Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M) Consumer Reviews
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Best car I've ever owned
eggheader, Wilmington, MA, 03/22/2015
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I bought new, now have over 230,000 miles. This is a fun car to drive, especially with the manual. Have not had any major mechanical issues. The paint and interior have held up very well. Only annoyance is that the headlights burn out more often than most, but are easy to replace. Keeping up with preventive maintenance and fixing small problems quickly are essential though! Parts are expensive, and I agree with other reviewers that dealer service departments are terrible- I found a great VW mechanic locally.
Don't buy it
Michael McKaig, 06/30/2006
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought my Passat new in 2003. This car was fine until 30,000 miles then it began falling apart. The interior flooded at 40,000 miles from body leaks requiring an entirely new carpet etc. It was put back together wrong, cracking the windshield with crossed wiring in the dash. It is now in the shop again for the flooding problem at 46,000 miles. Also, it needs an entirely rebuilt brake system at 46,000 miles. German engineering???? Spend your money elsewhere.
Not Bad, but I Won't Buy One Again
Joel Ogden, 09/20/2006
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This car's engine has been great. With the manual transmission, I can often get up to 34-35 mpg over longer trips. I have never had any problems with the A/C. The problem is with the electrical system and with oil changes. The stereo cuts in and out (regardless of whether the radio, CD or tape deck is being used), and the dealership doesn't know how to fix it. Oil changes are difficult - Jiffy Lube won't work on my car. There is a skid plate on the bottom that has to be removed prior to changing the oil. Three separate times the skid plate has come undone after a routine oil change (and usually at a speed of 65 mph). The dealership isn't a quick choice for oil changes, and always pushes $1,300 of work.
My 2003 Passat
brueggemann, Beatrice, NE, 03/06/2011
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd 2003 Passt we've owned. My niece had a 2003 also and told me that they had to replace the motor once, and the turbo charger once, and recommended I don't get one. During the 2 years with our first Passat, we had it in the shop 6 times for engine lights. Finally they said it was caused by the turbo charger & wanted $4,300. We could afford the repair & traded it on another 2003 with lower mileage & extended warranty. We've had the this second car for 3 years & the engine light has come on 9 different times. Sun roof opens on its own and the rear windows fall out of the tracks. The car is in the shop now for it 2nd new turbo booster and guess what? No more warranty. GRRRR
Not what I thought
V Girl, 04/09/2008
Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had many problems with my passat. First off, the Continental tires went bad fast, and I had a flat within the first week of ownership. Then the rotors warped within the first 4 months. I returned it to dealership to get the rotors fixed 4 times before they actually replaced them. At 50,000 miles I blew a head gasket. And about a month ago I had to get the transmission replaced. Not worth all the money I spent. Nice to look at but not a smart move if you want a car that will last you more than 5 years.
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