2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Name: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 520 USD
Rating: 4.7 (94 reviews)

Price Estimate: $520 - $866

2000 Volkswagen Golf 4 Dr GLS Turbo Hatchback

2002 Volkswagen Golf GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback

+50

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Volkswagen Golf model years

Volkswagen Golf for Sale

Volkswagen Golf types

Hatchback
Diesel

Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Long list of standard features, high-quality cabin materials, utility of hatchback design, fuel-efficient TDI engine, fun to drive.

Cons

More expensive than its peers, mediocre performance of base four-cylinder, some controls difficult to use.

What’s new

The most affordable Volkswagen gets a few equipment changes for 2003. Probably the biggest of these is the availability of stability control (VW's ESP) on all trim levels. In other news, base GL models now include a CD player, cruise control and power windows and mirrors. GLS models now come with a sunroof and alloy wheels, while seat heaters and the premium Monsoon sound system will be optional across the line. Finally, VW has increased the padding on the side curtain airbag system; the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder now meets ULEV standards; and the standard stereo head unit will get backlighting for the buttons.

Edmunds says

Though pricier than the average economy car, the Golf offers far more amenities, and in TDI form, it's both frugal and fun. Put it on your test drive list.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale nearby

5 listings

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2003 Volkswagen Golf
GL 4dr Hatchback
$2,795
- 102,576 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- A & R Used Cars (1,212 mi away)
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Clayton, NJ
WELCOME TO COME SEE! PLEASE READ BEFORE-CONTACTING A&R WE DO NOT OFFER ANY FINANCING ONLY CASH / DEBIT CARD / CREDIT CARD 2003 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GL VIN:...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWFK61J534066321
Stock: 6321
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-18-2025
2003 Volkswagen Golf
GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback
$5,999
- 234,340 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automatic
- Choice Motor Car (1,259 mi away)
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Alarm
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Plainville, CT
Really nice condition Golf with a 49mpg diesel engine tied to a 5 spd manual transmission. Clean body, nice interior. brand new timing belt and water ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
33 Combined MPG (29 City/40 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 9BWGP61J334078957
Stock: 078957
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 09-10-2024

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

$160/mo

$161/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

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Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.7

94 reviews

5(75%)

4(15%)

3(10%)

2(0%)

1(0%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Buyer's Beware

Remorseful Buyer, 07/20/2010

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

I bought this car brand new in 2002. At first, everything was great. Good gas mileage. Sporty little car. Great for zipping around town and did well on road trips. However, it started having all sorts of problems after about 18-24 months, beginning with the "small" and annoying (head lights constantly burning out, display lights inexplicably going off and coming on, airbags needed …

Best car I owned

Jovan, 04/11/2016

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

I bought this car at auction in 2009 with 130000 miles on.I paid 2500 dollars (for ,then,6 years old ) Never had any problems with it ,super reliable. Now it has 235000 miles and it still drives good. I used synthetic oil. The fuel pump had to be replaced last year. Other than that only regular maintenance expenses (tires, brakes etc) still has the original clutch .Amazing

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

flyingpatricio, 04/27/2011

2003 Volkswagen Golf GLS 4dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 4A)

I've had my 2003 Golf GLS for 3 years now. I bought it used with 10,200 miles on it. I've put 65,000 miles on it. I like how competent it feels no matter the conditions. It's heavy enough to feel safe on the freeway and light enough to get great mileage. I'm a paint contractor and I haul all my gear in it daily. It holds my Little Giant ladder with just the passenger front seat put …

Love that Turbodiesel!

newflyer22, 10/02/2002

2003 Volkswagen Golf GL TDI 4dr Hatchback (1.9L 4cyl Turbodiesel 5M)

Okay, I'll be truthful. I've only had the car a few days so I will change the ratings accordingly, but I got it for $300 over invoice and I thought that was a great deal on a car that gets 50mpg on the highway, has a solid interior feeling like a more expensive car, even if a few things need attention, a solid, sporty ride, and the power of the turbodiesel. It amazes …

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2003 Golf Highlights

Type:

Hatchback

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$15,295
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$160/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Key safety features on the Golf include:

Alarm

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale nearby

2003 Volkswagen Golf
GL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2003 Volkswagen Golf
GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.}

Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Owner Reviews

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Love that Turbodiesel!

2003 Golf Highlights

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2003 Volkswagen Golf Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

For sale nearby

2003 Volkswagen GolfGL 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

2003 Volkswagen GolfGLS TDI 4dr Hatchback

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Volkswagen Golf Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Buyer's Beware

Best car I owned

Great Utilitarian Vehicle

Love that Turbodiesel!

2003 Golf Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2003 Volkswagen Golf info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Research similar vehicles

Join Edmunds

2003 Volkswagen Golf
GL 4dr Hatchback

2003 Volkswagen Golf
GLS TDI 4dr Hatchback

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Volkswagen Golf GL 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.15 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.}