Overview & Reviews

VW's stability control system (ESP), which includes BrakeAssist, is now optional on the 1.8T model and standard on the VR6. A leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel, shift knob and hand brake are standard on both. Minor changes include increased padding for the head curtain airbags, backlighting for the buttons on the standard-issue stereo head unit, pinch protection for the sunroof's tilt function and upgraded wipers. Silverstone Gray replaces Matchstick Red on the exterior color list. Finally, it turns out that last year's special-edition 337 model was indeed special -- it's history for 2003.

• Fun to drive, reasonably priced, lots of standard goodies, premium cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, available six-speed manual.

• Not really suited for at-the-limit driving, dated styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 173.00

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  I Love this car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Bull1212 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  There is nothing i dont like about this car. With the exception of poor stock suspension, the 1.8 is the best car i have ever owned. the engine has so much pep and with a few bolt ons, can become a really high powered tuner car.

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  Get up and Go - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Brown eyed girl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have number 1217 out of 4000. One of a thousand in Yellow. Have yet to see another yellow one out there. Love the looks I get from other drivers. Just had to have it after I saw it in the showroom.

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  Fun Volkswagen - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By ellis - August 28 - 8:00 pm

  My 2003 Volkswagen GTI is very fun to drive. I enjoy the vehicle very much. It handles great. I love the 6-speed transmission.

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  just get one - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By VDubber - August 16 - 9:36 pm

  VW did well with the 20th AE GTI by raiding the Audi parts bin. It uses TT brakes, trans, and 1.8t engine. Simply the GTI that should have been produced in the first place. I dig the car tremendously, and has been every bit as entertaining as more expensive German sports cars that Ive owned. Its a somewhat simple machine designed to simply be fast. Got mine in Black Magic Pearl, murdered out completely. It scares small children. You will not be disappointed.

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  Damn and only four thousand of em - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By obvious - July 16 - 2:00 am

  AWESOME!! No other word will aptly describe this car. Pull up to the light and give everyone a fleeting glimpse before I accelerate ...

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  The 20th AE GTI - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By Janos - June 24 - 11:06 pm

  This car is style, fun, power, practicality all in one. Very happy with the purchase, it is a head above the standard GTI. Great engine - very tuner friendly. Love the torque. You get all sorts of aftermarket pieces stock on this car. A great value.

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  the car that could - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By colton - April 18 - 12:33 pm

  this car is amazing. i love it! its so much fun to drive. the only complaint i have is the interior panels paint rubs off. but other than that theres nothing 2 complain about. i installed a cold air intake, awe turbo back exhaust, neuspeed suspension, and its GIAC chipped. this car is fast, sexy, verrrrryy fun to drive and most importantly comfortable to drive in. taking a long trip in this is more than bearable but enjoyable with a 7" dvd display head unit in. in the end i guarantee you will fall in love with this car and it will surpass all of your expectations.

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  Almost there - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By BryanH - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The GTI is close to being very good...it mainly needs a suspension that can live up to expectations. It is too mushy to be any fun. The only other thing would be a 4 door GTI. The downside to VW is the dealerships and VWoA. The simple truth is they dont stand behind there cars and unless its a warranty repair you would be very well served to find a competant local shop and NEVER go to the dealerships. 2001 to 2003 models have severe coil pack failures and my car is one of 14 at the dealership with a failed ignition coil and it will be several weeks before I get a replacement. Pathetic!

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  More Fun Every Day - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By selkior - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Driving fun at a reasonable price. Why waste all those dollars on BMWs? I used to have a 2001 GTI and the handling is much improved on the 2003 GTI. Plenty power available at all times through buttery six-speed. VWs famous well-appointed interiors are for real! All the critical safety features are included (ABS, traction control, airbags all around, side impact protection). I watched one get t-boned by a cherokee and the passengers walked away...

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  happy with car - 2003 Volkswagen GTI
  By der meister - January 1 - 2:00 am

  went from a 2000 vr6 to the 03 1.8t, the car is great bang for the buck, wish it had the 6spd like the 337 though. missed out on that one.