2003 Volkswagen Jetta

Summary:

Terrible car for the money!

Faults:

Door panels creak.

Engine light has keeps turning on.

Seats are so uncomfortable it is miserable to sit for a long time in them.

Coating on center console is peeled off.

Car goes in reverse after being put in drive.

Terrible customer service.

Constant electrical problems.

General Comments:

I bought this car brand new, and I have never been so frustrated!

I always have it in the shop, and I have spent almost $8,000 on repairs.

I bought it because it looked nice, and I wish everyday that I still had my old used Toyota, because it was so much more reliable than my Jetta.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 11th July, 2007

13th Jan 2009, 16:38

The 2003 Jetta has a 4 year/50K bumper to bumper and a 5 year/60K drivetrain warranty. I don't see how you could have possibly spent $8K on repairs unless that was caused by damage in a collision or by something else completely unrelated to VW.

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GL Wagon

Summary:

Great one-night stand; bad marriage

Faults:

Wouldn't shift out of park when engine was cold, requiring a sensor to be replaced.

Rear glass shattered spontaneously.

Front passenger-side window fell down into door.

Engine temperature sensor failed.

Coil had to be replaced.

Occasional rough shifting. Every once in a while--especially when the AT shifts from 1st to 2nd--there is a slight pause followed by a "clunk" and "lurch".

General Comments:

I like a LOT of things about this car--the overall look, responsive acceleration, tight handling, safety features, decent fuel economy. These were the things that originally seduced me into buying this vehicle. However, the cumulative effect of many small things going wrong over the past 3 years has turned me off from ever buying another Volkswagen product, let alone Jetta.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th May, 2007

2003 Volkswagen Jetta GLI VR6

Summary:

Best car I have owned

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

Nothing more to say other than it is great. No problems, comfortable, fast, and fun to drive. Way better than my previous car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2007

2003 Volkswagen Jetta

Summary:

Great with exception

Faults:

The transmission started kicking at 38,000 miles, it's an automatic, but at times it feels like a manual. It kicks like I shifter gears without pushing the clutch all the way in. The kicking is sporadic so the service guys are unable to duplicate it. It runs fine for weeks and then it kicks or sputters.

General Comments:

Other than the transmission I like my Jack, yes I named him. He runs smooth, corners nicely, has good radius turning on streets.

I drove 7 hours and I didn't feel cramped or stiff. I have leather seats and seat warmers so it is always a nice ride, even on hot days.

The inside lights and running lights are rather luminous and make seeing easier. I like that the inside dash lights are blue/purple it allows me to see what the control panel in parking structures without squinting.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 19th April, 2007

27th Apr 2007, 14:06

My daughter has a 2002 1.8T with about 60k on it. She loves it; however she started having transmission trouble. The VW dealer did a preliminary diagnostic and found a relay switch to the solenoid shorted out. A large repair, however he said it was systematic of a much larger transmission problem that requires that the tranny be changed out, a $6,000 job.

Fortunately I have an extended service contract on it, so I'm letting VW and the Service warranty co. fight it out.

I'd suggest that you call VW customer service 1-800 822-8987 and have them open a case to investigate as to why an authorized dealer is unable to diagnose a transmission problem. they are mostly electrical and have diagnostic points. Be aware however they may want to do a "pressure test" this requires a few hours of tech. time and they will want to get paid for it. See if you can get VW to pay for it, since their dealers are unable to find the cause of your problem.