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 221 through 230 of 566.00
  • German Engineering - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is the second VW jetta I have had within 4 and a half years. At first i leased a 1999 new body style jetta gl...roll up windows, hub caps, tape players, the basics. I loved it!!!!!!! That is why i went and leased another one after my lease was up...a 2003 gls with the works. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE VOLKSWAGEN JETTA...everything about it is great! Fun to drive, easy to handle, and has some power to it as well for a 2.0.....

  • Superb Driving Experience and Safety - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought Jetta GLS 1.8T, sport package, auto, fully loaded, sunroof, in Dec 05 with 29K miles. 65K now in Jul 08. The car is a pleasure to drive. Fast acceleration and breaking, comfortable (I’m 34 and 6.1), excellent performance and road handling. The car fatefully listens to your, very safe. 1.8T is nothing like regular Jettas. Mechanical problems: a year ago both front suspensions squeaking & back wheels humming noise started- mechanic thinks nothing serious. Rear passenger side door could not open, fixed under warranty. Electrical problems: passenger seat heater broke, 6 of 8 speakers died, factory radio/CD broke twice, all fixed under warranty. I still love the car & would recommend it.

  • Great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Everytime I get into my car I am reminded how much I love it. I commute frequently so I need something both reliable and fun to drive. Ive certainly found both of those in the Jetta.

  • Great Commuter - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had this car for 4 months now and have put over 30,000 km on it driving from Calgary to Saskatoon and Calgary to Vancouver. Car is great for commuting and relatively cheap for regular maintenance. If you can do regular maintenance on a gasser - you can do it on a diesel! Just be sure to use a good diesel fuel additive/fuel filter to prolong the life of your injection pump and take it for a good run regularly to keep the turbo clean and prevent sticking. My injection pump recently went from cheap fuel filter, bad diesel and no fuel additive - $2000 bill, follow the above advice to avoid this costly repair and youll be happy with the car!

  • Its a Turbo - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    great car... the turbo is sweet... goes fast... kinda slow at a stop light... ive been very dissappointed with the engine. when cold it sounds like a lawn mower. tiptronic is a joke, it has to think about it before it acts and doesnt let you do much, other than gear down - a useless feature.

  • Awesome! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    So I just bought the car at the beginning of the year and I have to say this is best car that i have driven. I had a 2000 nissan pathfinder that was a really good car in terms of reliability but it had a lot of miles on it and this car was on sale and only had 40k miles on it. Drove a lot of different cars that were in the same price range, and this is by far the best car that i have ever driven. The only problem that I had was I drive aggressively, the roads in Jackson Ms are terrible so I had to put new tires on the car after about 10k miles. The tires are pretty pricey because of the rims. Other than that I have not had any problems what so ever. I love this car!!!

  • Fast and fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought this car from Herman Cook in San Diego. The sales people are great and helpful. This is my third Jetta. Its a blast to drive with pull that is better than other car in the price range. The suspension and the ride are outstanding. Handles very well, doing 55-60 in a 25mph clover leaf without a sweat. Gas mileage is very good if you dont drive the car aggressive. Had one problem with the lock on the right rear door, but was fixed in a few hours with the dealership. Other than that no problems. I installed new suspension through autotech and a q- chip. Its handles better and the chip made the car insanly fast.

  • impressed - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My last three cars have been BMWs. This is my first VW and I love it. The performance of the 1.8t engine is impressive, handling is tight and ride quality is excellent. This is an overall fantastic driving car with a classy/sporty look. The BBS wheels, spoiler and stainless exhaust pipes make the Wolfsburg stand out from all other Jettas.

  • Awesome buy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had it for over a week now and I am very impressed. I went for the basic GL 5-speed, but you get so much with it. Power windows, power locks, security system, etc. I also got the Monsoon sound system that was already installed. Comparible cars couldnt compete. I had a Jeep Cherokee and swore I would never buy anything but an SUV again, that is until my wife talked me into to test driving the Jetta. I was hooked and I love it. It rides so smooth, so be careful. You can be doing 80 to 85 and not even realize it!

  • Ich liebe mine Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Two words, "Love it". I was going to go with the base model 2.0 or the 1.8T but after test driving this wolf in sheeps clothing I knew what I had to do. I get the biggest kick out of people pulling up next to my unassuming Jetta and revving their engines. The next thing you know Im doing 40 MPH and just getting ready to shift into second. :) All the while I can hear them behind me struggling to keep up. The accelleration in the GLI is quite surprising. Be it first gear off the line, or third gear while getting on the highway... Just try it, youll love it.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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