Overview & Reviews

The most affordable Volkswagen gets a few equipment changes for 2003. Probably the biggest of these is the availability of stability control (VW's ESP) on all trim levels. In other news, base GL models now include a CD player, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. GLS models now come with a sunroof and alloy wheels, while seat heaters and the premium Monsoon sound system will be optional across the line. Finally, VW has increased the padding on the side curtain airbag system; the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder now meets ULEV standards; and the standard stereo head unit will get backlighting for the buttons.

• Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.

• More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 93.00

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  My First impressions - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By mikedaug - December 4 - 10:00 am

  My TDI Golf has drives very well. The Diesel motor pulls the car along quite well, and is very quiet.

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  VW TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Mahmoud Itani - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with VW Golf TDI

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  Love it - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By VW Driver - October 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. This is my third VW and I just love driving it. Its very different from my previous Civic. The Golf handles better, takes corners faster, less body lean, feels more solid than the flimsy Honda (although its a great car too.) Its no BMW, but it also doesnt costs like a BMW. The hatchback is just a bonus. When I flip down the backseats, the trunk space is huge, definitely a lot bigger than the trunk of a regular sedan.

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  VW GOLF TDI - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Va. Randy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This car equipped with the turbo diesel is a real winner. With an auto transmission I am getting 43 mpg. After maybe having bought 20 new cars over my life this is the first car that after three months has no long list of warranty repairs needed.Great fun to drive. Handling is more like a big heavy car. Since 1977 I have driven BMWs only. I will not miss them. I miss one thing: 6 way electric seats.

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  VW is a whole new standard of automobile - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By VW4Life - August 19 - 5:56 pm

  This is my first economic vehicle, and my first Volkswagen. You can easily fit people inside, or lay the rear seats and fit lots of stuff inside. The quality of vehicle compared to all other makes is amazing. Everything from the drive to the notice to detail interior. This car is fun, stylish, reliable, and economic. Once you get in a VW youre hooked.

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  Good for crashes - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By johnnyonspot - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a 4dr Golf TDI last October 2002. I loved it. Yes, past tense. I was recently in an accident and it was totalled, but I received only a few bumps and bruises. My one complaint is that the mileage was only about 40-42 mpg, not to quibble or anything.

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  50 MPG Baby - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Ryan - June 11 - 1:26 pm

  This was the last year for safe Biodiesel use. Great car, keep it under 60, and get 60 MPG!

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  Love the Car - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By scrubber92 - March 30 - 7:46 am

  I have two Veedubs in the family now, and both have been bulletproof. It seems the dependability of VW in general is pretty variable, but if you can score the right car, as we apparently have, they are very trustworthy. I am going to get jumped on for this, but it seems to me the vehicles that come from Germany, i.e., the Touareg, are more problematic than the ones built in Latin America. Anyway back to the TDI - the car amazes me, and most people who ride in it instantly want one. Accordingly, TDIs get snapped up real quickly around here. The power and handling, while not quite sports-car caliber, are simply much better than youd expect from a car capable of 50 mpg. No more gas-cars for me!

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  Buyers Beware - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Remorseful Buyer - January 4 - 6:06 am

  I bought this car brand new in 2002. At first, everything was great. Good gas mileage. Sporty little car. Great for zipping around town and did well on road trips. However, it started having all sorts of problems after about 18-24 months, beginning with the "small" and annoying (head lights constantly burning out, display lights inexplicably going off and coming on, airbags needed replacement without ever having been used or the car being in an accident). Then, around 65,000 miles, the check engine light was constantly on. Then, the transmission blew and it needed a new timing belt, air sensor, alternator & more. It has cost me thousands to repair and has become a money pit.

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  The Best Economy VW Ever in the USA - 2003 Volkswagen Golf
  By Mahmoud Itani - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I am very pleased with VW is doing nowadays in the USA especially when it comes to the Golf. Golf has always been a worldwide best seller and here in the US if the Golf is probably the most cost-effective VW you can get. I highly recommend any person who needs a very reliable economy car, try the GOLF gas or TDI engined as they both deliver excellent mileage.