  • Truck-Stop Attention Getter - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    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.

  • Great car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    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!

  • well worth spending your money on a golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    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.

  • Its my 3-d VW Golf. May be the last. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    Its my 3-d VW Golf at a row and may be the last. I bought it slightly used, just because I want to have German assembled Golf. And what I find out - each new Golf generation increasing driving fun and loosing QUALITY. So far its a first time when Im considering to buy another car but not Golf5.

  • VW solid dependability - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    I have owned my Golf TDI GLS for about 2.5 years and it has been a great car. Its tough, its fun, its well built and sturdy, and it is tremendous with fuel mileage. I love everything but the seats. The drivers seat (for me) is not as comfortable as my old Mercedes but, I will find, and pay the expense for, a set of GTI heated leather seats for this car. Its not worth getting rid of the car! I am a taller/big guy and I still fit in this car and its road handling and performance is magnificent. Buy one of these, you wont regret it! -CR

  • Before you buy that Honda or Nissan... - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    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.

  • Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
    By -

    My 2003 Volkswagen Golf is great. It gets excellent gas mileage, about 600 miles per tank of fuel.

Volkswagen Golf Reviews By Year:
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