The Jetta made its debut in the U.S. in the 1980 model year, to help boost VW's lagging sales. The original Jetta was essentially just a four-door, sedan version of the VW Rabbit hatchback. In 2003, the Jetta TDI came with a 1.9-liter, turbocharged, diesel four-cylinder that produced 90 horsepower and 155 foot-pounds of torque. This high-torque diesel engine required a specific weight and type of oil.
In all temperatures, Volkswagen recommended using 5W-30 or 5W-40 diesel engine oil in the 2003 Jetta TDI. Including the oil filter, the 2003 Jetta required 4.8 quarts of engine oil to fill it.
