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 491 through 500 of 566.00
  • quick, loaded with features, Fun! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive driven my Jetta 1000 miles, and I am really having fun with every mile! The manual trans, excellent handling, braking, and turbo have made me feel like Im in a rally car- with interior comforts and luxury. Performance is VERY good. City fuel mileage is not great at about 25.7 right now.... I rate the build quality so far as excellent, except some stray door rattles, and everything works great. Amazing features, attention to detail- gently dimming lighting, trunk release, and the unique remote key. This is my 9th car, probably the best overall quality. LOVE the interior lighting - I could drive this car all night long!

  • real race car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    If youre looking for a race car, this is it, cant go wrong with 2003 JETTA.

  • Great Value - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    I bought my Jetta Wolfsburg with 9,000 miles on it, and couldnt have gotten a better deal. It has a great interior and quiet ride all coupled with V6-like performance and the whine of the turbo. Theres nothing like rolling the windows down and listening to the 150,000 RPM turbocharger work. I might just keep this car forever!

  • loveit!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive had my Jetta for 3 months now and absolutely love it! Its fun to drive, and looks pretty good too! No complaints, and I am very happy with my decision. It handles very nice, and is comfy.

  • i love it - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    i have had my jetta for 2 years now and i love it. it is fast smooth and drives awesome. no matter how hard i drive it i still seem to get 30 miles to the gallon. yeah, it is premium fuel but it is such a small price to pay.

  • 2003 Jetta - Wolfsburg Edition - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    This is a great car. It has very good handling and performance. There’s lots of power with the 1.8T Engine. Car’s Interior is attractive. The adjustable sports seats and leather steering wheel and leather parking brake are a plus. The overall quality is very good.

  • Great car! Just keeps going, going..... - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Great fuel economy car! People are amazed, they say they didnt know VW made a Deisel car! Its sporty, fun to drive and keeps going going going and going! We fuel it maybe twice a month and we drive it alot!! Highly recommend this car to anyone who does alot of driving!

  • Great little car - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Picked up my Jetta TDI in late June. Great little car. My new job is putting me at 30000 miles/year. I was driving a 2000 E150 conversion van. The fuel savings alone will cover almost half my payment!!! Im hitting 44 mpg just scooting around town - I can now see why everybody says they blow by 50 mpg highway with these.

  • Awesome Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Ive driven nothing but Mercury Grand Marquis and needed a smaller city car with enough power to not make me regret trading in a V8 4.6 liter engine. To my surprise, the 1.8T had perfect power and was right in my low 20K price range. I bought it in Platinum Gray with Monsoon, Cold Package, ESP. Ive driven it for over 6000 miles and consider it to be the best car on the market because for a reasonable price you get a ton of options along with 4- cylinder that drives like a V-6. Theres no need for a VR6 unless you want ALL the features, but at their price, Id just buy an A4.

  • Fun drive - Mediocre reliability - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
    By -

    Bought this car for my son back in May- 2003 and I must admit that it is very fast and a blast to drive. The car handles and performs well except for a bit of turbo lag. Interior is adequate. Having been spoiled by Japanese quality, I was dissapointed with unreliability of the car. Since buying it 5 months ago, it has been in the shop 5 times - 3 little things like a broken trunk lock and twice for dead batteries. The volkswagen dealers been very good throughout however, providing loaner cars, etc. Overall we like the car, but would suggest you consider the trips to the service dept.

Volkswagen Jetta Reviews By Year:
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