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 291 through 300 of 566.00

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  my fast baby - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jose - October 5 - 1:26 pm

  When I first got in this car and heard the whistle of the turbo engine.. I was like this is my new baby.. its fast, handles great.. looks cool.. feels like luxury without the expense

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  Do Not Buy This Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By BigPapiOrtiz - October 1 - 6:46 am

  Ive had my Jetta for 5 years and havent been able to go 5,000 miles without something failing. I love the car dearly, but it is so unreliable that Ive sworn off VW/Audi for life. Struts were replaced at 30K, warning lights fire off even when there is no problem, coolant temperature gauge had to be replaced, coolant leak at 15K. Even after the recall in 02, the ignition coils failed in my car at 52K miles, 2K over the warranty. VW refused to pay for any of it, despite the fact that they sold me the car promising that the coils were not defective. Save the money and get a Civic. I wish I had, but Im stuck with this one for a few more years.

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  My All Time Favorite Car - 03 Jetta wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By zener - September 27 - 8:57 am

  Of course its looks caught my eye first. Cute, but more than cute - stylish. Some cars have a classic, timeless design like a certain Honda Civic. This generation of Jetta does too. Bought it used with 21K miles, and gradually fell in love with it. Never got great gas mileage, about 21mpg. But I liked its zippy handling. Great car for city driving (and parking). Very useful cargo area. Rear seat a bit cramped for big adults. Engine is remarkable. Once, by necessity, drove it 8 miles without oil. Replaced punctured oil pan, added oil, and kept on going. Difficult to clean the beige interior, so I sold it. Hard to find a car this small on outside, this big on inside, so fun to drive.

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  Too Many Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Tigerroux - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I havent been too pleased with the many various problems Ive had with this car. Brand new, the biggest problem being a replacement of transmission, rotors, broken rear view mirror,a security system problem, and sticking drink holder mechanism. These were all fixed by a very good dealership, but all of this happened before the car had 5,000 miles on it. It doesnt give me a warm and fuzzy feeling on the reliability of what might happen next. The other thing Im not too happy with is the gas mileage. I think VW could do better.

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  Great Car - Only minor complaints - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Pat K. - September 7 - 10:00 am

  8 months and almost 10,000 miles. Great acceleration and handling. Cargo capacity is phenomenal. Lame cupholders. The leather is stiff and feels "vinylly." Monsoon sound is great, but I have speaker wire rattles in at least two speakers. I also have a rattle in the dash, giving concern for long-term durability. Rear knee room is also underwhelming, but adequate for adults on short trips. The Jetta Wagon GLS, 1.8T 5A delivers what it promises - exciting driving and the ability to carry a suprisingly large amount of cargo. Pat K.

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  German EngineeringExcellence - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Cory Graner - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Monsoon stereo is great but a speaker was blown the day I picked the car up. Power is awesome with the turbo, but watch out for turbo lag in first gear. Think real hard before cutting someone off. Car is solid. I drive it hard and it does not complain. No squeeks or rattles. Ride is very nice. Overall handling limits are not that high, but driving at the limit is easy, and fun. Good four wheel discs with ABS. Tiptronic is fun, but you have to think ahead and plan gear changes. I have a black/black leather car. Seats are unsupportive in turns and hard to adjust, like all Jettas before it. Overall I love it. I would buy it again in an instant.

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  Great Value for $$$ - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mio - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Car exceeds expectations. This is my fifth VW, first wagon, and I have never been disappointed with the quality or performance of VWs. Do like the wagon - smaller than an SUV, plenty of back storage area. Rear seat room a little limited, but for my use is fine.

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  If you love to drive, youll like Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By jlemiski - August 26 - 2:00 am

  First things first, this car is fun to drive. Its comfortable and quiet on the inside but has power when you need it. Its not a sports car if you drive it stock, but for what I was looking for, it was the perfect balance. The only thing I wish it had is more rear seat room, as there is not a lot if youre tall.

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  I Love my OTTO! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By AB - August 24 - 9:06 am

  My 03 Jetta TDI has proven to be the best car-buying decision I will ever make. Ive saved every fuel receipt since day 1, and with the 5-speed manual transmission, I get between 38 (a rare low) and 46 mpg, averaging around 43 mpg most of the time. Thats around 500 miles per tank. With fuel prices as high as they are, I cant help but brag about having to fill up only once a month! The styling is sporty and classy at the same time. The new body style is boring and disappointing, so Im glad I bought mine when I did. I frequently enjoy opening the sunroof, and the leather interior and Monsoon sound system keep me riding in near luxury!

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  Love the Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By C-Bird - August 13 - 5:50 pm

  I love this car. I am routinely getting 44 mpg in all-around driving, and have exceeded 50 mpg twice on highway driving. The manual transmission version is a must... when I test-drove the automatic it was a slug. I had a problem with the drivers side seat heater, which subsequently became a recall. One of the instrument panel lights doesnt work. Aside from that, the Jetta has been flawless. At 550-620 miles per tank, you can pass gas stations a whole lot!