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 271 through 280 of 566.00
  • Based on New Purchase - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Loved the look, the zip, and the plush seats. However, its been nothing but fustrations. I have been to 4 dealers in 4 years. With less than 50,000 miles the weld failed on the exhaust, the water pump went, the throttle body needed work, and now I hit 50,000 mi, I have to pay for a new radio that gets horrible reviews - Monsoon. And the list goes on.

  • Beauty is only skin deep... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought the car used in February 2010. By November of 2010 we had spent $1,800 in repairs on the car. Problems: lunging at startup, rough idle, several heat sensors went bad, light bulbs burning out, fuel pump went out, water pump went out, bad thermostat, poor radio reception, squeaky shocks, horrible waxy/crayon odor inside, AC smelled like vinegar at times, trunk difficult to open, door handles deteriorating.

  • Cool Commuter - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My jetta is an ideal commuter! 55 highway miles each way to work and after 18,000 miles I am averaging 49mpg. The ride is comfortable, the seats are great (love the heated seats in winter), performance is impressive, and I fill up once a week. I love how this car drives!

  • My 1st Lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Well, Ive been very dissappointed in my Jetta. I purchased my car 11 months ago, and the transmission broke just before the one year mark. This car has always had problems. It jerks when it shifts gears, and when driven at high speeds on the freeway the car suddenly slows then jumps back up. Annoying lights on dashboard wont go away. Also has a loud clicking noise in turn signal area. Car reeks of crayons in summer. Burns motor oil like crazy. Only good thing about this car is that its great on gas. If you buy a Jetta, its best to buy a new one.

  • Bad Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my jetta turbo brand new! 2 years later the engine goes out! 2 years after that the transmission went out! talk about a lemon! A lot of other things went bad i just dont have enough space for details. It looked beautiful but the vw cars are nothing but trouble. I was so glad to get rid of it and now Im so happy with my Honda!

  • Jetta GL - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Excellent value for the money spent, deffinitely a cut above other compact competitors.

  • Put a Volkswagen in your garage! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my Jetta in May after my old car (a 94 Intrepid) all but exploded. Buying a Volkswagen was the best thing Ive ever done. Not only does the car look great, but it drives like I spent $40,000 on it. Nothing else Ive ever driven has given me this feeling of safety and confidence. In rain I no longer have to worry whether or not Im going to fishtail. In nice weather I know I have enough hampsters under the hood to pass whoever I need to get around. My fiance drives a 2003 Passat and neither of us could imagine being happier with our vehicles. Everyone should drive a Jetta!

  • Good at first but then...... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I loved this car for the first 60,000, then it was just problem after problem. I kept good care of the car but was having continuous issues with the water pump and other minor things. The major problem was the fact that a lot of parts in the engine were made of plastic so instead of replacing just a simple section of a part the whole thing had to be replaced. I averaged about $600 every time the car went in. About 2 years ago I spent over $2,400 at one time!! Recently the car had some more problems that included the fuel pump. I took the car in and the mechanic told me it was not worth fixing. The car had 119,000 miles on it. It did its job. The sunroof was possessed.

  • WOW...WHAT A GREAT CAR! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The New Jetta is awesome. The gas mileage alone is worth the price...on our very first tank of gas, we are getting 48 mpg!!! Its so unbelievable. We would recommend this car to anyone who is in the market. Its very comfortable and so much fun to drive. We love our new car!! If interested in this car, and you are in the utah area, contact us and we will refer you to the dealership where we bought our car. They were awesome to work with and there wasnt a whole lot of BS! JUST GET THE VOLKSWAGON! It is guaranteed to turn a lot of heads!

  • Jetta is Junk - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have owned this car less then 2 months. The car has less then 1800 miles on it. It has already been in for service 3 times, all with the same problem. Failed IG coils. The car just broke down for the 4th time and the dealer gave me an attitude. I have spent more money on rental cars then lease payments. I am pursueing relief under the Lemon Law. Due yourself a favor and steer clear of the Jetta!!!

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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