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Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
592 reviews

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Second Passat in 1 year

DanaRich, 05/06/2003
updated 12/19/2013
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Originally owned a 2001.5 passat V6 FWD. Was totaled in accident and, due to the excellent safety features engineered into it having saved my hide I bought a new 2003 GLX V6 4motion. The 2001.5 V6 FWD had great acceleration, good gas mileage (22/25). The 2003 V6 AWD has poorer acceleration and much poorer gas mileage (19/23). I understand that the AWD is 400 lbs. heavier than the FWD, but this difference is way more than I expected or can write off to weight. Love the tiptronic. Love the interior lighting.The suspension on the 2003 seems mushier than the 2001.5.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My first fun VW

Jeff Ogden, 05/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After owning FOUR Honda Accords, I decided to go for more. Great styling, handles like a BMW, excellent features like 200 watt Monsoon sound system, power seats with memory and great moonroof. NOT as quick as the V6 Accord, but traction control and handling are superior. Nicely styled too.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

not thrilled @ 1st but its growing on me

Lori & Tom, 02/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Sporty, gives us a confident feeling in snow & bad weather. Getting baby in & out out of the back is impressive, as the rear doors open very wide making access amazingly painless! The turbo acceleration takes a while to get used to, theres a measurable hesitation when you really need it. Door locking system, seems to 'think'. If I pull the hatch release button, then dont open it for a few minutes, it 'thinks' I didnt want it to open, thereby, locking it again! The remote buttons are hard to push with big fingers,& even harder in cold weather. It's been in the shop 3 times for various problems, making us leary on its reliability.

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5 out of 5 stars

GREAT CAR

JOY PERINO, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE SO FAR HAS BEEN GREAT. I OWN THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND SO FAR I HAVE 18,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE SUMMER I TOOK MY FIRST ROAD TRIP WITH IT AND I MUST SAY THE RIDE WAS AMAZING. VERY SMOOTH, QUITE, RELAXING RIDE.

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3 out of 5 stars

IT DOESN"T RUN

Patrick, 01/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought this car after researching on this site and others. We have a little over 5,000 miles on our Passat and it has been in the shop 4 times for igntion coil failures. This results in not being able to drive the car. The last time the tow truck driver stated he had towed over 100 of these one with only 23 miles for this problem. We have had some other minor issues. VW has left us with bottom of the line Toyota as a loner with no date on when we will get our car back as they have not parts to fix it.

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5 out of 5 stars

2003 GLX with Tiptronic

MPZMBA, 11/15/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Having been a sports car owner for several years (Porsche, S-2000, and Corvette), the move to a sedan was a major shock. Not wanting to blowup the bank account, I narrowed my choices to the GLX, an Accord V-6, Maxima, and G- 35 Infiniti. Well the G-35 was almost immediately eliminated, due to the fact that I'm moving from So. Fla to CT (rear wheel drive). I tested the others mentioned--BORING!!! When I got to the Passat, my eyes lit up. Nice looking car, German engineering, and a decent price tag.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Redcard1

redcard, 02/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the 3rd year for this model. I traded up from the 2000 to the 2003, and IMHO, the car just keeps getting better.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Nice Job

rotonya, 09/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Replaced a 2000. 20 HP makes a difference, no turbo lag.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A lot of car for the money

Tom Swennes, 04/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We were so impressed with our 2000 Passat GLS sedan that when it came time to purchase a new car for my wife, the '03 Passat was at the top of our consideration list. After looking at a range of vehicles, including a number of SUVs, she decided on the 2003 Passat GLX V6. This vehicle offers an impressive list of luxury and convenience items, solid construction, and a high level of safety features. If you want the practicality of a wagon, but do not need the bulk of an SUV or minivan, you should look at the Passat.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

GLX Best German Engineering value

whcatto, 08/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had the GLX for 5 months now; it is the best car out there for the money. I look forward to getting into it each morning; the design and performance are what would be expected in a $50,000 German Sedan. All of the "extra" features that are uncovered in the first few weeks make this car truly special.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Beautiful German Engineering with STYLE!

Dan "the Man" Ruskie, 05/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Don't think twice about buying this car. BUY IT NOW!...before the prices go up. Talk about beautiful engineering. Solid feel, quite, and fast as hell. Handles great. Everything about this car exudes quality. Just compare it with the Japanese stuff, you will quickly see there is no comparison. The style is classy, receiving complements from everyone. Before you buy an Asian manufactured car, check out the Passat. You will be so thankful you did!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

New Car

Mertdawg, 05/25/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for about a month and I LOVE IT. It's comparable to Acura's. I can't wait to put Yokohama Tires on it and fix it up piece by piece! RECALLS are great. A new TURBO has been put in it! You can still smell it breaking in ;) The turbo reminds me of V tec in my '98 Acura 3.0 CL.

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4 out of 5 stars

Not far from the Audi A4

BLew, 11/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased the car 2 months ago and is a blast to drive when you punch the accelerator. Very comfortable and has an upscale feel. I am concerned a little with reliability as the car has hesitated to start several times, but seems to have stopped as the miles go up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Car-Compares to near luxury class

Craig Cr., 09/01/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. It is tight, handles great, and has plenty of power with the 1.8 turbo. I drove the Saab 9- 3, Audi A-4, Acura TSX before deciding on the Passat and love it! It has more room than the A4, and is thousands less. The Saab is nice, but again the Passat does it all better for less, and the Acura..blah, blah. The Passat could easily compete with cars costing $10,000 more. I drove the 6cyl Passat and preferred the 1.8, it felt peppier with the turbo, and is easier on the gas, the leather adds a lot of luxury to the car, with leather wrapped steering wheel & controls, heated seats, rear sunshade and heated nozzles...it's worth it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2003 Passat

BillG, 05/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My experience has been positive overall, although when I picked up the car one of the speakers was fuzzy & one front tire was not properly balanced. The dealer flatly refused to fix the problems. I'm leasing, so I did not escalate the problem to VW of America. This is my second leased Passat and I love it, but would NOT buy it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Exceeds Expectations

Kalamazoo, 11/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Pleasing performance, fine fit and finish, quietness, excellent sound system, features, features, features -- still finding new features.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

Buyer Beware

M Zolner, 09/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car requires a high degree of maintenance. I have had my 2002 Passat into the dealer twice within the past 6 months for engine issues. I have less than 30k miles on the car. I have spoken with 3 other Passat owners and they all have similar stories. I recommend that you buy this car if you have alot of extra money laying around to dump into maintenance fees.

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5 out of 5 stars

Pleasant Surprise

DougSmithsr, 05/29/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Purchased for my wife for mother's day after passing up a BMW 325, she liked the Passat's looks more. Go figure! Anyway I proceeded purchasing the Passat with the 1.8L Turbo, with Tiptronic Auto/Manual shifter and fitted it with Black leather, Sunroof, and stereo package. To my amazement after managing to pry the keys from my wifes hands from time to time I just love this car. Handling is on par with some of the finest sports cars that I have ever driven, and the turbo lag is almost non-existent and mid range power is awsome, we had a 626 mazda with a v6 and this Passat will completley smoke our old car and leave it standing.

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5 out of 5 stars

I WAS a diehard Volvo owner

jrbatchelder, 06/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After driving Volvo cars for 20 years my wife insisted I test drive a Passat. After a ten minute drive I was sold on the VW Passat GL 1.8T 5 speed manual trans car we immediately purchased. This car exudes quality, stability and has wonderful road "feel".

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5 out of 5 stars

Passat: Best Bang for your Buck by Far.

clayton, 05/29/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Brilliant! 2 many "pluses" to list here. Just go drive each of the cars U are considering & maybe one car a level above in price range. The Passat's performance, styling (except for the pitiful cloth interior), and features compare more closely to the Lexus/Infinity/Entry-level Benz level, than the Camry/Accord/626 group. The only real stand-out disappointment (on the 2002) is the cloth materials & tones, which are amazingly poor (ugly lint magnets). Whoever came up with those tones/materials should be run out of town. If this guy worked for a defense contractor, our our $30 million fighter jets would have vinyl floor mats in the cockpit.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A great car, but needs TLC

Passat 1.8T wagon, 11/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought it brand new off the boat from Germany, and we still love the car at 75,000 miles. These cars do require a little extra appreciation of the engineering and sophistication of the 1.8 turbo four with its low speed torque and light weight. Previously, we owned 3 Toyota Camrys, which also required more repairs as they got older. VW and both local dealers have been good about recall notices and anticipating problems. I started using synthetic oil changes at 5000 miles when VW offered the 80,000 mile warranty, and I think it protects during cold starts and gives a little better mileage, despite the extra cost.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

Do not buy Volkswagons

MichelleM, 05/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My experience with my new 2002 VW Passat has been very, very disappointing! Over the 18 months that I have owned the car, I have had to bring the vehicle in for service 7 times for repeated problems, including faulty ignition coils, electrical systems failures and mass air flow system replacements. I have maintained the car, as recommended by the dealership (e.g. maintenance every 5,000 miles) however, have had nothing but problems!. I would not recommend purchasing the VW Passat to anyone. If you are thinking about purchasing a VW Passat and have any questions about my experience, please feel free to email me before you make your decision.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

room for improvement

Plasticbike, 05/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is my fifth Volkswagen, and definately the best to date. The AWD system in this car is absolutely the best I've ever driven. The car is very comfortable, especially on long trips. My wife, who never uses cruise control, was shocked to discover on a recent trip that she was driving 90 mph. This car begs to be driven fast, and acceleration at speed seems effortless. The transmission however, is horrible at low speeds. It never seems to know which gear it should be in....even shifting manually is less than ideal.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

More than Expected

BAllen, 07/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Still a "new" VW owner but am impressed so far. This car is solid, handles well and gives you a sense of being sporty yet practical. FUN TO DRIVE.

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5 out of 5 stars

Passion and fun. Something different.

surfsup, 06/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We did a lot of research on this vehicle. We looked at the Honda Accord and Audi A4. For the price and the quality, we couldn't beat the Passat. The last thing we wanted was a passionless and indistinctive car. We chose the Passat for it's balance of price, quality, good looks and German engineering. It's just a fun car to be in!

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Lemon of all Lemons

DanH8VW, 12/08/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just a warning just don't do VW. I absolutely hate this car, because of poor service and reliability. I don't go anywhere for fear it will break down again. VW service is horrible. I have a door that has never opened, just not safe. I have needed CV boots since the day after I bought the car. This car was a replacement for my 2002 Jetta, which was a death trap. I fear for my safety in this car. I have leaked every fluid since it was new. Dealers and VW state meets specification. I wonder should they be prosecuted for theft. I have paid more in maintenance and repairs than what the car cost. Ontario VW wants $2800 for each CV boot replacement, more than it's worth.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Cost-effective Audi/BMW replacement

nemakv, 06/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Since the fall of 2001, I drove 30K mileage. Only the front day-time bulb needed to be replaced. Pros: overall an excellent driving experience that make this car a stand- alone valuable alternative to Audi A4/A6 or BMW 3 series. Because Passat model year 2001.5 - 2003 is based on Audi platform and power train, the built quality and engineering is of a premium luxury car for less. The safety futures exceed the industry standard for mid-size sedan. Cons: velour upholstery is retaining any possible lint and fabric imaginable. 1.8T engine, 20 valves turbo gem requires a premium gasoline.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Quantum in a different world!

TRH, 07/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Excellent handling and road feel. Solid bodywork and trim. Involved in minor wreck with Toyota 4runner and Toyota mangled. Passat bruised but still driveable and operable. V-6 has more power than you can realistically use on US roads.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Impressive

RAM, 11/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Following test drives of the new Accord, Camry, A4, Maxima, and Volvo S60, the Passat was ahead of the pack in several categories. The main ones being the combination of features (V6, tiptronic, ESP, Monsoon, etc.) for the reasonable $30k price tag. Love the ride quality and responsiveness. Don't by a car without test driving the Passat.

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5 out of 5 stars

Wow!!

passatmo, 09/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife's '92 Q-45's transmission went out. Had to get something else. Test drove 4-5 cars. Test drove a "demo" GLX and LOVED it. Brought it home yesterday. She let me drive it about 25 miles on the freeway while it was turning dark outside. It drove like a dream! Then I turned on the lights and the instrument panel lit up! WOW! Shifted to Tiptronic at 70 mph. Wife drove it to work today. I can't wait til she gets home so I can have another crack at it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

nice car, most for the money

JK, 01/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

works as advertised. smooth, powerful and quiet. great highway cruiser, 24 mpg overall. heated seats are a treat.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A Great Beginning...

Gene Steinberg, 06/07/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After encountering a less-than-favorable experience with my last German-built car (the dreadful Cadillac Catera), I had not thought of buying another. But I was favorably impressed with the VW Passat GLX after two test drives and took home a Brilliant Silver version with the optional stability control. After a trip to Las Vegas, I can tell you that this car is excellent. Rides beautifully, handles well, extremely comfortable, and is very well built. Despite what others have said, there is space for the owner's manual, a custom slot on the dashboard beneath the steering wheel. There's also a tiny compartment at the lower left for sunglasses and other stuff.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Good, comfortable, fun car

rarmor, 12/18/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car is alot of fun to drive. It handles very well while delivering a comfortable ride. The heated seats/mirrors are great now that winter has arrived. There is plenty of room and the interior is very well designed. I have only owned the car for 4 months but it feels very solid and well-built. The gas mileage is only average, however.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

<H1>Glued To The Road

Willard, 11/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I originally wanted an Audi A6 but one drive in the Passat and a look at the lower price there was no way that I could consider anything else. This car out shines anything from the asian manufacturers, not even close. No wonder consumer reports rated it the number one car in America. You must drive this car and experience the glued to the road feeling.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A4 1.8T Replacement

DHunter, 09/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I searched long and hard and finally decided on the Passat. I liked the A4 1.8T Quattro styling better, but the performance of the Passat 6cyl was superior and features were much better for the price. I only wanted 4Wheel drive so that ruled out the Acura TL-S, but this car was a strong contender for price/performance. Last year body style for Acura TL is '03 though. Other new cars looked boring, too boxy, or too pricey (e.g. Honda, Maxima, BMW, Audi).

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I Love my Passat

lovemyVW, 02/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Just got the Passat on Saturday. I have no problems with it. I had a Jetta and it was getting a little two small for my toddlers. The Passat is so roomy, the kids are not kicking the back of my seat. It has so much more safety features then the competition.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Driver Found

Ray66, 05/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I reserched long and hard at vehicles in this class. The Passat clearly out does the compitition. The safety features are unmatched as well. I've put 10,500 miles on this vehicle since purchase and it seems to get better everyday. This is my first taste of German engineering and I like it!!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Volkswagen Succession

The Tree, 08/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Our third Passat (first automatic) ... and each one keeps getting better (oh yes, we still have the first, a 95 GLX VR6 and near 110,000 miles) but this one is IMPROVED with state-of-the-art interior, updated warranty and tiptronic transmission. An automatic that preforms like the 5-speed. Driving the car is fun! Only negative is the small trunk space which dosen't accommodate too many pieces of luggage, and the reduced fuel economy.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Completely satisfied and very impressed!

davidm, 02/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We didn't like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldn't afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

2003 VW PASSAT

marnmart, 06/09/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the greatest car I've ever owned! One of the few cars in my price range that had any style ant all. This is the only nice-sized, safe,well- equiped, economic car that doesn't look like I inherrited it from my dad! I bought the car because of the way it looked, but love it for the safety features, the way it handles. It's a great car for long trips-good leg & trunk room.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I luv driving this car

Bill in Madison, 08/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I now search out the "Rustic Roads" (an actual state designation in Wisconsin), in order to push this car a little closer to it's edge. Cornering at high speeds is like riding on rails, and I enjoy leaving the wannabes way back after corners, only to have them zoom up on the straight. Then at the next corner... The foldback mirrors are great fun, and I've used them while driving onto a ferry boat in the Apostle Islands. I REALLY love driving this car! Only possible negative is the mileage, but unless I start driving like I'm from Minnesota, I can't expect good fuel mileage. ;-)

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5 out of 5 stars

Impressive

iMacMan, 12/30/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am incredibly happy with my 2003 Passat! My wife and I researched and drove many cars, but it was clear that we found a home the second we settled into its wonderful cabin. The Camry was nice, tight, but felt boring and underpowered. In spite of its exciting styling, the Altima felt cheap. The Accord wasn't really an option as Honda vehicles rust terribly on salted central Canadian roads. I intended on getting the V-6, but I much preferred the pep and fuel economy of the Turbo 1.8 four. Easily the best car in the class.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Please, very pleased!

Rommel, 09/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What a great car - who wants to drive any of the other "We all look and drive the same" cars. Triptronic is superb fun - a really great car to drive! Had 3 Jettas before (All of which I loved), prefer this car to my friends BMW 325 - far better equipped and it was $11K cheaper! Only criticism so far is that the MPG could be better - this should be fun!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

'03 VW Passat GLX

A-Mac, 01/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have enjoyed my '03 Passat that I bought 4 months ago. There are some things that I would change about it, tho. It requires premium unleaded gasoline which can quickly add up over time. Plus, it really uses quite a bit of gas. The tires that came on it (Continental Conti-Touring) are really bad tires. They ride very rough. I can't wait until I have to buy a new set so I can get some Michelins. All in all, it's a really great car and if you're considering this class of vehicle, you shouldn't buy without driving the Passat.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Mixed feelings about this sexy wagon

brandobean, 03/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this wagon (GLX V6) based on the myriads of hyped reviews on this site, the web, magazines and even consumer reports. I have mixed feelings about my purchase. CONCLUSION: Nice looking and driving car. But overall, it rattles more than my my sister's 10 year old honda accord (see below)! I would not buy this car again. I would buy an accord, but I needed the wagon functionality.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Disappointed

jsmith, 05/31/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the look, style, and power of my Passat. I was so excited to own a VW Passat. Two months after buying my used Passat, I noticed fluid leaking from underneath the car and smoke coming from the exhaust when I started the car. Transmission fluid was leaking and so was oil from the turbo. Before I could get the turbo fixed my car left me stranded on Christmas Eve. I ended up replacing the engine and turbo, which took 2 1/2 months to find an engine and turbo in good shape. Now a year after buying my car and putting in a new engine and turbo the transmission is slipping and the AC stopped working. I can not wait to get rid of this car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

1.8Turbo Passat GLS

Pastafarian, 11/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great family sedan -- room for 3 kids, comfortable, fun 5sp manual, and thrifty on gas (1.8T). Acceleration is adequate with the manual, but you won't win any races. Handling is decent on winding country roads, but you should opt for bigger wheels if you can.

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5 out of 5 stars

best sedan around

jolene riley, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I think this is the best car there is to drive. It has all the comfort you need in a car. Excellent safety features.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

W8 Passat

PT409, 04/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is a great car-so long as you get the Sport Package...

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car

Daniel Miller, 01/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great Car..... Ride is pleasant and quiet. Interior is fabulous and the lights at night spectacular. Excellent build quality.

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