2003 Volkswagen Jetta Consumer Reviews

Wow, just wow.

Written by: Q on 07/19/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Only recently purchased used but love it, Love It, LOVE IT. It just positively screams. Car was a dealer loaner for the past 5 years, only 42k miles so at least I know the maintenance is current. I do feel like the interior is a bit small, but it's a tiny price to pay for the performance and styling. Most people say get the leather but I like cloth just fine. It's scary how quiet it is also. The great part is, yeah, it takes 93 octane but who care about an extra 20 cents per when gas is $4 per gallon anyway and still gets really good mileage? Stereo is great, handling is tight. That the gearing is so close together it's a bit to get used to but fun as hell off the mark.

Favorite Features

Handling, and Get Up And Go. It's like being on rails. Interior, albeit small, is very comfy. Love the dash lite'n. 17" alloys are fabulous, a little on the overkill side but look great. Stereo rocks out (need a mini-audio jack now in 2008). Trunk space is wunderbar.

Suggested Improvements

I agree with others, the 16" spare is a cop out. If VW's going to put a full sized spare, then do it. Coffee cup holder placement, duh. Why? Can't swap music AND take a chance on wetting the stereo. GG VW. The back seats are great for midgets. 3 people will fit in the back if 2 are imaginary.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I regret buying my Jetta

Written by: Christina on 07/19/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 1.8T 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Upon initially purchasing my Jetta there were no problems. But by the winter, it started giving me problems and hasn't stopped since. The only major problem that I have encountered is that gear sticks. When I say stick I mean, will not shift into Reverse or Drive until it feels ready, which could be 5 or 65 minutes. Taken it to the dealership 7 times and they cant figure out what it but assume its the brake light switch. So they keep replacing that. I wouldn't recommend this vehicle to anyone unless you have a very good warranty.

Favorite Features

There are no favorite features. This was my first car and I hated that I bought it every time I paid the car note.

Suggested Improvements

This has already been stated but whoever decided to put the cup holders right over the cd player was not a genius and should've been fired.

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I hate this car!

Written by: wacqui on 07/17/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I've had 3 cars in the last 22 years, this Jetta is the only one in which extended time for repairs have caused me to lose out on jobs. I always wanted a VW but I HATE this car. The parts are too expensive, not always available, and it is hard to work on the car yourself. Pep Boys would not replace a water pump for me because the car was too complicated for their mechanics and the dealership mechanics are far from good. Everything about the car is hard. You must slam the trunk to close it, you must punch the horn to get it to honk. The doors are heavy. The seats are hard. If you drop something under a seat, forget it. The manual is complicated. And I could on and on..

Favorite Features

It is pretty good on gas but I'm not sure it is any better than a Nissan, Toyota or Honda. I'd trade in in a NY minute for my old Toyota or Honda, both of which were more comfortable, handled better and more reliable. And I could work on these cars myself.

Suggested Improvements

Get the cup holders away form the radio/dvd player. Make the seats more comfortable. Make the manual less complicated. Moon roofs that do not leak.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Premium Jetta - FUN to Drive

Written by: eubor on 07/06/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The car has been nothing but sensational, smooth, quiet, quick, powerful and very comfortable (even though firmer suspension). The interior quality is amazing, including soft touch materials, premium cloth and overall presentation. The car has a nice balance between fuel economy and sport. You really feel like your in a BMW, very tight. If you want a premium car, with near-luxury appointments - this is the car, believe me. I have had only two minor issues including a passenger-side seat heater stop working and a rear taillight bulb (brake light) went out. I love this car, love its beige and black interior combination that is unbelievable rich looking. Highly recommended.

Favorite Features

Can't name it all; power sunroof/moonroof (multi-adjust), blue/red interior lighting (very classy), black/beige interior combination (rich looking), premium cloth seats, sound system (quality sound), powerful engine (180 hp. turbo), ride firm but comfortable, heated seats, solid quality...

Suggested Improvements

Paint scratches easily, front bumper is too low (gets hit on tall curbs if not careful), the beige cloth gets dirty quick, cup holders in front of radio system - need xenon headlights.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car

Written by: Michael on 06/25/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Sedan (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

Just plain awesome, the diesel gets 37- 47mpg, and is very powerful uphill.

Favorite Features

Moonroof, Stereo CD system.

Suggested Improvements

Ummm, make more of these great cars?

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Good car for awhile

Written by: Christopher Bailey on 06/24/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

When I purchased my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta, it only had 47,000 miles on it. Not bad considering it was already three years old, and there was only one owner before me. I put at least almost 40,000 miles on it in two years, and it has not been bad, but when I first got it the wheel alignment was so off that I had to replace the rear CV joints and purchased new tires TWICE for the rear. Volkswagen should keep manufacturing in GERMANY and stop being so what I call America Cheap. That is when large corporations instead of paying export fees opt to manufacture in less expensive countries, which turns out to be more expensive for the consumer. I have compared the 1996 with the 2003. Keep trying

Favorite Features

6 air bags Horsepower acceleration.

Suggested Improvements

No more manufacturing in Mexico. Think green, time to invest in HYBRID technology, especially for the Jetta or the Passat.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Diesels Yes, Gasoline No

Written by: irwin on 06/16/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI 4dr Wagon (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Review

I have 73,000 miles on the car and have had no maintenance needed other than the standard periodic checkups and oil changes. I have better than 50 mpg'total (I have not added it up since 50K but at that time it averaged 50.83). I have own 5 V.W. diesels and put on nearly 150K on three at 10, 12 and 17 years old. I would stay away from the gas version of the cars but I intend to keep this one and would purchase a diesel again.

Favorite Features

Size and gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Keep the size.

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Great Car

Written by: Adrian on 06/15/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

So far my driving experience has been awesome. The Jetta has passed every one of my expectations.

Favorite Features

I really love the handling and how you could go 90 and the car seems to have no problem. Very comfortable for long road trips.

Suggested Improvements

I wish maintenance wasn't so expensive.

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Great Car

Written by: scotty78 on 06/14/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is so much fun and great on gas. I drive 1 hour to work and 1 hour back and can get through Friday before filling it up. It is so much fun to drive!

Favorite Features

Stereo, exterior look, The Blue and Red lights.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holder blocks the CD player. Need to find a better place for that.

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Be very careful!

Written by: MJK on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I have always wanted a VW. About six months ago I totaled my car so I was in the market for a new vehicle. I found a beautiful 2003 VW Jetta with 49,000+ miles at Carmax. It seemed like the perfect car. Given the fact that it was a 2003 with almost 50,000 miles I decided to buy the Carmax warranty. And I'm SO glad I did! A month after I bought the car the windows and door locks would only work when it seemed to be hot outside. If it wasn't about 90 I couldn't roll the windows up or down! And never mind being able to lock the doors! Shortly there after the air conditioning stopped working. Throughout the less than three months that I have owned the car, aside from everything

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are in the most retarded place in the universe! They are right in front of the CD/radio! And drinks fall out of them, which is highly irritating. And light colored interiors SUCK!!!

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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