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 81 through 90 of 93.00

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  This car will surprise you! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By MBekefi - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This car will surprise you with its refined diesel engine, the power, the fuel economy, and so much more. If you think diesels are horrific, this car will change your mind.

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  A great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By JChag - February 21 - 2:00 am

  My Golf TDI starts up without a problem in single digit temps. The performace is amazing from the 1.9 TDI. The 90HP rating is VERY misleading, as this car simply flies. Its comfortable and has a very substantial feel while being driven. The sound from the base stereo is better than that of the Bose units found in the Nissans.

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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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  very disappointed - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By jalowega - January 3 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY 2ND VW AND BOTH WERE LEMONS THE DEALER HAS DONE NOTHING TO INSTILL FURTHER CONFIDENCE IN VW. RATTLES AND CLUNKING FROM DAY ONE FROM A CAR THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE WELL BUILT.DONT BE INFLUENCED OVER GOOD LOOKS

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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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  Not quite as bulletproof as promised - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By dusty_d - November 16 - 10:00 am

  he Brazilian Golf seems a little more fragile than its German bretheren. Sure the plastics are still top notch, the interior well designed and the shut line laser tight but there are hust a few too many problems. Windshield wipers that snapped in the first half mile, a dashboard that worked loose by 2000 miles, a passenger airbag that failed and had to be replaced at 5,000 and some very fragile wheel hubs and you see why my confidence has been a little shaken.

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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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  Got Quality? - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By ShelbyCobraFan - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my new Golf GL TDI yesterday morning. By 1pm im back with an electrical problem. When I touch the brakes the rear lights come on and so does my dash lights and the rear wiper. Turn signal has my dash flashing like a christmas tree and the rear wiper jerking across the rear window. Its really quite funny till you think about the fact you just dropped 25Gs C$ for this thing. I really like the rest of the car. The fuel economy is amazing. The power up hills is great. The ride is a good blend of tight response and smooth feel. Im sure the dealership will try to make things right. I have to wonder what will go next though.