2003 Volkswagen Jetta Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
566 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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

User Reviews:

Showing 181 through 190 of 566.00
  • 1 Year of Pure Bliss - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I wish the rest of the motor industry would take a queue from the Volkswagen Jetta. What a wonderful vehicle. The interior fit and finish of my 03 Jetta beats that of even some $50,000+ vehicles and my VR6 has plenty of power. If this years vehicles turn out to be as reliable as they are functional, it could very well be my favorite of all time.

  • Chosing VW wont be a wrong decision. - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Have a 2000 VW Jetta VR6 auto but as the GLS 1.8T is the best buy. Besides turbo lag, more noticable on the on auto the car is great fun and with some practical sides. Rear seat room are made for long torso bodies and not for the long legged. Great features throughout, creaking and signs of wear become more and more apparent as months go by but not to the point of annoying. VR6 is a blast but a notible hesitation on pedal to wheel delivery. VR6 get manual. Both still eat up gas which VW should work on. The TDI is the best car though. Great gas mileage and no question a car that can easily put on nearly 200,000 miles and more! NO JOKE!

  • Speedy loves it!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I love the VW. Had a 2000 Beetle but wanted more room so I got the Jetta. The 1.8T is the best. The gas pedal just says "go ahead". It has been great.

  • Nice ride - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Great quality materials. Very comfortable. Very fast. Zero to 60 in 5.9 seconds using 5 speed shiftable auto trans. Tiptronic is fun and faster than 6 shifter manual cars. Shifts so fast and only takes the power of a pinky to shift between gears. Shifts faster and smoother than conventional manual trans. Put the pedal to the floor in manual. You will be impressed. Awesome car.

  • German Engineering? - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The TDI engine and the handling of this car were certainly the highlights. Reliability was horrible, making me wonder why they emphasize "German Engineering". Overall, the car was very fun to drive and solid over my 60,000 miles of ownership. I sold it due to having to take it to the dealership over and over: bad wheel bearing, heater coil, heated seat caught on fire while I was driving, each light, f/r went out within 20K, flickering lights, shudder in clutch, creaking sound from suspension, rear washer fluid tube plugged, just to name a few, there were many more issues, but cant remember all. Sorry, VW, but your premium price has lost me as a repeat customer.

  • GLI--Love the RIDE--hate the service - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The 200 hp Vr6 is a great way to start your morning. Car pulls very hard--the 6spd manual is very percise. The monsoon radio (1300 option w/ sunroof) is what i have a problem with --the radio is not as loud/clear on the driver side. Car has 1700 miles on it and has been in the shop 4times. VW service can not fix the problem--and forget about squeezing a rental car out of them.

  • The Little Car That Could - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is my 2nd Jetta. Ever since my 1st Jetta was totaled when an idiot ran a stop sign (Yet not a scratch on me!!), I couldnt wait until I could afford a brand new Jetta. The 1.8 Turbo is the perfect size for this car. The pickup is great, the brakes and steering are nice and tight. The shifting is smooth. Spacious trunk. The sport seats give you a nice snug fit. Great for long distance rides. LOVE LOVE LOVE!

  • So far ,so good - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive only owned it for 3 months, but so far so good. Gas mileage is very good, around 28mpg, city/highway. Saved a whole bunch on insurance due to all the safety features it came standard. Car is fun to drive, but not very roomy in the backseat. Wish it had a 6th gear, but i guess its there so you can pass cars easly when your going 80 in 5th gear.

  • Fun to drive - lots of repairs - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    When I first got my Jetta, I absolutely loved it. it handled well, accelerated quickly, and was a smooth ride. But I had problems right away. The transmission didnt shift smoothly. My car still jerks and lurches when shifting gears (although the 8 times I took it in, the mechanics never experienced anything). The electrical has had issues too. My windows roll down when I pull the button to roll the window up. My engine light has been on for the last year (although Ive taken it in 4 times. It goes off for a few days and then comes back on.) I love my Jetta, I just dont love all the repairs it needs.

  • Pray you live near the dealership - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    If it werent for the near 50mpg milage, VW would not be able to give these pieces of crap away. You will definitely need the extra fuel economy to drive back and forth to the service department. The power windows have broken twice; some sort of "switch" in the brake system failed which refused to allow the car to be put into gear; the fuel filter sprang a leak causing the injectors to suck air. Thats just the top three list! Youll also need to be ready to drop $800 at the 40K mark to replace the timing belt. I would *not* trust this vehicle on a road trip.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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