Volkswagen Jetta

Name: 2003 Volkswagen Jetta
Brand: Volkswagen

EPA MPG: 38 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 38 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

With its comfortable ride and quiet, high-quality interior, the Jetta Wagon feels as substantial as cars costing much more. It is quick and has plenty of cargo space. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. However, power delivery with the turbo engine and automatic transmission is uneven and the rear seat is very tight.

2003 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

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Volkswagen Jetta

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Toyota Corolla

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2002

2003

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

See All Ratings & Specs

2003 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2003 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,825 - $4,550

EPA MPG 38 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,825

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Ford Focus

$2,925 - $4,150

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Civic

$2,975 - $4,900

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Accent

$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Hyundai Elantra

$2,775 - $3,075

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,875

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Kia Spectra

$2,725 - $2,750

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mazda Protege

$3,050 - $4,625

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

$2,850 - $11,050

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Nissan Sentra

$2,950 - $3,200

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Pontiac Vibe

$3,100 - $3,350

EPA MPG 30 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,825

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Subaru Impreza

$3,025 - $5,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Corolla

$4,050 - $4,325

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Matrix

$3,500 - $4,200

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Toyota Prius

$3,400

EPA MPG 49 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2003 Volkswagen Golf

$3,075 - $4,375

EPA MPG 45 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

wagon

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
1.9-liter 4 turbodiesel (90 hp)
2-liter 4 (115 hp)
2.8-liter V6 (200 hp)

5-speed manual
5-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The seventh generation Jetta has easy-to-use controls, great fuel economy, good cabin room, and the availability of upscale features. The 147-hp, 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that's coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission feels a bit sleepy at times, but delivers responsive acceleration upon demand. Fuel economy is excellent at 34 mpg overall, matching VW's diesel offerings from a decade ago. The ride is absorbent but can be too tender over sharp bumps. Handling is competent but a bit dull. The cabin is relatively quiet for a compact sedan. Most versions come with faux leather seats and automatic climate controls, giving the car an air of premium ambience. For 2022 the Jetta gets a 1.5-liter turbo four cylinder engine instead of the 1.4-liter turbo. A new Sport trim line replaces the R-Line. Also, in 2022 AEB with pedestrian detection, and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning became standard equipment. For 2025, ACC and LCA come standard.

2011-2018

2011 Redesign Year

The 2011 redesign brought a more spacious rear seat, along with cheaper interior materials and handling that wasn't as crisp. Ultimately the gasoline-powered 2011 Jetta scores too low for us to recommend it. (The car has been improved gradually since then.) The diesel-powered Jetta TDI is a more appealing car; however, it is also one of the VW models called into question for emissions test violations. If you're considering one of these, make sure it passes smog before you buy it. A 37-mpg hybrid debuted in 2013. New for 2016 is a refined and energetic 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that got 32 mpg overall in our testing.

2005-2010

2005 Redesign Year

A beautifully finished and sharp-handling premium small car, the Jetta has long been a jewel. Normally aspirated and turbocharged four-cylinder engines, a gruff five-cylinder, a thrifty turbodiesel, and a six-cylinder powerplant have all been offered. Further, the VW has good safety equipment and its crash-test results are commendable. Before its 2006 redesign, the backseat was particularly cramped, but the car rode beautifully. For 2006, the Jetta grew larger, and the base four-cylinder was replaced by a five-cylinder with more torque, though its character is somewhat gruff. The turbodiesel wagon we tested with a manual transmission averaged an impressive 36 mpg.

1999-2004

1999 Redesign Year

A 1999 redesign improved an already capable car and gave the Jetta new styling. This latest version offers a host of well-designed interior touches but also a tighter rear seat. A wagon model was added for 2001. Four, turbo-Four, turbodiesel, and V6 engines are available. The Jetta is a practical, relatively inexpensive car with a responsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a supple ride, and a comfortable interior. The sporty GLX packs a powerful V6, but even the plainer GL and GLS versions offer excellent handling and responsive steering.