2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0L from North America

Summary:

This is a Great sport car!!!

Faults:

None.

General Comments:

I love this car this is the first car that I can drive in town 25 miles an hour in 5th gear. The cornering is excellent, I went on a drive with my Volkswagen club and I stayed with a V6. It took the corners better than the BMW in front of me the lead car I could cut the corners sharper than the BMW. This is one great car!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th November, 2006

14th Nov 2006, 06:19

Having owned many Jettas, as well as 3 Jeep Wranglers, I can understand why you are excited about your Jetta's handling.

Especially if you are comparing it to your Wrangler.

On the other hand, your Jetta won't be able to climb snow banks like your Wrangler could. Everything is a compromise.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS 1.8 turbo from North America

Summary:

A tease

Faults:

Leaking radiator hose.

Broken console latch.

Seats wearing in spots.

CD player malfunctions.

Replaced transmission at 30,000.

Front seat uncomfortable.

General Comments:

I just traded my Jetta in. I wanted to save it for my son, but transmission problems plus premium gas requirements chased me away.

The car was a rocket, was solid, quiet and had a great fit and finish. Interior was first rate, except back seat too small.

The car ran rough, would pause under acceleration from rolling stops, and then the transmission began to slip. They replaced the shift control module, then the transmission at only 30k miles. The new one shifted late and still slipped in two gears. Service department staff cold, but fairly efficient.

None of us could ride in it for more than 45 minutes without back issues. In a way, I will miss it, but I can't take it anymore.

Hopefully the new Jetta is better, but I didn't take the chance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th September, 2006

20th Sep 2006, 09:15

I had a 1997 Jetta whose transmission did the same thing. Volkswagen is notorious for never correcting issues as such.

26th Feb 2007, 08:34

You should have gotten the manual transmission, most buyers outside the U.S.A. never consider anything else. Fuel mileage is better with the manual as well. I can't see anyone buying an '03 Jetta for adults to ride in the back seat - that must have been obvious when you bought it.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI 2.8 VR6 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, not fun to own

Faults:

Replaced Water Pump, Power Steering Pump, Catalytic Converter, Speakers, bushings, & Interior pieces (shift knob, needs ashtray cover). Engine was stalling after first purchased, dealer fixed the problem (resetting CPU?), since then it hasn't stalled, but at idle the car shudders. All four tires are out of round (cupping), but dealer will not fix this. Also, the paint or clear coat on the driver side door is peeling and again, the dealer is not willing to fix it (yet...). All within 30k miles of new.

Shifting between first & second is difficult to time w/clutch and engine.

General Comments:

The car is amazing to drive, looks great, wonderfully appointed interior. However, the dealer is VERY hard to work with; you have to baby sit them to make sure they complete the warranty repairs they say they're doing. These types of problems should not happen on a car with less than 30k miles, but at-least they honored their warranty and fixed them.

Over all, a fun car to drive, and without the problems, it would be one of the best cars I've ever driven. Where most cars seem plain/boring, this one is unique, solid and exciting; I'm just not real confident in its reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 24th August, 2006

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL 2.0 from North America

Summary:

It is poorly made

Faults:

The water pump broke and had to be completely replaced, the glove box handle broke, door handle broke on the inside, the middle console arm rest broke, rear lights always burning out, the outlet in the front does not work, peeling around the air vents, alarm does not work, car will not come out of park at times, the list goes on people!!

General Comments:

I will NEVER buy another Volkswagen.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th August, 2006