2003
Volkswagen Golf

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The good & the bad
Safety review
- Frontal driver
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5/5
- Frontal passenger
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5/5
Factory warranties
New car program benefits
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
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Most recent
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Reliable and fuel efficient
Reliable and fuel efficient, enough leg room in the front but much less in the second row. Only 90HP (1.9L TDI) but fast enough to keep up with the traffic.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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Fun to drive
I have enjoyed owning this car and it's been a great car for my son. It's easy to drive and holds up well.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Having fun
- Does recommend this car
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Great Car!
I have had this car for two years and love it! It gets great gas millage. I would recommend this car to anyone.- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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2003 VW Golf GLS 2.0
The 2003 VW Golf GLS 2.0 is a 4-door car that has lasted me for a good amount of time with no problems!- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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2003 Golf GLS TDI
Bought this car used from the original owner with around 115,000 miles on it. So far I love this car and have had no issues with it aside from a glow plug that I needed to replace, which was simple and I was able to do it myself. I have a long commute to work and I average around 49-50 mpg, nearly all of my driving is freeway. The- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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best small car
Get 50 MPG, pulls my pop-up trailer, seats 4 comfortably, pushing 120,000 miles, and still runs like the day we bought it. That's reliability.- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
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VW Golf TDI
I've had this car since 2005 and it had 38k on it then so I've put about 220k in 7 years on this little thing. I really have loved it. The timing BELT is the only drawback. I think that is by far one of the most stupid designs especially for a small diesel with an interference head. Should be a chain or gear with or without- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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Perfect Car for 16 year old's first car
Excellent first car for my 16 year old daughter. It's not to big and not to small in the 4 door model to get her and my son back and forth to school safely. Love the ergonomics of the car for the driver who has a clear view of the roadway ahead, and it stops quickly and safely with 4 wheel disc brakes, and abs too. The front- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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Most Reliable Car I've Owned
best year VW ever made was the 2003. recommend manual over automatic tranny. the GL is very quick and loaded with great power options- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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Safest, reliable, solid car for the money!
I own a 4 Dr Hatchback and drive it every day. It is very solid, gets good gas mileage (29-31 mpg highway, and safe car (ABS, front and side air bags) No mechanical repairs, only consumables like oil and filters. This is my second Golf, gave my first to my daughter who drives it 20,000 miles a year. The sound system is great,- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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Worthless
I bought this car for my wife in 2003, and currently we have 35,000 miles on it. Unfortunately we had to learn the hard way that Volkswagen is not a great "German Engineered" car. In fact my "American" 2000 Chevy Malibu is more reliable. The brake lights are constantly going out on the Golf. The transmission jumps between 20-40- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does not recommend this car
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Best equipped small car available
We got this car because it was the only small car adjustable for both of us: I am over 6' and my wife is just over 5'. Driver's and Passenger front seats have easy lever operated height adjustments. Cars twice the price don't always have this! Heated mirrors are standard as is an excellent 8 speaker sound system with radio,- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
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FAQ
What trim levels are available for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2003 Volkswagen Golf is available in 2 trim levels:
- GL (8 styles)
- GLS (4 styles)
What is the MPG of the 2003 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2003 Volkswagen Golf offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 31 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.
What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2003 Volkswagen Golf?
The 2003 Volkswagen Golf compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:
Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
The 2003 Volkswagen Golf has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Volkswagen Golf owners.
Is the 2003 Volkswagen Golf a good Hatchback?
Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf. 91.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.
- Comfort: 4.1
- Interior: 4.3
- Performance: 4.0
- Value: 4.6
- Exterior: 4.3
- Reliability: 4.4