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 391 through 400 of 566.00
  • Great Car with Minor Flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    The car handles, performs, is responsive, and rides smoothly on these 17" tires, just as it should for a car stickered at $27,895. It has an excellent interior design with high quality materials. It has better leather than the GLSs. The 8-way power seats have nice touch memory. One negative, mine has had a few little electrical problems. Cruise would only work intermittently or the cruise light would come on and would not go off. It has been very difficult for my service center to figure out when it is not doing it when they have and they have not been as nice as tey could be. VW moved its assembly to Mexico and I would like to see if more problems have arisen.

  • My Best Car Ever - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    My 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI is much peppier than my past 1982 VW Rabbit diesel. I find it responds well in the snow. It has excellent fuel economy. I have short legs and have to leave the seat rather close. I am 58 and my head always hits or knocks off my hat when entering driver’s side. The rear seats are a little tight. The car rides like a much heavier car and if one is not careful, the speed can creep up on you. I find the car runs reasonably well compared to my previous diesels. Overall, in my opinion this is the best car in its class and it seems to hold its value well.

  • Best small car around!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had my TDI Jetta Sedan for a over 8 mos. and 12.5k miles. MPG as high as 52 before I put a roof rack on it. I still get over 40 with a kayak & bike on the roof. I love the fact that there are studs for mounting the roof rack firmly already built into the car. You wont win any drag races with this car, but you can easily merge with traffic on highways & pass cars on back roads. The shifter is smooth & direct. With the back seat down, storage room is great. Handling & ride are great. Seats & ergos are the best Ive had. Other than a blown fuse the 1st weekend I had the car, nothing has gone wrong. I am very pleased with my TDI.

  • TDI Rocks - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I work at Bob Lewis VW. In March I bought a Jetta GLS TDI 5-speed. I love it. It gets about 47.88 miles per gallon and I drive about 80 miles per hour. The torque is 155 meaning I usually dont even have to down shift when going up hills. The car is a diesel so I wont have to get it smogged every 2 years and I smile everytime I pass a gas station. I am getting about 600 miles per tank. If you would like to contact me you can e- mail me at ClayAtBobLewisVW@aol.com.

  • WoW - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I love it! It makes my day.

  • Great Car for a Long Commute - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I was not expecting to buy the diesel when I arrived at the VW dealership. I wanted the 1.8 T. The fule economy of the diesel made me curious so I took it for a test drive. I was amazed! It had a lot more power than had expected, and did not seem any louder than the gas engine. I bought the diesel and have had absolutly no regrets. I would recomend this vehicle to any commuter.

  • My First Car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Honestly, I like it much. But i dont feel the power of my 1.8T Engine yet :( need some mileage for brake-in. Overall, it is a nice car but I would like to have it to lower its price a bit. One more think I wanna tell, my front windshield get foggy easily.. :(

  • Jetta 2003 Testamonial - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is a great car. Styling is sharp, finish is great, loads of features for the money. Why dont US carmakers make something to compete with this? Ive got the stick shift and its just that much more fun to drive, heated seats, sunroof, CD& cassete, what more can you get for this p

  • I am screwed - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I have a 2002 1.8t. While I have no complaints with the handling of the car I am concerned about its reliability. I have had to have a linkage replaced on the tiptronic transmission. My monsoon stere system kept shutting itself off or wouldnt go on at all. The finish on the drivers door handle has all but peeled off. The cup holder is a mess and whats with no cupholders in the back seat at all? The A/C is anemic. My first VW and my last.

  • great car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This car is awesome. my mom just bought it and it gets great gas mileage.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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