2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$19,640 to $23,800

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.7

avg user rating

(37 reviews)
2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI Preview summaryImage

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.

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 GTI

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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

2003 Volkswagen Golf GTI Pricing

Original MSRP
$19,640 to $23,800
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
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Volkswagen Golf GTI price trends

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

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

See all trims (3)