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 351 through 360 of 566.00-
Fun little car with some quirky issues - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Andrew - September 28 - 8:33 pmFirst thing, I love my Jetta. Despite its tiny 115hp, it is a blast to drive thanks to the manual transmission, great steering and fun ride. I have owned my Jetta for three years now, and have had very few issues. I live in Wisconsin, and this car surprised the hell out of my friends who had trucks and SUVs by its performance in heavy snow and ice. For some reason, it is unstoppable in winter weather. I am also 6ft 1 and have plenty of head and legroom while driving. I am disappointed with the gas mileage, I usually average 26 mpg combined, but have gotten 31-32 mpg on long highway trips. The biggest downside with this powertrain is undoubtedly the engine. I frequently have difficulty passing or I have to downshift 2 gears to make it up a small hill. I wouldnt mind if the return was excellent mileage but the mileage as I mentioned is somewhat mediocre for a car of this size. My only truly negative experience was an EPC censor that would put my car in limp mode. The censor randomly would go off when I would start it, and acceleration was limited and the car would max out at 50mph. I took it to several mechanics and a dealer and eventually found out that a botched repair from a previous owner was to blame. Just be careful with these cars though, as the electronics are really touchy and can be expensive to fix. Other than that, I love my car and have had no other mechanical issues to speak of. I highly recommend this car as a cheap, fun to drive car that isnt as vanilla as a Ford, Chevy or Hyundai.
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A joy to drive, very happy - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By jthreet - September 22 - 9:56 pmIve had my jetta for about two years now, and Ive loved every minute of it. Only problem that ive had was the transmission had to be replaced at 16000 miles -- Ill chalk that up to a fluke, the replacement has been running perfectly ever since. Handling is great, good power, I have no complaints.
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LOVE MY 2003.5 GLX VR6!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By gnaz_jet - September 20 - 7:16 amAfter owning a few reliable & yet boring Toyotas, I decided to go VW, even though I read both favorable & bad reviews. It seems like a lot people have got lemons. But, my Jetta has been outstanding. Im at 65k mi & have never had a problem. Ive only done the standard maintenance, that the dealer recommends & it still drives like it did when it was brand new. It still hauls a--! and has many creature comforts, like a luxury car. To me, its a luxury sports car & I love every minute that Im driving it. Of course, Ive upgraded the optional 17"s to BBS 18"s & changed out the red tailights to the 2005 GLI smoked ones, to give the ol girl a makeover & to keep her happy. Shes the Best!!
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Fun to drive, but MANY quirks - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By jfromphilly - September 17 - 4:09 pmMy Jetta got totaled a few weeks back. She was a great car in many ways, (fast, fun to drive, gas efficient) & I got 130,000 miles out of her. However, I decided not to get another Jetta. Here are a few of the reasons: -Anytime theres a repair (and there will be many) you will pay $1000, minimum. -REEKS of crayons. (inevitably the first comment anyone makes setting foot inside the car) -Strange clicking noise coming from the turn signal -Lights turn on and wont turn off again (had to have the mechanic take them apart to get them off) -The electrical outlet/cig lighter stopped working a month in & after multiple repair attempts I had to just give up on it
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I Guess I Got the Good One - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Ryflo77 - September 2 - 5:50 pmSo far, I have not had any major problems with this car unlike others that seemed to have lemons. Ive only had to replace the spark plugs (40k), water pump (60k), and timing belt (60k). However, this is standard maintenance for Volkswagen cars. The interior lighting is amazing in this car. It feels like Im flying an airplane at night! I agree that this car is not built for a tall person b/c there is little room in the back nor the front, but Im only 55", So its perfect for me. The turbo is great in this car. It never hesitates when you punch it. Guess I got the good one.
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Has it improved in build Quality??? - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By economan - August 30 - 10:00 amI just traded in my 1999 new Jetta TDI for a 2003 model. Generic faults with the earliar models. 1-Glove compartment hinges break. 2-Front and rear cup holders break prematurly. 3-Rear ashtray breaks easily. 4-Mass airflow sensor fails. 5-Black Cloth material losses its color, fades. 6- Interior material hard to clean. 7-Water pumps fail prematurly. 8-Diesel model intake plugs up with tar Due to EGR design. 9- Relay 109 fails every 20,000 miles on Diesel models. 10-Electric windows fall out of guides. 11-Floor mats do not stay in place.
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1st class little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Will G. - August 23 - 12:40 amGreat car. 59500 trouble free miles. Would like more MPG however anything this fast wont deliver that.
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Dont do it - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Boardwalk - August 18 - 10:00 amOur car has only 27,000 miles on it and it has been in the shop constantly. I hope you dont have the misfortune of owning a Jetta
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Stop now - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By Richardson TX - August 18 - 10:00 amThis car is brand new and in and out of the shop. A real lemon. Buy anything but a Volkswagen.
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Zippy, for a diesel - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
By chsmaine - August 13 - 10:00 amIve had many VWs and this one is terrific, like the others. The turbodiesel is quick to start and doesnt smoke a bit when driving or in traffic. The car feels like it has more than 90 hp, as the torque is so strong. No need to downshift on hills or to pass. Low RPMs on the highway make for quiet cruising. Lots of headroom (no sunroof) and storage space. Mine has the updated console with 3 cupholders (slide the rear one back and it holds a large water bottle in the gap provided by the slider.) Great feel through the steering wheel and suspension. Rides like a much larger car. No complaints.
