2003 Volkswagen Golf Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$15,870 to $19,285

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(39 reviews)
2003 Volkswagen Golf Preview summaryImage

The Volkswagen Golf hatchback was available in two basic trim packages for 2003. The Golf GL came in either a two-door or a four-door version, with either a 115-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gas engine or a 90-hp, 1.9-liter diesel engine with the TDI (turbo direct injection) feature. The four-door, higher-end Golf GLS, meanwhile, was available with the same two engines. A five-speed manual transmission was standard equipment, while a four-speed automatic was optional.

The big news for 2003 was that both the GL and the GLS came with expanded lists of standard features. The GL received power windows, a CD player, and cruise control as added standard equipment for the model year. Air conditioning, power door locks, dual airbags, anti-lock brakes, and a tilt/telescopic steering column were some of the other features available on the GL. The GLS received a power sunroof as standard equipment for the first time.

Drivers seemed to most appreciate the "fun" factor associated with the Golf, and also cited its value, handling, peppy power, and safety features as positive points. On the downside, reliability and quality-control issues were noted by some drivers.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2003 Volkswagen Golf

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User rating:
by Terri L
Aug 14, 2022
Its the perfect size and everything is good . .Aug 14, 2022
by Eric R
Jan 25, 2015
I've got 221,000 miles on my TDI and it's running like it's got a quarter of the mileage on it. It's a great commuter and the gas mileage is what sells the car. It is a little under powered but for 45 mpg's the sacrifice is well worth it. This car saved me tons of money on gas and maintenance. I would definitely buy a VW Golf TDI diesel again.Jan 25, 2015
by Tobias W
Sep 15, 2012
This is an okay overall car. It can get up 750 miles on a single tank if you drive it right, but it has been expensive to maintain. The turbocharger stopped working and the price to repair it is so great that the car is essentially totalled. Great cargo space because it is a hatch with fold-down seats and a short wheel-base makes for easy parking in the city and a good turning radius.Sep 15, 2012

2003 Volkswagen Golf Pricing

Original MSRP
$15,870 to $19,285
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (6)