2003
Volkswagen Golf

Starts at:
$15,295
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New 2003 Volkswagen Golf
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr HB GL Manual
    Starts at
    $15,295
    24 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GL Manual
    Starts at
    $15,495
    24 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB GL Auto
    Starts at
    $16,170
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GL Auto
    Starts at
    $16,370
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB GL TDI Manual
    Starts at
    $16,720
    42 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GL TDI Manual
    Starts at
    $16,920
    42 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GLS Manual
    Starts at
    $17,520
    24 City / 31 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB GL TDI Auto
    Starts at
    $17,905
    34 City / 45 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GL TDI Auto
    Starts at
    $18,105
    34 City / 45 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GLS Auto
    Starts at
    $18,395
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GLS TDI Manual
    Starts at
    $18,710
    42 City / 49 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB GLS TDI Auto
    Starts at
    $19,585
    34 City / 45 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Diesel I4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf 2003 Volkswagen Golf

The good & the bad

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Safety review

Based on the 2003 Volkswagen Golf base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
5/5
Frontal passenger
5/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

91% of drivers recommend this car
4.3 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.1
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.0
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.3
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • By Kris from Freehold, NJ
    Used to own this car
    July 22, 2018

    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
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By jalila from Baltimore, MD
    Owns this car
    February 7, 2018

    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
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lovethiscar from Napoleon Ohio
    Owns this car
    April 19, 2017

    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
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By showingog from Bothell
    Owns this car
    April 6, 2017

    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
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Diesel over Hybrid from Seattle, WA
    Owns this car
    April 21, 2014

    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 Good: Great gas mileage! Car drives great and feels tight. City Driving is simple and parking is easy thanks to its size. Very reliable car, I've heard bad things about the gas models but the TDI is very relaible. The Bad: -Car does not have a lot of horsepower, but this car was designed with fuel economy in mind not power. -Interior is small, I have trouble fitting my golf clubs in the trunk but I have driven the car with 4 adults and no complaints for short distances. I would definitely recommend this car to a friend, it's too bad there aren't more cars like this being built
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Diesel lover from Bay City, MI
    Owns this car
    September 24, 2012

    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
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Diesel Mania from MI, DC, NVA, NC OBX...all over
    Owns this car
    February 13, 2012

    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 the extra noise. The problems I did have all stemmed from that belt breaking and not many people (including the dealer) knowing what they are doing when working on it. It's really in a class by itself. I small commuter (over 40 mpg) with lots of hatch space and the ability to tow 1100#s. I've used it with a small trailer to haul engines and other small items that don't require my full size 2500. Saves a lot on fuel. I've also towed my HD with it. It is a little weak but it will get there and eventually it will get up to speed. I'm keeping it despite just buying a 2008 Jeep GC Diesel (CRD) to replace it. That's how much I like it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By WillieVR6 from Columbus OH
    Owns this car
    January 2, 2012

    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 and side curtain air bags provide peace of mind in case anything should happen. I put new snow tires on some old VW Passat Rims, and they fit perfect on the 2003 Golf so it's ready for whatever old man winter has instore for us. The VW Golf is the perfect fit for my Daughter to safely learn how to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Awesome
    Owns this car
    July 13, 2009

    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
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Biker from Southern California
    Owns this car
    February 18, 2007

    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, especially with the 6 CD changer which is integrated into the radio. We usually have the rear seats folded down and so we have a lot of room for cargo.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By disappointed from Chicago
    Owns this car
    September 16, 2006

    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 mph (which the mechanic at the dealer says is normal). The Gear shifter malfunctioned leaving us stuck in a mall parking lot, and then reoccured later (the dealer can't "replicate", so they won't fix). Interior is very noisy especially on a rough road. The only good thing that I can say is there are a lot of nice creature comforts such as the heated seats, but overall this car is worthless.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Kiki from Santa Monica, CA
    Owns this car
    August 12, 2006

    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, cassette and CD (prewired for adding a 6 disc changer). This too is superior to many more expensive vehicles. Standard cruise control, a/c and variable intermittent wipers are worth noting also. Safety too is excellent with side impact airbags standard, front and rear seat belts are height adjustable, as are all five headrests. The steering wheel has height and telescopic adjustments. The four wheel disc brakes have ABS. We have now driven 45,000 miles, including two multi-thousand mile cross country trips. This is no sports car, but it is a great, solid performer. MPG is exactly as stated by the manufacturer and will not be less than 30 highway if you do not exceed 75mph. One last great advantage: 10.000 mile oil change intervals if done by VW (with the correct high performance oil filter) which makes them much cheaper than Jiffy Lube!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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2,500 2003 Volkswagen Cars and Vans: Recall Alert

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Volkswagen dealers near you

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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.

4.3 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.1
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.0
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.3
  • Reliability: 4.4

Volkswagen Golf history

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