2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS review from North America

My 2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLS TDI has performed flawlessly thus far. I've owned it for almost four months, and have put about 6,300 miles on it during this time.

I'm a tall person, and previously owned a very spacious sport utility vehicle which was very comfortable, but returned only 13 mpg in my city commutes. Although this car was in perfect condition, I found the fuel economy abysmal, and the preventive maintenance requests excessive. I began looking for a car that would be considerably more economical.

I looked at the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. Although both reportedly get great gas mileage, I found both rather dull. There was insufficient leg room in the Prius driver's seat for me. I also thought that the Prius' instrument panel was unnecessarily "unique."

The Jetta GLS TDI was an excellent alternative. Mine gives me between 39 - 47 mpg in city driving, and thus far between 42 - 50 mpg on the highway. It's extremely comfortable up front, although space is skimpy in the rear (as it is with most cars this size). The trunk is absolutely huge, and with the rear seat folded down, can hold nearly as much as my former SUV did. I wish I'd purchased this car much sooner!