2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Minor upgrades were made to the Volkswagen GTI models for 2003. The steering wheel, hand brake, and shift knob were wrapped in leather, for instance, and the side-curtain airbags got extra padding.
The GTI lineup consisted of two trim packages. The base model was the 1.8T, which was equipped with a turbocharged 180-horsepower, 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine that was linked to a five-speed manual transmission (a five-speed automatic was optional). Kicking things up a notch was the GTI VR6, which came with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that generated 200 horsepower. It was linked to a six-speed manual transmission.
Standard features included anti-lock brakes, a CD player, air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, a tilt/telescopic steering column, keyless remote entry, and an anti-trap device in the trunk. Options included a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a CD changer. The 1.8T also came with traction control, while the VR6 was equipped with a stability control system with electronic brake assistance. A power sunroof, heated front seats, and a CD changer were among the options.
The GTI's acceleration, handling, styling, and safety features were cited as positive points by drivers. However, reliability issues were noted by a few drivers.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI
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by Tyler F
Jan 02, 2013
This car is AWESOME! It does burn outs for days, and it looks cool in a german understated sort of way. The interior with the 5 speed, leather seats, sun roof, and Monsoon stereo made it feel like a luxo German yaht, but it drove like a F1 car. It also gets pretty good gas mileage for a turbo, with the 1.8. However, when you need to get it fixed, it'll usually cost a pretty penny to get you back on the road.Jan 02, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2012
This car is a great little commuter car for the enthusiast. Came with sport body kit, sport wheels, suspension, brakes and interior trim. Car is fun and quick. Just very small, but you want a GTI you know what youre getting. 150k miles and still going strong. Dec 19, 2012
by Serpico W
Sep 04, 2012
Overall this car is a nice peppy ride, it's quick but I would'nt say it's fast. It's a great young person car as it get's good gas mileage and has plenty of space with the hatchback and fold down seats to pack a fair amount of stuff.
The handling is good for a FWD econo car with a little more pep then your average hatchback in America.
Problems do begin at the higher miles due to wear and tear, expect additional problems with the automatic versions.Sep 04, 2012
User rating:
by Tyler F
Jan 02, 2013
This car is AWESOME! It does burn outs for days, and it looks cool in a german understated sort of way. The interior with the 5 speed, leather seats, sun roof, and Monsoon stereo made it feel like a luxo German yaht, but it drove like a F1 car. It also gets pretty good gas mileage for a turbo, with the 1.8. However, when you need to get it fixed, it'll usually cost a pretty penny to get you back on the road.Jan 02, 2013
by Anonymous
Dec 19, 2012
This car is a great little commuter car for the enthusiast. Came with sport body kit, sport wheels, suspension, brakes and interior trim. Car is fun and quick. Just very small, but you want a GTI you know what youre getting. 150k miles and still going strong. Dec 19, 2012
by Serpico W
Sep 04, 2012
Overall this car is a nice peppy ride, it's quick but I would'nt say it's fast. It's a great young person car as it get's good gas mileage and has plenty of space with the hatchback and fold down seats to pack a fair amount of stuff.
The handling is good for a FWD econo car with a little more pep then your average hatchback in America.
Problems do begin at the higher miles due to wear and tear, expect additional problems with the automatic versions.Sep 04, 2012
by McKay S
Aug 30, 2012
Best-looking hatchback on the market, in my opinion. Better design than Audi, Lexus or any other hatchback you can buy. Love the interior trim as well. I really wish VW would go back to this look for their brand new GTIs -- the new GTIs still look slightly Japanese. And nobody wants them -- witness VW's 0% APR financing offers for their new cars. That's why older models are more valuable, in my opinion.Aug 30, 2012
by Anonymous
Apr 23, 2012
Great Car. Never let me down. tons of power.
Leather has held up great.
Six Speed is great for having options in lower RPM.
Always Amaze me how mcuh I can fit into this car.
I wish it was a little lighter and it would take off like a demon.Apr 23, 2012
by Z. H
Mar 17, 2012
one of the best in it's class you would ever experience while you are still feeling young. german solid built, european quality in every detail. hard rock chasis and small yet strong engine, perfect size for a single driver. a lot of extras and luxury in an affordable sport car. last long 300k miles. enjoy .Mar 17, 2012
by Fernando s
Jan 02, 2012
this car is very confort to drive short or long distance.
the GTI is very fast on need to get awaanger
very safe on the road
excellent for every day use or for fun days
execellent for a single person
Jan 02, 2012
by Tim K
Sep 24, 2010
1.8t turbo with 6 speed manual. Great car in factory trim, but it has so much
potential waiting to get out.
Acceleration is good with a solid powerband. Factory turbo running at 21psi with no
lag. It does seem to run out of breath at approx 5500rpm.Sep 24, 2010
by Anonymous
Sep 08, 2010
The car is SICK! First off, it's a Volkswagen. German built quality all day. The car is solid. Without the VW logo on the steering wheel lookin you in the face, you would'nt guess it was a VW. Volkswagen is built to last and to impress!Sep 08, 2010
by Ryan C
Jul 13, 2010
i loved the power of the 1.8t with just a few mods. the handling was the best i've ever owend. most luxerious vehicle i've owned aswell. it did get great gas milage for a car that i beat on everyday.Jul 13, 2010
by Paul I
Jun 08, 2010
The performance is remarkable for the car that it is. It's small and lightweight so the hp/weight ratio is awesome. The build quality is alright. There are some things that i don't like about the body that I don't like but only for repair reasons. It still has a quaint sporty look to it. Exterior paint is in pristine condition. Few scratches but only if you're really looking for them. There is a "slight" dent in the rear fender but it's LITERALLY nothing. Interior is a two tone red/black cloth seats. Not a single tear. It's always kept up. Gas mileage is awesome. I ride anywhere I want and I don't use that much gas at all. It's incredible. Is this car fun to drive? Oh my gosh, yes. In fact last weekend me and Wild picked up some honeys one night in it but that's besides the point. So would I recommend this car to people? Yes! Absolutely :)Jun 08, 2010
by Denver S
May 09, 2010
This is a great car. good on gas. very quick and handles well. its not a race car so if your in your lil honda civic with a loud fart can on it, try not to taunt me in with reving your exhaust. i am not going to race you, i just know that my ride is clean and i dont dog out my rides. May 09, 2010
by Anonymous
May 03, 2010
All around performance of this car is well above average. It has a bit of the "sleeper" quality about it. Many people on the road simply see a little vw hatchback and assume it doesn't have any performance. These people are usually very surprised when I open the throttle leave 'em behind.It is starting to show its age in some ways as more and more cars have higher horsepower, but I plan on installing a supercharger in a few years and this should take careoblem nicely.May 03, 2010
by Darla W
Mar 08, 2010
This car is awesome... but there's always room for
improvement. As far as performance goes, it's really nice.
The car drives really well, it's super zippy (thanks to a small
but effective turbo) and picks up really nicely. As far as
the appearance, I think it's beautiful. However, it'd look
better with a different grille. It also looks very smooth with
the spoiler (as opposed to other models that come without
them - they look somehow incomplete). And the quality!
The GTI is built in a way that makes perfect sense. A lot of
people discourage the purchase of German cars because
repairs are complicated and/or expensive... I haven't had
any problems with unaffordable repairs or things we're
unable to fix without a mechanic's help. All in all, it's a
smart buy and a fun drive.Mar 08, 2010
by Stephen W
Jan 22, 2010
Rock Solid Motor its not a poxy gti but they never had this one
on the list its the V6 4Motion 2.8 24v 205bhp tonnes of torque
and 4wd.
Fully loaded climate leather the lot!
Fast enough 2 beat 99% off the lights and rock solid build
quality best car ever owned and driven!!
Jan 22, 2010
by Agnieszka B
Sep 20, 2009
180HP is ok for a fun drive, but not enough to push you into the seat. It's awesome to hear that sound of turbo, yet - going from first to second gear seems to take forever . No major repairs needed so far () , just replaced ABS sensor , that's about it. 6-year old car proves that it's worth to buy limited edition cars. They are just that much better :)Sep 20, 2009
by Morgan B
Aug 15, 2009
I love this car. Its quick handles amazing and is soooo
fun to drive. This car will out drive alot of cars on the
road. In a straight line its got balls and it just stick
right on the line in corners.Aug 15, 2009
by Dan H
Apr 30, 2009
Pretty quick car as standard 180BHP out the factory, Engines are very robust and very tunable. I'm told you can run over 350BHP reliably. Brakes are from an Audi TT, Build quality, well it's German, so... solidly built, no squeaks creaks or anything, it's a very nice place to be behind the wheel.
MPG wise it does about 35-40MPG on a run and 30-35MPG around town so it's pretty economical, parts and things are cheap and easy to obtainApr 30, 2009
by Helen J
Jan 31, 2009
With studded snow tyres it sticks to the road like glue! It does have low clearence but still does great in the snow. With the 6 speed turbo, it powers up the mountain passes at 90mph easy.
For a relativly small car, (in america) it has a ton of room, so stuff and people. I can get my bike in the back and skis too.Jan 31, 2009
by Mohamed K
Jan 30, 2009
Love the power, the look, the handling. Not enough room though if you want to take your friends out. I have never been disappointed when racing random people. On the highway the fuel economy is surprisingly good. I average about 28 MPG on the highway and about 24 MPG city. It has the best combination in terms of drivetrain: VR6 engine and 6-Speed Manual Transmission!! :-)Jan 30, 2009
by Joshua M
Dec 18, 2008
Great car - standard VW build quality (bloody good). Well equipped, but lacking performance wise. Suffered from torque steer. Would have been better with more grunt, but that would have made the torque steer worse.
Great on long drives - very comfortable.Dec 18, 2008
by Philip R
Sep 30, 2008
Very good car and easy to modify - as I have done. Fast, great cornering, cheap to maintain, good on gas. I would highly recommend it - the 1.8T can get huge power with minimal costs and the handling is not sacrificed. Just the sound of the door closing makes you realize the quality of the product.Sep 30, 2008
by Michael D
Sep 17, 2008
i love this lil rabbit it hAndles so good with its lower
and stiffen suspension. its got a 1.8t engine in it with
a custom intake that i came up with. it also is a six s
speed. it say 20th Anniversary edition on the dashboard and number is 3914Sep 17, 2008
by Ed U
Sep 04, 2008
Awesome car, fun to drive, with the exception of the turbo lag, the acceleration was great. Could stand to use a few more horses though. Handles great and would handle even better with a few minor suspension tweeks (to much yaw in the rear during hard cornering). Solid build quality/fit and finish. Interior has very nice amenities for the price. AWESOME on gas, Avg. about 31mpg @ 85-90mphSep 04, 2008
by Mikey W
Aug 24, 2008
I owned and drove the beautiful 03 20th
anniversary edition GTI for 5 years.
Performance: right at 3000 RPM, the turbo kicks in
and the driver can feel a gush of power coming
from the drive chain. With the 6 speed standard,
has excellent acceleration. The braking was in
perfect balance harmony with the car. Drivers with
excellent footwork and braking technique will enjoy
driving this car on a day to day basis.
Interior: the GTi 20th Anniversary is... if not has
one of the most beautiful interior... the most
beautiful interior of all cars. From leather steering
wheel, leather shift boots, leather E-brake cover,
red trim on the seat belt, aluminum interior, racing
style paddles, VW pays attention to some of the
finest detail to the car's interior.
Gas mileage: the 1.8T gives an out put of 180 HP.
It gives a decent mileage for a car with this kind of
power and weight. A full tank of 55 liter can go
about 500+ KM. The GTI uses Premium gas.
Build Quality: The Mk4 VW is under criticism from
many car lovers and drivers alike. Its quality and
reliability has been under question. Many of their
products have serious drive chain problems. Many
of my friends drive MK4 VW and they all have the
same criticism of it, the transmission. The VW has
a history of great reliable cars. Unfortunately for
the MK4, their drive chain is absolutely unreliable.
Worst of all, the vw warranty doesn't cover the
clutch and fly wheel. The transmission has a
tendency to miss its gear. Buying the GTI is really a
matter of luck. The Mexican made VW could be a
lemon or a great car. Drivers who consider the VW
should always consider a possibility of an
expensive repair bill.
Aug 24, 2008
by Clayton G
Aug 13, 2008
The 20th Anniversary GTI has all the benefits of building a car from the Audi and VW parts bin.
The car in stock form is sporty and comfortable.
Small electronic items have been replaced like sensors and coilpacks. A very fun car stock but a BLAST when tuned.
Mileage is 18-20mpg driven in anger and 35mpg driving miss daisy on the highway.Aug 13, 2008
by Anthony H
Jul 31, 2008
love it.. glad i got it! perfect year, not one vw problem ever!
Performance accelerates smoothly, brakes quickly and smoothly, handles awesome.
Build quality has needed nothing!
Apperance perfect mix
Cost of ownership 33mpg!
Fun factor This car is a blast to drive! will take it anywhere i go without hesitationJul 31, 2008
by Sybrand S
Jul 26, 2008
The Performance of the car is great, it is very well built as most VW's are. The handling is great with the lowered sport suspension which comes standard on this model. It also comes with 18" rims and a body kit and performance exhaust. Great car to own and will recommend it to anyone.Jul 26, 2008
by Chelsea C
Jun 19, 2008
Heated seats, sunroof, 60/40 split rear seats, city gas mileage is great! I've put just under 40,000km on in the first year and have had the inner CV Joints replaced, new tires, the left outer CV Joint replaced and the Struts (makes you wonder what and where I drive to eh?) It's been pretty good to me so far... Jun 19, 2008
by Scotty K
Jun 14, 2008
Loved the car to death. Had a lot of fun doing all the modifications myself. Gorgeous sound and look incredible but one day it will be a better one :/Jun 14, 2008
by Kevin M
May 01, 2008
bought this car for a cheeper smaller car for the city. Loved the engine and looks. I had a few
problems that drove me crazy as i had to take it in for service often but over all a fun carMay 01, 2008
by Nadim A
Apr 28, 2008
This car saved my life many times!!!! Its look is amazing, especially tuned!!! It is a really strong car for a 2.3 liter engine and i can claim many wins against other cars that underestimated my car!!!!! Apr 28, 2008
by Thorsteinn H
Mar 24, 2008
Looks like your grandma´s car until you rev it up past 4.500rpm. Could use a stiffer suspension though. Mar 24, 2008
by Kyle K
Feb 23, 2008
this is my first VW and im pretty sure im hooked. ever since the first day i got this i have loved it. 5 speeds are way more fun than autos. i was looking into an srt-4 untill i drove one, sure they are way faster than my car, but they still have a neon interior. this is a huge reason for me buying this particular car, love the lights on the interior and the sport cloth seats. this is the first VW i have owned, but definatly wont be the last.Feb 23, 2008
by Peter D
Jan 03, 2008
My first well modded car, the GTI's 1.8l turbo engine is easily modified to make this a very quick car. The 20th Anniversary edition was a limited to only 50 of this car in the jazz blue finish and came with a lot of extra performance equipment including bigger brakes, 18" wheels, Recaro sport seats and improved suspension. I had added a race coil over suspension, lighter Neuspeed wheels and engine mods to bring this car to roughly 260 whp. Jan 03, 2008
by Joe O
Dec 27, 2007
No problems in the 3 months I've had the car so far. Had to put a set of snow tires on with the wether we've been having, but handles great in the snow now and even better on dry pavement with the summer tires on!
210+ hp with the upgraded chip - more than enough for a car this size.Dec 27, 2007
by Max P
Dec 03, 2007
This car was, at the time i first drove it, my dream car. The 6 Speed manual just felt so good, and really accented the 200HP VR6 motor nicely. I was amazed at truly how fast this thing was, and am still surprised at how well they do against cars that would seem to overpower them by a long shot. As far as front wheel drive cars go, the handling in this is about as true as it gets. Very little under steer through turns, and the ability to swing the back end out if your desire really make this thing a fun piece of machinery. To add to all those good things, its practical too! Plenty of interior space and a massive trunk are very convenient for long trips, and make this car an overall good bet. Dec 03, 2007
2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing
Original MSRP
$19,640 to $23,800Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & 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
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
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: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
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
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: electrochromic
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: sport 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
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
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: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
