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 71 through 80 of 93.00-
au dDeezul - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By DeezulGolfer - February 28 - 2:00 amHave owned/driven new Swedish luxury cars for the past 14 years and recently crossed the line to VW Golf GLS TDI. It has surpassed every expectation. Many trips in excess of 1000 miles since November 2002 have been thouroughly enjoyed in this "fun to drive" etremely economical car. Flawless response in temperatures consistlently below -10 F and great road performance with 4 snow tires have made me an ardent fan.
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Great City Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By charles huff - September 17 - 3:26 pmI traded in my 1993 5-speed Golf for a used 2003 VW Golf 2-door hatchback, auto, 2.0L,silver, and WOW what a car. Its handling is great. It is very comfortable to drive. It makes city driving less of a stop and go nuisance as it is with a stick. The smooth transmission just glides all over the city. Its handling on the freeway is like flying an airplane. This car is easy to drive and park.
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Perfectly Fine Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By fried003 - December 4 - 7:06 amThe 2003 Volkswagen Golf is a solid car. It is nothing special, but its very reliable and solid. It has all the basics.
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Love that Turbodiesel! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By newflyer22 - August 23 - 10:00 amOkay, Ill be truthful. Ive only had the car a few days so I will change the ratings accordingly, but I got it for $300 over invoice and I thought that was a great deal on a car that gets 50mpg on the highway, has a solid interior feeling like a more expensive car, even if a few things need attention, a solid, sporty ride, and the power of the turbodiesel. It amazes me every time I get behind the wheel. I can go up steep mountain grades in 5th gear and it still wants to go faster.
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Commuting Bliss - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By rbvw@hotmail.com - July 4 - 2:00 amAfter driving a Nissan Altima for 78,000 miles I wanted to find a car that would make my 3-hour commute more enjoyable. I tested Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and even a Vibe. all left me a little disappointed with their performance. After driving the Golf I was hooked. The car is faster and handles better than any of the other 4- cyl models I tested. The build quality is awesome and feels solid compared to the tin can feeling of the Japanese autos. I purchased a GLS w/ winter and Monsoon and have never been happier with a car. Before you buy that Honda Try a VW.
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Efficient and Reliable - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By cannoncam - June 23 - 6:20 pmIve got 221,000 miles on my TDI and its running like its got a quarter of the mileage on it. Its a great commuter and the gas mileage is what sells the car. It is a little under powered but for 45 mpgs the sacrifice is well worth it. The looks are good but not everyones cup of tea (Ive upgraded a few things here and there and it is quite the little head turner). The interior is much nicer than most American or Japanese cars but it is pretty basic for a German car. The build quality is typical German excellence, rock solid. The drive is nice, great for the highway but not the most fun car to take on twisty roads. My advice, upgrade a few things and this car will be golden forever.
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Test drive before you buy a competitor - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Aexcorp - May 6 - 10:00 amThis car, even with its not so impressive specs (115hp and not an amazing amount of torque) is quite amazing to drive. I have the 5 speed manual, and I can tell you, its sportive if you drive it right (downshifts...). The build quality is excellent, all comes standard, its near perfection. I have read the reviews on this site, and most people say its not powerful enough, but most (editor and users) have an auto box. What in Gods name do you expect from that... Take a spin in a 5speed manual and you will realize the hidden potential.
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A big let down - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By gemancarfan76 - April 4 - 2:00 amAfter having the vehicle for 4 days I noticed a fluid leaking from somewhere in the engine compartment. I brought my brand new TDI with 500 miles in to be evaluated. After 4 days I was told the transmission was destroyed by metal shards in the casing. This was over 2 weeks ago. Since then VW has tried many attempts to put me in a vehicle I dont want or did not ask for. I traded in a BMW 3-series for this VW. If I get my money back I know which dealership I will be visiting!
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Golf TDI ROCKS! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By doctor - March 30 - 10:00 amI already have Golf TDI for one year. I have not had any problems at all with anything - it works like a Swiss clock! Gas/milage is a killer, I get 650/700 per tank (14 gal) for highway and 450/500 per tank in the city. It looks kind of dated, but it is very different from other cars and therefore I dont feel that dated look too much. The car is roomy and affordable. Its increadable fun to drive! The car achives 155 torque at very low RPMs! My only suggestion is: dont get automatic transmission, get a manual one - you will get much better performance.
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Golf TDI ROCKS! - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
By Doctor - March 30 - 10:00 amI already have Golf TDI for one year. I have not had any problems at all with anything - it works like a Swiss clock! Gas/milage is a killer, I get 650/700 per tank (14 gal) for highway and 450/500 per tank in the city. It looks kind of dated, but it is very different from other cars and therefore I dont feel that dated look too much. The car is roomy and affordable. Its increadable fun to drive! The car achives 155 torque at very low RPMs! My only suggestion is: dont get automatic transmission, get a manual one - you will get much better performance.
