Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen eliminates the GLX trim level for wagons -- this means that those who prefer the VR6 engine to the 1.8T engine will have to stick with the sedan. As a consolation, GLS wagons equipped with the 1.8T are eligible for a premium package, which bundles traditional GLX content like power seats, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and a trip computer. Additionally, VW has made the 1.8T available on both the GL sedan and wagon. GLs now have power windows and mirrors, cruise control and a CD player, while the GLS gets a standard sunroof and alloy wheels. All Jettas are available with stability control (ESP), heated seats and the Monsoon sound system. Other changes include a ULEV rating for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, redesigned cupholders and backlit buttons on the standard stereo head unit.

• Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.

• More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 131 through 140 of 566.00

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  I hate my car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By girl0227 - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I wish someone would have told me the truth about this car. Recent Volkswagens are junk. The interioris peeling, the review mirror casing fell off, and Ive had to replace three tires -- just from normal driving in Los Angeles.

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  nice for entry level german engineering - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By stephen d - November 4 - 10:00 am

  its fun. turbo lags sucks. i wasnt pleased with my car from the start. i got my car in May 2003, i wanted platinum gray with black leather interior. but no black in all of southern california, after getting my 4th choice, i had to get the plat. gray w/ gray velour. yuck! gray is a pain to keep clean. and velour smells after a while. i mean, for $23k, i would have rather paied $7 for a 325i. but hey, im happy with this car for now. ill get a new car next year.

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  Great ride, more power than expected - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Wendy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We love our GLS Jetta Wagon. I was a bit worried about the 2.0, 115 hp engine, but it has great pick-up and more than enough power for this suburban driver. Its incredibly stylish, comfortable and offers plenty of cargo space. I compared the size measurements between this wagon and the Passat, and the Passat is only 5-6 inches larger...not worth the extra $ in our opinion. We have the Monsoon stereo system, and my husband adores it. We also got leather interior and the cold weather package.

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  Good Overall, Some Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Dave Nadeau - October 18 - 6:46 am

  I just turned 80,000 miles on my Jetta TDI. Overall, Ive been very happy. The mileage is unbeatable, and the turbo works wonders in the mountains here in Colorado. Some of the other owners comments are well taken however. My suspension squeaks. Part of my panel lights are intermittent. The suspension is too soft, which means poor ground clearance, which means the plastic under the oil pan eventually gets beat up. The passenger side door handle requires two pulls to open. Other than those issues, the car has performed quite well, with minimal maintenance.

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  Poor Workmanship - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Jaybird11 - October 15 - 10:00 am

  My Jetta has been in the shop about 30 times in the year I have owned it. The plastic pieces in the interior have all peeled and had to be replaced. The replacements have begun their peeling now. My passenger side seat fell apart, and has been to the dealership and upholstery shop 4 times. The seat is still broken, and was inoperable for over 2 months. I would not wish my Jetta experience on my worst enemy. DO NOT purchase a VW.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CGK - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful Car. If you love fuel mileage you will love this car. I got 54 MPG on a 750 mile trip.

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  Chriss ride - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By charliev - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Just a fun car to drive. I wanna autocross it!

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  WHAT A CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By al_caholik - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I just test drove the Jetta GLI and all i can say is wow. The model i test drove had everything, leather sunroof and cold weather package. The engine performace even surpassed my big v8 i currently drive. The 6 speed is a blast and i WILL be purchasing my car SOON.

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  Stunning Car to Look At and Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Craig - August 25 - 7:26 pm

  I bought mine used but it was a official VW fleet vehicle with only 3,000 miles on it. Trust me, this car is a very decievingly fast car and a joy to drive. I have owned previous Volkswagens and looked for something new and after talking to the mechanics at my local shop they said there is no other way to go besides the VR6 engine. Stock it puts out 204 hp (no one shows the extra 4 when putting up specs but its there) and after a few slight modifications I dynod at 230 whp and nothing around with a V6 can touch it -- have to move up to the V8s before theyre close in speed. Overall I love this car and wouldnt pick anything over it.

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  146,000+ Miles, Lots of Fun, but Headaches Too - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By pjkportland - August 7 - 9:30 am

  I have owned my 2003 1.8T 5A GLS wagon since new and now have over 146k miles. It really is fun to drive and has amazing cargo hauling space. But . . . expensive to maintain and gets only about 21 mpg on premium. Make sure you have a good mechanic. Mine is one of the best, and I still have a funky/random issue - a beep, blinking dash lights, then a power drop, as if the tranny disconnected with the engine. As much as I like driving the car, I think Im going back to Honda when old blue bites the dust.