2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI from North America - Comments

Relatively new car (just over one year). No defects to date.

I noticed there were no reviews of the 2003 GLI so I figured I would add one.

I purchased this car just over a year ago, for those not familiar with the GLI it is the sportier version of the Jetta. It has the new VR6 engine, which is finally 24v and is truly an engineering marvel (how they fit it in such a small chassis). It's rated at 200 HP (although rumours are it is underrated - and it sure feels like it) and only comes in a 6 speed manual fully loaded. I believe the only option was the power sunroof.

We test drove the BMW 320 and 325i, Audi A4 1.8T and Acura RSX before purchasing this car and I would definitely recommend it over any of them. It's faster than all of the above and a lot more fun to drive. The only advantage the BMW had was handling which was superior to that of the GLI.

The car is tons of fun to drive and never gets boring.

My only complaint is the understeer on turns, but it's nothing some suspension adjustments can't fix (if you are so inclined).

The car is very difficult to drive smoothly, the gear ratios are very close and so it feels shifty. However, I don't necessarily feel that this is a bad thing neither is the notchy feel of the 6 speed shifter, in fact I feel that it adds to the thrill of driving the car. I don't believe it is meant to be a smooth drive, it feels sporty and the slightest touch on the gas pedal makes the 17" tires scream.

The only way to understand the appeal of this car is to get behind the wheel, turn off the traction control (ESP) and take it for a drive. All it takes is a few minutes and you'll fall in love.

TO DEAL WITH THE SHIFTING I FOUND USING 1st THEN 3rd THEN 5th GEAR MAKE IT AN AWESOME CITY DRIVER.

I agree about the shifting. I typically use first, second, third, then fifth, skipping fourth. To get faster off the line, I start in second. First is so low you can almost skip it. If I had a perfect ratio it would be a five speed with first being somewhere between the current 1st and 2nd.

This is an amazing car on the highway. I have to always be careful not to go 90. You never feel it.

I've had my GLI for over 2 years and have had no problems except for an annoying sound that seems to be coming from somewhere in the front suspension. It doesn't effect handling that I can tell, it's just a kind of 'boink' sound when first starting out. VW couldn't find the trouble, so I've learned to live with it.

I drive this car a lot in the Cascade Mountains in the winter. With a full set of studs, it is as sure-footed as anything I've ever driven.

Overall, the GLI is a really nice car.

I have that same front suspension sound, and again, the dealer said they couldn't find it. Wonder how common it really is.

The suspension noise that you are hearing are the front strut mounts. I have recently found out this is a common problem with the mk4 jettas... and have had mine replaced under warranty!

These GLI'S never get the respect that they should... I walked all over a GTO the other day with 4 people in the car... off the line.. and on the highway... people under estimate how great and fast of a car it is!

Walked all over a GTO? He obviously wasn't racing you.. lol ;)

I'm not a fan of domestics and probably never will be, but your little Jetta would not stand a chance against even a stock GTO...

I'm as big of a VW fan as there is, but I'm going to have to re-affirm the comments of the previous poster, and say that there is no way you could have even come close to beating a GTO, 4 passengers or not, in any sort of race.

Just obtained a 2003 Jetta GLI with Leather and heated seats and sunroof, alas no rear wing??? NO Multi Function Indicator either.

Coming from a 92 GTI16V 2.0L the acceleration is phenomenal. I intend to autocross this car regularly so we will see about the terminal understeer issues.

My first tank of gas was 22.6 MPG which is dead on for the EPA estimates. About the same as the MK II 16V.

The ESP hasn't kicked on in a corner yet, but I had to learn the hard way about the ASR on an Icey hill- Nail it mercilessly and let the system work otherwise modulating the throttle will bring you to a halt. Kinda weird, but cool as I like to hammer it anyway!

The Seats are not as good as the MK II GTI Recaros. Not long enogh to support my thighs, I am 6' 2".

ASE Cert Auto Tech, SCCA Member since 1978.

I don't believe the person walked all over the GTO, but could hang with it. Have you driven one, they're not all that. A GLI 2.8 can out run a Mustang GT; it depends on who is driving, so don't be too quick to sell him short.

I myself raced a Honda 2000, and the guy inside could not believe the car was stock, because I stayed at his door. As for the Mustang GT, that was not even a race; at 80 I left it.

Just think a few grand and you have one hell of a race car that most cars can't beat.

I bought a GLI a couple of months ago, and I love it. Everything above is dead on about the shifting and suspension.

The GTO Racer.. well I don't know if he was pedal to the floor, but.. it guess it could happen. The Mustang GT race.. I really can't believe it! I have never tried to race one yet, but now that you said that I won't be afraid to anymore.

This sounds weird, but my mom used to have a 2001 Honda S2000 and I drove the wheels off of it until she sold it. From driving it and driving the GLI, I am sorry but the 2000 all the way. But the Jetta does beat it for comfort.

I love my GLI, but the S2000 is NICCEEEE, obviously different types of cars though! One's a small two seater, others a 4 door sedan, you can't compare.

We love our GLI! I do completely agree about the shifting.

Has anyone had trouble burning through tires really fast? We put a set of rather expensive Yokohama's on and in 20K they were bald! The guy at the tire store said he sees this all the time with GLI's and some Audi's, but I can't find anyone else who has heard of the problem or knows how to fix it. We really don't want to have to get rid of our car, but we can't afford to put tires on it all the time. Any ideas on what would remedy the problem?

I couldn't love my VW any more. I think the GLI is a beautiful VW masterpiece, and think the VR6 is the best engine VW has ever produced. It gets about the same gas mileage as the turbo GLI, but isn't a four cylinder, and sure as hell doesn't sound like a four cylinder.

The GROWL I get out of my exhaust pipes is my favorite part of the car.

Although my car is a BORA not a Jetta, she's still my baby and I couldn't be any happier.

I've tried to beat a friends S2000 (a 2001) and I got smoked off the line. However I did beat an older Camaro (like a 95-96), but it might have been an automatic. I love my GLI, it's a perfect mix between a nice roomy semi-luxury car and a fun sporty drive.