limited-edition models and wider availability of the antiskid system are 2003 newsmakers for Volkswagens best-selling line. Jetta and Golf are essentially the same car, but Jetta is a sedan, Golf a hatchback. Each comes with 2 or 4 doors. Roughly parallel lineups feature identical powertrains. GL and GLS versions use a 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine. The 1.8T models, the Golf GTI, and the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition use a turbo 1.8-liter 4 cyl. Jetta GLI and GLX models and Golf GTI VR6 use a V6. TDI versions have a 1.9-liter turbocharged diesel 4 cyl. All engines come with manual or automatic transmission: 20th Anniversary GTIs and V6 Golfs and Jettas use a 6-speed manual, other models have a 5 speed. The automatic used with the 2.0-liter and TDI engines is a 4 speed; other models have a 5 speed automatic with manual shift gate.Added midyear, the 20th Anniversary GTI has 18-inch wheels, sportier suspension tuning, and unique trim. Only 4000 will be produced, all with manual transmission. Also added midyear were speci
GLI: Do the revised VR6 and standard sport package make this the best Jetta yet?
Rating
Written By mkaresh
Date Written Oct 12 2002
Summary
If you want a six in a small sedan, and don’t want to pay the kind of prices charged by BMW and Audi, then the VW Jetta in your only option. The Jetta costs considerably more than its Japanese and American competitors, but still much less than an...
Strength
German character, refinement, power, ride quality, styling, trunk space
Exacly one month ago my wife and I bought our first brand spankin' new car. After comparing the Honda Civiv and the Jetta we went with the Jetta. Let me tell you, I love this car. Now I know that most of my feelings come from driving a brand...
Strength
Good pickup, good acceleration many features on the base model. Fantastic gas mileage.
Weakness
Seat adjustment, diesel gas isn't always convienent.
After driving Toyotas for 20 years and pickups for the past 14, I finally made the jump to VW. My daughter outgrew the jump seats in my Tacoma Extended cab, but I still like to haul stuff. A compact station wagon was the best option to get a back seat...
Strength
Great fuel economy, cargo capacity, handling, and features
Weakness
Hard to find basic model in diesel.
Bottom Line
A quality, economical, comfortable, compact wagon. Go with the diesel and fuel it with renewable biodiesel.
Last summer, I was confronted with a dilemma. I was moving from Boston to Durham, and my trusty and well-loved 1996
Honda Civic, Athena, was going to have to stay behind. 120,000 miles wasn't a big...
Strength
Lots of fun to drive, refined and comfortable interior, great engine, sound system
Weakness
Very thirsty, somewhat loud engine, reliability is a roll of the dice with VW
Bottom Line
If you're looking for a small sedan that's sporty, refined and fun to drive, the Jetta is a great value, and more spirited than many cars in its class.
A couple of months ago, we got one of the first 2003 GLS Turbos in Houston. There's a new gray color for 2003, which looks phenomenal with the black leather interior.
Checking the options list - Volkswagon is trying to take their cars...
Strength
Styling, turbo engine is very quick, lots of options available.
Weakness
Gets pricey with options, ride is a little rough, small.
Bottom Line
If you can afford it, it's a well-built car with great looks and fun performance.
So this is what it's like to drive a true quality car! (100K UPDATE!)
Rating
Written By razberryswirl
Date Written Apr 22 2005
Summary
(100,000 mile update at bottom!) Swirl's Automotive History So I've got to give you a little background on my car history: 1997: Bought my first car, a 1985 Toyota Corolla SR5 with cute flip up headlights, for $1250. A great car,...
Strength
lots of safety features and attention to detail
Weakness
brake and gas pedals too close, no change compartment, cupholders block radio!
Bottom Line
When you've "grown up" from driving the cheaper imports, Jetta is there to show you what it's like to drive a car with true quality, great handling and overall sophistication.
This was to be the summer I let my freak flag fly. 30 years old in '03, I've been driving a beat up - but extremely reliable - 1991 VW Cabriolet for six years while I patiently waited for VW to get off its duff and release the convertible version of the...
We needed a new car. We both know that gas prices are only going up. Hybrids are fairly a new thing, and they run in the small size. Hybrids also are only designed for cities, as their efficiency decreases on the highway. Plus, I never seem to hear...
Strength
50+ MPG, Awesome safety features, powerful engine
Weakness
Small interior esp. rear seats, cup holder issues, some squeaks here and there.
Bottom Line
700 miles on a tank of diesel! When the dashboard gas pump light go on, you can still go for 100 miles! "Part of the solution"-type of car! Biodiesel options.
German Heritage, Great Engineering, Whether You Go GL, GLS, or GLX
Rating
Written By brent0226
Date Written Dec 29 2002
Summary
~~~Background~~~ The Jetta, called "Bora" in Europe and other parts of the world, is the smallest sedan Volkswagen offers in the US Market. The Jetta has been around for a while. It is built on the same platform as the Volkswagen Golf/GTI...
Strength
Good looks, Good performance (1.8t, VR6), Comfort good
Weakness
Squeaks/rattles, Not Honda reliability, Small sunvisors
Bottom Line
I really like this sedan. It is nice looking and reliable enough for me. I will always take a look a Volkswagen's products in the future.
After owning my 2003 Jetta Wagon 1.8T GLX for 14 months, I am pleased to report that, despite some minor flaws, the Jetta has really exceeded my expectations. As a near-luxury compact wagon, the Jetta has delivered almost perfectly on my driving...
Strength
BMW performance and style for a VW pricetag.
Weakness
driver windblast, transmission lag, small back seat.
Bottom Line
I highly recommend the Jetta as a successful blend of performance, practicality, and style. An excellent two-person vehicle!
