Overview & Reviews

Volkswagen eliminates the GLX trim level for wagons -- this means that those who prefer the VR6 engine to the 1.8T engine will have to stick with the sedan. As a consolation, GLS wagons equipped with the 1.8T are eligible for a premium package, which bundles traditional GLX content like power seats, automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, wood interior trim and a trip computer. Additionally, VW has made the 1.8T available on both the GL sedan and wagon. GLs now have power windows and mirrors, cruise control and a CD player, while the GLS gets a standard sunroof and alloy wheels. All Jettas are available with stability control (ESP), heated seats and the Monsoon sound system. Other changes include a ULEV rating for the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, redesigned cupholders and backlit buttons on the standard stereo head unit.

• Powerful 1.8T and VR6 engines, fuel-efficient TDI powerplant, fun to drive, comfortable ride, rich interior materials, loads of standard features, solid build quality.

• More expensive than most small sedans and wagons, tight rear-seat legroom.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 566.00

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  Be very careful! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By MJK - November 26 - 7:13 pm

  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 Im 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 wasnt about 90 I couldnt 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

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  Lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By CDL - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Within 6 mos of ownership: the drivers side window fell into the door and the drivers side tail light burnt out, suspension started making creaking noises, coil pack went out, computer burnt up, sub-frame bolts were stripped and needed to be replaced, as well as other parts on the suspension. Been to dealer 6 times to correct creaking noises, but to no avail. Vehicle has spent more time in service in the past 3 mos than Ive seen it-total of about 40 days. Not my idea of reliability. Appalled by the level of rudeness received from the VW Customer Service Department.

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  Fun but not very reliable - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Sphereframe - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fun car to drive, however, I wouldnt buy another one. First, Ive had way too many problems with my power windows. Second, the interior materials peel. There is a slight covering on the interior surface that peels off. Third, I"ve had all kinds of problems with the clutch in my vehicle. What makes it worse is the dealership hasseling me over the work. Between the car experience and the dealership I will never buy another Volkswagen.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By GoME! - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I bought this car without doing my research. I wish I had, it had problems from the moment I bought it. First the brake light switch, then water pump, now crazy electrical issues no one can figure out. Its very unreliable, and Ive taken it to 4 different mechanics and handed the key handed back to me saying they have no idea whats wrong with it. Im in college, so I had to downgrade to an older Toyota. It makes me sad, I loved my Jetta, but I would absolutely not recommend it to anyone. In fact, I vehemently advise all people I know considering a V-Dub, and anyone reading this, LOOK ELSEWHERE! Ive heard a overwhelming number of similar stories, and wish I had done better research.

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  Dont buy a Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Gordon Williams - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for 2 years and have 70,000 mile, 3000 mile oil changes with synthetic etc., the car has been maintained meticulously and its continues to be in and out of the shop for days at a time. The fit and finish is terrible, wind noise (migrating weather striping), window falling down in the doors, tail lights blowing, sunroof breaking, and now the transmission appears to be on its way out. Keep away!

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  More trouble then its worth - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Brittany - June 5 - 2:46 am

  Since I have had the car we have had to replace the water pump, put a new turbo in, thermostat, replace the timing belt (but that is standard maintenance), put 4 new coils in, replace one brake bec it was sparking, and this is all in a year and a half and around 80,000 miles. I have been in and out of VW so much they know me by my first name. Not to mention the money we have had to shell out for. I have had my car towed three times this year to VW. When its not in the shop, its a blast to drive but its not worth the money.

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  A contradiction - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Barry - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with the Jetta 1.8T when I first drove it. After owning one for several months now, I am no longer in love. While the Jetta performs well and is still fun to drive, the quality of the car is just awful. There are creaks and rattles galore. The front rotors needed to be re-machined after 1000 miles. The stereo was wired incorrectly and one of the speakers was blown. One of the air conditioner vents fell off. After driving a problem-free Nissan, this just makes me mad. Dont be fooled by the test drive: this is not a high quality car. Search some discussion boards and VW enthusiast sites and youll see what I mean.

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  Dont buy unless you love your mechanic! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By H8MYVW - September 29 - 11:00 pm

  I bought this car certified pre-owned. I have had two prior VWs. I knew parts were pricey, but since Ive owned this car, its been in for a variety of non-maintenance work! The catalytic converter was recalled and VW refused to fix it unless I paid $200 for a diagnostic test. The window brackets failed and the window fell into my door ($300) plus labor. The supposed great Monsoon stereo/CD player fails to work at times. The blinker stalk clicks at random. There is a constant squeaking when I drive over bumps that no mechanic can find the source of. My seat heat also just burned through the leather seats! And this is off the top of my head... just think long and hard before you buy!

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  I regret buying my Jetta - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By Christina - September 11 - 12:46 pm

  Upon initially purchasing my Jetta there were no problems. But by the winter, it started giving me problems and hasnt 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 wouldnt recommend this vehicle to anyone unless you have a very good warranty.

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  Fix the Window Problem! - 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
  By mariahmilan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  My Jettas windows have broken twice already. The problem is that the window is heald up by a tiny, plastic device that breaks CONSTANTLY. Its a real hassle to get fixed too! My friend also has a Jetta and all four of her windows have fallen into the door as well. The cupholders are in a rotten spot (the condensation on the cup drips right onto the radio). I think this would have been a great car for me if a bit more $$ was spent by the manufacturer on the parts you dont see!