2003 Volkswagen Jetta consumer reviews

I bought my '03 Jetta GLI in '06 with 46k on it and I have driven the 24v 2.8L VR6 hard every single day it now has 113k. I love my car, the one thing I will say is that the GLI did not do me any favors while I lived in WI. During the winters the low profile tires just would not hook up in the snow, even with a $1000 set of tires I could not get traction. I now live in TX and this car is the stuff dreams are made of. Do not expect great gas mileage out of the VR6 GLI!!! 20-24mpg seems about average. The car never leaves me abandoned and the traction, cornering, acceleration are amazing. I really love the 6spd manual :) it makes me smile. This car drives and performs right alongside many of the more expensive european models, if you want to mod your car getting the 1.8t is a cheaper route but the VR6 GLI is an amazing car without modifications.

I bought this car used in 05 with 46k miles on it. Now hitting the 100k mark and still running strong. The only thing that I don't like is that I have had to replace the water pump 3 times. I have read that, for this year and model, it's a common defect among most owners. I just wish it didn't cost so much to replace it (you have to remove the timing belt to get to it). Other then that I have had no other major problems. I think I'll buy another VW when it comes time and I would recommend a VW, but you should probably do a little more research on them first to see if there are any major defects. I know I will.

Traded my 98 TDI sedan for this 03 TDI wagon. Have 207000 miles on it and routinely get 50Plus miles to a gallon. Still have origional rear shocks and battery. Front brakes went 129000 miles. Just had $500 worth of body work (rust) done on the warantee. With proper snow tires this thing will go anywhere you want to be.Just can't say enough about how good a vehicle it is. Better than my Porche, Mercedes, Audi, Mustang and my wifes Passat. Made in Germany!

I have to drive 60 miles one way to get to school and all, this 2.8 jetta of mine has never left me on the side of the road...which is good in these harsh Minnesota winters. The handling of this car is great, like my brothers audi a4. Fuel econ is not what i thought it would be...but i guess its a small price to pay if you want a fast car and not a 4 banger:) Cons: The air bag light is stuck on...i have not brought it in yet but im not that worried. I guess my overall opinion on the car is that its a great car, maintain it well and it will treat you well.

reliable and economic would reccomend this vehicle to any body gas saver power engine and everything

My second TDI (98), both bought new. Wanted to be more "green" and this fit the bill. Too bad the US Gov't has run diesels out of the market. I rather liked getting 47 to 50 mpg in my cars when gas was approaching 5 bucks a gallon.

The car is nice in general and is very stylish, although when it comes to the reliability it comes out extremely poor. When I bought this car I was expecting it to last 10 years easy, I am estimating 8 if I keep it on my life support of never ending repairs. I have put about 5k dollars into this 11k dollar car. One thing after another, I have replaced the clutch, lights, water pump, intercooler, radiator, etc. This car is awful the interior is gorgeous looking but the door panels interior is falling off the headliner has been replaced and the floor mats are poorly made, the buttons inside are failing slowly but surely: gas cap button (must pry open now, outside), lights, and the buttons to the stereo have all fallen off (knobs). I don't know how you can mess up so much making a car, oh wait its made in Mexico, not Germany. It is so poorly constructed, but I must say it rides nice, because it does (just about the same as a MB E class). I think the engine truly is superb but not dependable. I would say it IS styled magnificently though and I like the car but I do not think I will ever buy another Volkswagen, but I would consider leasing one because they are fun to drive.

I have driven my 1.8T 2003 Wagon for over 95,000 miles since purchasing new. Still love the turbo acceleration. The interior has held together very well. The rear seats are cramped for adults but fine for my little kids. When I remove the car seats, hauling capacity is simply awesome (I once hauled a entire patio furniture set). Maintenance costs have been a little steep and I have run into some wierd electrical gremlins. When I accelerate when the engine is cold, my Tiptronic tranny can drop out of gear. There are some annoying rattles. Otherwise a positive experience. In retrospect I think I'd go for the TDI as I only average 22-25 mpg.

I bought my '03 Jetta used (1yr old w/ 17,500mi on it). Overall it's great. I've had some problems but mostly the usual wear & tear things but the basics are great (I just had to replace my brakes for the first time- 6yrs later!) Perfect first car for running errands and whatnot.

TDI dependabilty unsurpassed. I have a 96 passat tdi,thus the reason for also buying my 03 jetta tdi.Have them since new, still going strong. Do not buy gas vw unless you want trouble. According to vw mechanic new 09 tdi may have some problems.Wait make sure bugs are out.Should wait on all first models.