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.
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.
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
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
by Bevin K
Dec 21, 2011
well off the line this baby is quite quick, braking is not to bad either. Well being a Golf, the clutch has been replaced only once. the exterior is eqipped with velociti rims, red line through the body and has tinted windows. Ofcourse this cars fun to drive... not only is it quick, it has a good sound system in it as wellDec 21, 2011
by Ajaz M
Oct 18, 2011
Stunning machine looks plain and simple but can be a beast when ever required.
excellent handing and performance. Good all round car thats fun to drive.
Maintenance costs are not too bad. Although can be quite costly if something was
to go wrong.Oct 18, 2011
by Anonymous
Jul 15, 2011
Check and change the oil/filter on a regular basis and do all regular maintainence to ensure this vehicle (and any other) extends its lifetime for you and your family.Jul 15, 2011
by Andru A
Dec 02, 2010
It is the 1st diesel car i`ve drove & i was amazed by its ...its...anything. Good engine ( 101hp), not thirsty even in the sports mood of driving. It nails a lot of gas cars even with 115 hp. the golf mk4 it is a good car 4 any kind of personDec 02, 2010
by Liam J
Jun 20, 2010
Well what can i say part from this car is so good nippy economical lush just words can't describe it is expensive with insurance but the fuel economy and cheapish tax makes up 4 it comfy no squeaky noises and unpleasant rattles so woth the £4500 i payed 4 it cos well its a GOLF!!!!! Jun 20, 2010
by Luke H
Dec 06, 2009
its a car! What else do you want me to say? its great on fuel and the girlfriend likes it, never broken down , owned it for 6 months , done 30k in it, 10x better than my old Golf 1.8gti, a million times better than my old focus and astra, I wont even mention how it compares to my old corsa lol Dec 06, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 30, 2009
2003 mark 4 130 bhp gt tdi quick little car, gorgeous in black, hold their value, excellent on diesel, parts can be expensive!very scary in the bends if you take them fast, turbos are a bit iffy but other than that the car is great!!!!Aug 30, 2009
by Brendan K
Jul 31, 2009
I chose the golf 1.9 tdi because I wanted a good solid, reliable and fuel efficient car, and I got every one of the listed. Its downside is the lack of style and mod cons in the inside. But to me, the other is what is most important and so I chose it and have never regretted buying this car, I will miss it the day I choose to trade it in, but I will probably go for the same car again.Jul 31, 2009
by Andrea F
Jun 28, 2009
LB - Labybug, my Red Golf is amazing, she knows how to drive by herself! I always feel secure driving in any weather she is very soild on the road and gets good fuel mileage, city or highway driving there is not a lot of difference.Jun 28, 2009
by Brendan K
Mar 26, 2009
I love it because its from a very reputable company. Its of a solid build, and is very reliable. It sits firmly on the road and has good control and manouverability and takes bends well. It has a good breaking too, though my model lacks electronic stabilising which is of high importance to me. It also has reasonable space for passengers and luggage.I love the 1.9 tdi engine in it with great performance and value. I love the look of my particular model, though I not so convinced of the newer model, they don't give that impression of sturdiness and stability which was one the main selling point for me.The interior of mine could have been better, i.e. more comfortable and high-tech.I find it enjoyable to drive and feel proud to be its owner. Perhaps if it had more add ons e.g. alloys, tail wing, and a high quality interior I would enjoy it even more. In its price range,I rank this car best, though a little over priced..Mar 26, 2009
by Kristjan B
Feb 21, 2009
Drives nice and smooth. The engine isn't noisy for a 2.0. On a full tank of gas (approx. 55 liters) I'm able to approximatly 500 kilometers or more with both highway and city driving. I've only had to change the Oxigen sensor and the engine coolant resevoir (because of a faulty switch that was built into it). Other than that I do my regular maintenance at VW when needed and try to use original parts when able to and use symthetic oil when I do my oil and filter changes. Feb 21, 2009
by Danilo G
Dec 09, 2008
The 2.0 engine of my car goes from 0 to 100 km in 7.8 seconds... it has a supper massive sound system... and yes... it is a fun car to drive... his sunroof lets u stay in touch with ur windy mind hahaha... and when its on the road... its touchlessDec 09, 2008
by Sjef K
Sep 11, 2008
it is just a great and practical car. Fast and easy to use, fit five people and it looks like a great car. The fun factor is that people think it is a normal 1,4 golf and not so fast but then it is a 2,0 and faster than they would expect.Sep 11, 2008
by Tero E
Sep 01, 2008
Auto ihan OK. Lukuunottamatta, että tehoa voisi olla hieman enemmän. Lähinnä korkeammilla nopeuksilla kone huutaa. Toisaalta suomessa on aika vähän teitä joissa tarvitsee ajaa kovaa. VW on ihan OK auto, mutta jos sillä on vikoja ne ei tahdo korjaantua. Itse olen kamppaillut ajovalojen pesimen kanssa joka tyhjää päivässä lasinpesu nesteet. Korjaantui kun vaihdettiin koko pesuri letkuineen.Sep 01, 2008
by Sally C
Aug 16, 2008
I love my car!! I got it in Jan this year from Robinsons and now want another one.
It needs to be quicker though so I think I am going to get a GTI next.
I hope to get another Golf next year but will look after this one until then.Aug 16, 2008
by Kath E
Jul 22, 2008
Quick, reliable and economical. Looks more attractive with alloys than standard steels with trims. Back seats fold to provide very good carrying space. Good size boot. It's bright red so looks quite sporty. Prefer a VR6 or GTi but fuel is too expensive too waste! Overall a great little car - definitely worth a look if you want VW engineering coupled with fuel economy.Jul 22, 2008
by Anonymous
Jul 21, 2008
This is a great car, I absolutly love it. It accellerates great for a 2.0 liter, and handles as well as any car I've driven. As far as looks, you really can't beat the classic golf body, and the silver paint with black and gray interior is gorgeous. Easy on gas, and fun as hell to drive this car will last you forever. It is also really easy to modify, for any grease monkeys out there.Jul 21, 2008
by Andrew L
Jul 20, 2008
It's been a good little hatch so far. Build quality is easily the best of its class, particularly for the year I looked. Extremely stable on the highway as you'd expect from a German car. Engine is weak about 5000rpm and sounds like a blender but has good midrange torque in any gear. Interior is surprisingly practical given the small size. Manual transmission much better than the automatic but shifter is a bit sloppy. Steering is pretty good, suspension could be firmed up, brakes are good.Jul 20, 2008
the car is great and has a lot of potential, but the parts for this german
built car are astronomically more expensive than honda parts. overall the
acceleration is ok, it only has 115 hp. the breaking is good and its a very
light break petal. and it handles like a go cart, even more so if you lover
it with stiffer shocks.
Jun 26, 2008
by Emily C
Jun 17, 2008
My car is awesome...just wish she had a bigger engine and more bhp. Then again i'd be lethal!!!Jun 17, 2008
by Jonathan M
Jun 13, 2008
Compfy and sporty to drive, precise yet forgiving. Powerfull and economical. Plenty of space for all what you want to put in your car.Jun 13, 2008
by Carl S
Feb 11, 2008
The vw is a 2.0 which is somewhat sluggish, but it makes up for it in handling and comfort. Feb 11, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2008
Overall quality feel impressed, especially interior (imho better than latest golf), felt nimble and secure. Not as sharp as eg. Focus, but very enthusiastic rideFeb 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 09, 2008
Nice ride, a bit soft, GTI much sexier, but sacrifices ride quality. Feb 09, 2008
by Chris G
Jan 27, 2008
Can get 1000KM / tank if you know how to fill the tank. There is a small vent releace in the tank that must be presed when filling. No were will you find info about that vent in any owners manuel.Jan 27, 2008
by Etiénne M
Jan 26, 2008
good sound, filter does the trick, tops @ 196Jan 26, 2008
by George M
Jan 18, 2008
I loved this car, in fact I loved it so much I had hard time letting it go even though I was trading it for a Mercedes. Diesel engines are my weakness. The TDI engines sold in Canada and USA between '99 and '04 were only 90HP, but after installing larger and optimized BOSIO injectors and later an Upsolute performance chip, the car became a little "rocket" at least when we're talking about Diesel vehicles. The power went up to 145HP, my 0-60mph time was around 8.2sec. At the same time this amazing engine maintained 5.5L to 6.5L/100km fuel consumption. Now on the other hand quality and reliability is not VW's strong point, I would love it if Honda brings any of their great diesel models in North America, I'd be first on the line...Jan 18, 2008
by Rogerio S
Jan 08, 2008
A car that has everything with really exceptional fuel economy without killing yourself in performance at times...Jan 08, 2008
by Nabil A
Jan 06, 2008
Even though it's a three door compact car, the Golf V amazed me with its superb stability, handling and cornering. Corners I could barely do at 50kph with really good cars (406, Daewoo Leganza, 206 and 306 sedan etc.) I could skim at 120kph easily. At first it's a bit scary seeing how the car gives you no sense at all of what is going on outside, but once you push it you get to see how far the limit is. My Canadian model was moderately equipped (air conditioning, although it never worked, power steering, ABS, ESP, daylight running lights, alloys, but no electric window lifts, no fog lamps and no sunroof. The car's only drawback is its fifth gear (I wonder why they put it in there at all - just so that they don't produce a 4 gear car? Pffft). In fourth, you can play at 180 all you want, and the car won't even go over the red line, ie. you're slightly over 4000rpm when you hit 160 at fourth, and 180 will be slightly around 4600. The Engine has pulled 6500rpm at fourth to reach way over 180.Jan 06, 2008
by Neal B
Jan 06, 2008
This car never missed a beat.Jan 06, 2008
by Jen C
Jan 04, 2008
My car was the newer model than the one pictured. Was a work car and had to give back.. a very sad day. Loved everything about it... the only thing its didnt do was fly!Jan 04, 2008
by Náthán B
Jan 03, 2008
Its a diesel which means fuel efficiency! which means money saved. Its got some torque! and amazing to driving on the motorwayJan 03, 2008
by Brendan K
Nov 01, 2007
I like this car as its a good all rounder and a pleasure to drive Nov 01, 2007
The key will not turn to lock the hatch on my 2003 VW Golf. It will go all the way in but not turn, it may just be stuck or something could be jamming it. The key is not damaged, it can unlock the front doors just fine.
I have a mk4 Golf 2003 model, having trouble with the engine cutting out and eratic idling. This mostly happens during summer times and (or) when driving in traffic. In the morning (Everyday) when the car is still cold, pulling alway it feels like something is holding it back and then release again. I need urgent help, as they dont pick up anything on the VAG COM
Wont turn on after we replaced the timing belt. We lined up the crank shaft and pulley shaft to the marks and number one piston was up. I read the book some, the tensioner had to be lined up .. but it was hard to see the mark so i let as is. Also when the belt broke off we were driving. does that mess up anything?