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 61 through 70 of 93.00

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  This cars been a dream...knock on wood. - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Got_diesel? - February 19 - 12:46 am

  Stand Trans a must with this engine. ONLY FUN-TO-DRIVE ECONOMY CAR W/ PERSONALITY ON THE MARKET. Chassis so solid, drives like a dream. Great crash test ratings make me feel safer than I would on truck/SUV-strewn roads. Interior easy on the eyes. Seats need better lumbar support, and velour upholstry sucks. As GLS owner, I suggest sticking w/ the GL. GLS options arent as well-designed as rest of car. Big-picture: 26K problem- free mi in first 12 mos w/ average 45- 47 MPG, and starts down to -55F here in ND has convinced me of the overall value and sound design of this car - esp. that engine!

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  One Cool Little Hatchback! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By beeminbobby - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Man, this little car is really cool. Its no speed demon (it doesnt "accelerate" quickly), but it does have great torque. We dropped the back seats, loaded it up with camping gear and drove up to the mountains without a glitch or moment of hesitation going up the grades. Its all about the torque! Im very impressed with how much this car holds, and with how well the interior was designed in order to accomodate so much cargo. Im also very impressed with the build\materials quality, especially in the interior. Plus, it has a very nice, quiet, comfortable ride at all speeds.

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  2003 Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By T. Stevens - December 6 - 8:16 pm

  This car gets more miles per gallon than the sticker advertised. It is hard to ask for more. In addition, it is fun to drive and practical, given its ability to haul oversized parcels.

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  Happiness = Golf TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By TDI_BUFF - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new TDI yesterday in Las Vegas and drove home to Salt Lake City with a smile plastered on my face the whole way. I chose the GL model and sacrificed the sunroof and alloy wheels on the GLS, but it was well worth the $2000 savings, in my opinion. I decided on the Golf because of the many safety features and other standard equipment not available on other cars in $17,000 price range - Civic, Altima, PT Cruiser, Legacy, etc. The mileage with the TDI is icing on the cake!

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  03 Golf - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By pete63 - March 30 - 2:00 am

  After coming out of an 01 Honda Civic I must say that the Golf is a much better value. I had always liked VWs but never owned one. I test drove the Golf and Jetta. Both were awesome cars. For the price VW loads the options on. The only thing that VW could improve is the gas mileage.

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  I should have bought one years ago! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By boatdznr - February 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 4dr.Golf TDI automatic new, nearly a year ago.I now have 19K miles on it. The TDI has excellent power. We use it like an SUV. Half the time we are hauling kids, and the other half of the time we have the rear seats down and have it loaded with supplies. Im 61",it has legroom to spare. I drive this car hard, lots of stop/go, on/off, when on the freeway its always 80 mph. Even with this torture, I get a combined 31 mpg. The value of many cars more than twice the price.

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  Classic and cool - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By wxcruiser - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I often read that this car was pricy when comparing it to the competetors, Focus, MP5, Matrix, Vibe..... but in reality, its a great deal. VW puts so much on the Golf as standard, where the competion will sell a really stripped down model. Put all the features you would want onto the car, and the Golf is very competative, and more refined in my opinion. It drives great, feels classy, and with TDI gets great fuel economy, and lots of pep. Its unfortunate more US car makers do not yet have the diesel option, though that should change once we get the cleaner diesel in the states.