2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Loved the ride, very controlled on the highway, huge amount of torque available at nearly any RPM level, great visibility, wonderful steering, and was rock-solid dependable for the 3 years I owned it. This was my first VW and it acquitted itself so well we bought another later on! If you are looking to stand out this car will disappoint as it looks like every other, more pedestrian Jetta on the road, save for the wheels. If you drive on the highway a lot this is a wonderful car to be in!Oct 24, 2012

I LOVE MY CAR, TURBO 24V VR6 , it puts out 500who or more. It was built by sleepers performance the best and only people i will let touch the car. It has original paint but my buddy Gary keeps it nice and clean for me. I love to drive with my fellow Volkswagen friends, love going to shows and see what other people have. Its just my hobby and passion. Oct 28, 2010

2.8L, 24 valve, VR6 w/ AEM CAI, Greddy G2 cat-back exhaust Autotech lightweight flywheel, Autotech short-shifter carbon fiber Boser hood w/ custom body kit 18" Drifz wheels This has got to be the best performing 6 cylinder I have ever driven. The mods just made it that much better. It just needs to be chipped to get the most performance out of my mods.Sep 13, 2010

For a small Sedan this car has excellent acceleration, braking, and general handling. The build quality is what we have all come to expect of any German car (superior) and the overall appearance is a slightly understated sport sedan. Cost of ownership seems to be right on par with just about any small sedan. I recommend sticking to the regular maintenance schedule and do so because these cars will last a good 15 years or so if you do. This car is a joy to drive in just about any conditions. If you like lots of hard cornering, you may want to replace the stock tires with a set of Toyo Proxes. Stock tires are fine for just about everything else.May 13, 2010

I got a fine one but build quality cannot be assured overall engine and performance: in its stock form the engine have impressive amounts of torque and good hp that is not necessarily in need for modifications (frankly stock with filter and performance exhaust is enough). It gives instant acceleration (better than some modded 1.8T as no lag in the response), in overall suspension, brakes and handling is solid, is as the feel of a "FWD BMW" but can be really spiced up with quality modifications parts as I said build quality can vary but some of them are fine like other can be lemons brand new in the dealer's lot appearance: it is a sleeper, it blends with all Jetta, the only catch is the 17 inches "Monte Carlo" alloy wheels or the "GLI" rear emblem, again this part is a very easy way to make this car stand out as good parts for customization are quite easy to source (not cheap but easy to source), the interior look a no match for a lot of cars in the segment, it is german and we see it fun: it is all said, the chassis is solid on spiritedx driving and the engine transmission combo (in 6sp manual) is a delight, and when we don't hear a 24v symphony the double din monsoon premium amplified stereo system is a piece of auditive heaven Cost: as this car is a performance oriented (luxury if you add heated leather) car, oil is not a thing you can mess up, synthetic is the only good option for a good running engine, it run on premium gas in 94 US octane and it drinks when pushed so be prepared to show the money, as a special vw model, part and service on the 24v GLI can be quite more expensive than a 1.8T and if the car is not in good shape it may be a possibility that it will see a garage very often, otherwise the maintenance is not too frequent and is not so expensive if the car run wellJul 09, 2009

Average MPG is 23 Total sleeper have not had a Civic, RSX, or any other top of the line Japanense sub come even close to an even street race. This car glides to 70mph flawlessly. The 6 speed transmission is one of the best shifting trannys Ive shifted yet, not one grind on the power shift 2 to 3. Traction control sucks you will put your head through the windshield if you forget to turn it off during a impromto street race. The stock clutch doesnt seem to handle the power though I do feel some lag during full throttle in second gear and it in the drivetrain not the motor so Ill do a clutch so I guess. The suspention was made for a four cylinder the VR6 is a bit of weight up front for any aggresive cornering but feels very strudy @ 130mph to bad for the electronic speed limiter. I think 140 was posibleFeb 20, 2009

Preformance - Good power, smooth reving v6, good highway mileage. Handles ok, could be lowered. Build quality - typical VW, good fit & finish, minimal rattles & squeaks, good solid car. Appearance - A little bland, not distinguishable from other Jetta's. Cost of ownership - oil filter $25, 6l oil synthetic $50. Have reached 38mpg highway, around 28-30 city. Receitenly replaced coil packs and plugs at $360 Fun factor - 8/10 love the sound of the vr6 reving. Overall- Good car to own short term 2-3 yrs. Small interiour, easy to out grow.Jan 12, 2009

I love my car because i feel its unique. you can do alot with it performance wise and styling wise if you have the cash... I like it becasue it rides really well and its been really reliable for the way i drive it and i used to beat on it. its rather suprising on how quick it is for some people as well. all in all i think its been the best jetta so far and if money wasnt an option i could do some fun stuff with it without overdoing the tuning on it like some stupid honda civic. Oct 03, 2008

Best car i ever owned!!! Fantastic performance, great power from its 2.8l VR6 approx 200bhp, love the shifting of the 6 speed manual transmission. Great accelleration and breaking for being a sport sedan under 3 liters, wonderfully balanced turns and handles very well. Easy to modify mechanically and asthetically all parts are readily available through the shops and online. Putting the magnaflo exhaust on the VR6 is easily one of the best descisions i have ever made. Hard to modify electrically though and a bitch to put a remote starter in, i wouldnt recommend a remote start for any VW thats for sure. I love the look, business and power at the same time. looks especially well when you add the 2004 GLI factory body kit. The interior is stylish too, all leather with heated seats and a beautifully moulded dashboard. All the buttons are the right size and shape to fit in with the rest of the car's style. The build quality is fantastic, rattling is almost not an issue there are some minor rattles that can be heard driving on Edmnontons, smooth as a bed of nails, roads. This car's factory sound deadening is extreemly meticulous. Since owning it i have needed minor repairs, but i know that these cars in general suffer from various electrical related issues when they get older. Its not a cheep car to fill up though only taking premium gasoline with 91 octane minimum. Repairs are more expensive because the parts are built propperly. (not in the USA or China) Thats why finding a good mechanic with a fair price is extreemly important! Autobahn Performance in Edmonton is the place i go to. The car is a joy to drive a absolutely love taking it on the roads and playing arround with it. It has great response and just makes you want to drive it harder.. then you remember how much you paid for it and decide that you're driving it hard enough.Aug 19, 2008

The Volkswagen Jetta GLI is a great made vehicle with more power than the 1.8T its the fastest model of Jetta. It comes standard with 17" rims a sunroof and a six-speed manual transmission. The Jetta comes standard with 4 anti lock disc brakes and a 2.8 liter VR6. The vehicle takes premium for the performance engine. The back seats are usable enough to fit two full sized adults in the back. Which is rare to come by in the sport compact sedan class. All in all the Volkswagen Jetta GLI has a little bit of everything, including a Monsoon stereo. Jul 01, 2008