Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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A quattro-style car for far less
Keith Choate, 06/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had an audi 5000 CSTQ for ten years before I explored the VW 4-motion passat. It was immediately apparant that VW was more service-oriented and that the car is an amazing value for what you pay. The passat has all the best features of the audi quattro - including the same AWD system and comparable handling. The only appreciable differences between the passat and the A6 quattro is the level of interior cabin luxury. The wood detailing of the audi is a classy feature which the high-end passat could use. In terms of ride, though, the passat 4-motion captures the best of the audi quattro series.
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.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLX WagonMSRP: $3,250226 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,295333 mi away
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,695600 mi away
See all 19 listings
Passat
Anthony , 10/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This automobile feels like a $50,000 BMW without the high maintainence cost.
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.
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.
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!!
glx 4motion passat wagon
ron stidmon, 06/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the Passat 4motion system works well and the car has a very solid feel. Much more comfortable ride than Subaru Forester but not as firm as most SUVs. Styling is attractive and the controls are intuitive,
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.
Fun to Drive!
gOpACKERS, 04/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car! fast-- awd gets through alot of snow etc! neg--cd changer in trunk
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.
Great sports sedan
terminalman, 06/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A quality car with a very high "fun" quotient. Easy to control and highly predictable even if you push the limits on a curve. Excellent ride similar to a luxury sedan, handles most road bumps with ease. Quiet and pleasant interior. Responsive to the driver's style the the adaptive automatic transmission, or you can shift it yourself. Seat comfort is excellent in front, good in back. What a great car!
loving it so far
JGinNC, 06/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have just passed 10,000 miles on our 2003 Passat and could not be happier with it. The interior is gorgeous and classy, the seats are very comfortable, and the Monsoon sound system is very clear. The exterior is quite handsome, and the car makes you feel like you are driving a luxury car in many ways. The car handles well and the V6 is strong and quiet. Our only issue has been 2 damaged tires, which seems odd for such a young car. Also, the service experience has been awful, puncuated by long waits for service, even oil changes. Overall though, we are very happy with our purchase.
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".
Best Value on Market
Luigidk, 06/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We drove Camry's, Accord's, Solara's, Saturn's, Volvo's, BMW's and just on a whim decided to drive the Passat. No other car for the money touches this car. Why anyone would touch an SUV over a Passat wagon is tough to imagine. Safety, performance, fun, economics, storage space, handling, not one of these features comes second to any SUV out there. Don't bother with the V6 or W8 - the V6 only offers 20 more HP and worse economy - why spend the money? If you want the W8 - you are looking for performance - get a vette! If you drive this car and appreciate car value at all - it will be a done deal...
Look elsewhere
Steve Martin, 06/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Passat has been in the shop for 20 days and they don't know what's wrong. This is the fourth time for the same thing. The battery goes dead every night. The first two times they said nothing was wrong, according to their computer. VW refuses to honor Utah's Lemon Law, claiming the vehicle must be fixed first, at which time the BBB and Consumer Protection Agency will no longer be interested in my dispute. To VW's credit, they have provided me a 4 cylinder Ford Focus while they service my car. My warranty entitles me up to $25 per day for a rental, which is enough for a Ford Focus or a moped.
Sluggish out of First and Second Gear
ARP, 06/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looks great...I get a lot of very nice comments about the car. Well-made, great features. VERY SLUGGISH in first and second gear. Once you get into higher gears it takes off nicely. Great quality matierial...they did not go cheap on interior or exterior materials.
Luxury Sedan at Family Car Price
JLMoran, 06/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looked at the Camry, Accord, and Lexus ES300 as well as the Passat. The VW won hands down. I'm 6' 3", and headroom was critical for me. Out of all the cars, the Passat and Camry were tied. Factor in that a Camry with all the features of the GLX was only about $1,800 less, with a shorter warranty and slightly lower crash scores, and the Passat was a no-brainer. The ride is silky smooth, and the engine gives me plenty of power when I need it without having to really punch the accelerator. In fact, I have to be careful as I find myself doing 80mph on the highway without even trying! Yet so far I'm averaging 23.6mpg.
Best fit for me
dirkh, 06/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My favorite wagon is the Audi A4 1.8t (I used to drive the previous model). However looking at the passat, the GLS has all the options, important to me and it is 10k less than the Audi. If I wanted more options and 4wd I would definitely go for the Audi, but 10k is alot of money. The Passat drives great, has enough power and is very comfortable. Gas milage is great even with my drive style
Sad but true ...a lemon!
falsetto, 06/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved the car...but if not driven every day, the battery went dead. Fun at the airport!! After three battery replacements, five weeks in the shop,seven false 'we found it' reports. The slippery factory reps. offered me a new vehicle and gave me $18,000 for my 8 mo. old GLX! That cost me $11,000 to drive 28k miles...when it would start!
My First VW
First-time VW Owner, 06/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only had the vehicle for a week, but so far it's a blast. The automatic is a bit sluggish starting out, but it quickly bites and gets going fast, pinning you to your seat. I've only had one problem with quality so far and it's a simple paint problem on the left rear quarter panel. Looks as if they forgot to buff or polish. Looks like a light haze, just a couple of inches in area. I'll see how the dealership handles my request to fix it.
Unhappy VW owner
Ercan, 06/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We loved the car but we had enough. First one headlight and both fog lights went out (in 6 months). Dealer HAD to remove the bumper for $500 to replace fog lights. Within 1st year motor for the rear window broke, CD player did not work for a while, some coil problem required another joyous trip to the dealer. The day running lights went out/fixed again. Just when we hoped not to see the dealer for a while we realized that one headlight was pointing down and took it back, only to be told that GREAT VW Engineering placed an ingenious $400 pulley to hold the lights, which had been broken. Now we r trading it in!
1 awesome ride
R Owen, 06/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife's and I first VW, and definitly will NOT be our last. We absolutley love this car. 03 Passat, loaded with everything, 10 months and 15,000 miles later. No car in this price range can compare the handling, comfort, and fun. We still have our Honda Accord, and it doesnt come close to compare with the Passat. We Live in Pa., this car will plow through the snow. Cant say enough great things about this car. Its kinda funny, the couple bad reviews that are listed are extremely similiar with the wording, as if one person is trying to demean the car. Service has been great. Envious people constantly asking us questions about our car.
GLS The real thing
happybuyer, 06/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I looked at several Japanese and couple of American and two german cars before buying. I never saw myself driving a Volkswagon but after driving, I have to say it is the real thing! There is definitely something to the German engineering quality. The easiest way for the layman to tell is get on the highway and listen to the nothing. It is the quietest car I test drove. The doors are solid not light panel like the Japanese models. The six airbags says something about safety. The fit and finish although not plush is very well designed and the dashboard lights at night are a cool look that no one else has.
fast, very fast
emmax, 06/28/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is best car that I have ever owned. It drives like a Mercedes and has as many features as ones that cost several thousand dollars more. Very fast and comfortable. Half the time I don't realize I am going as fast as I am. Receive many comments about the car.
Some kinks to be fixed
firstvolkswagen, 06/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this car six months and I'm glad I bought it, but there have been a few problems. The fuel sensor malfunctioned and had to be replaced; one of the keys had to be fixed because it had a short and the car jerks when I take off (if I gun it). But it's pretty sporty for a family car and I don't regret buying it.
Good car
bub, 07/04/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my Passat 3 weeks. Had a much smaller car previously. I'm impressed with the gas mileage of my 1.8T and the body integrity. Very solid, good looking ride. A high quality car for the money. If you want a little more style than a Camry or Accord, this seems like a pretty good choice.
My Passat was a star
California Casey, 03/29/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My 2003 1.8T Passat GLS just passed 98,000 miles with hardly a hiccup...when it was smashed by a hit-and-run driver today. I'm not sure I'll ever see it again, the damage was so severe. But my daughter and I came out without a scratch, though the front end is nearly demolished. This car was a bit pricey to repair, but there were few of those...oil changes, tuneups, a timing belt (at 90,000, dammit). But it was a joy to drive, I got 26 city, 31 highway with the 1.8 turbo and the German engineering was solid. I fear my car is gone, but if I were you, I would not hesitate to invest in a Passat again, despite higher-than-usual maintenance costs. It's a great car.
I'm stuck with a VW lemon
edgar215, 04/08/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased a nice '03 Passat with 65k miles last year for my daughter's 1st car. Now, I'm faced with buying a new engine because of sludging. I had never heard of this problem. Apparently, the engine is ruined and VW will not warranty it without all past service records. I am the 3rd or 4th owner so I don't have them. I've owned over 25 cars in my 52 years and have never had a problem like this. I is going to cost me over $4,000 to fix it. I will NEVER own another VW!
Nice solid well thought out car
Dallas, 04/09/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned the car for 50,000 miles and have enjoyed all of them. The car is very smooth on the highway and also handles well and has good acceleration. I have had very good luck with all my VWs and this is no exception. My dealer service has been excellent. I am considering 1 of 3 different VWs for my next purchase.
Beautifully designed to drive
Robert Peterson, 04/20/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It is comfortable, handles beautifully, and designed in such a thoughtful manner that the controls are intuitive. Despite a 6 cylinder engine and AWD I still average about 19-20 mpg around town. It goes where my 4 wheel drive truck won't go in the snow. The only downside is that the rear brakes wear rapidly and get replaced at 15-20K. Nevertheless, the other features more than compensate.
Don't buy this car
Don't buy this car, 04/25/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I will never buy a VW again, after my troubles with this car. It seems like every oil change finds at least $200 of additional repairs that are needed. Two cv boots went bad early on. Problems with heated seats, side mirrors, stereo knob, ashtray near back floor, brakes, rotors, temperature sender, etc, etc, etc. I had always owned Hondas and wanted a change. I am tired of the expenses associated with owning a Passat and will be trading in for a Honda soon. I had Hondas that needed less repairs during 10 years of ownership than this car needed in the first 3 years of ownership!! Crazy - considering this car is supposed to last forever and be so great. I don't believe it any more!!
Wish this car was worth what I expected
roger2texas, 04/25/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't understand.. I hear that VW's are supposed to be great cars, but this car is so expensive to repair!! CV joints/axles are unbelievable and 5k miles after being replaced, axle is out again! VW dealerships are very unfriendly, and want over $500 for any little thing. Temp sensor has gone out, alternator out, transmission kicks ugly when downshifting from 2nd to 1st, sharp object about to poke through leather from inside of seat, interior is peeling really bad (doors, trim, console, back ashtray, etc..), car burns excess oil (approx 1 qt. every 1k miles) NOT NORMAL for 2003 with 75k miles and full castrol synthetic 5w-40! Poor gas mileage even though premium fuel is used as REQUIRED!
Love every mile
Old guy, 05/24/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have just started my 5th year with my Passat, and every time I get in the car it is a pleasure. Long trips are comfortable, gas mileage is great, up to 35 mpg on the interstate, and it is FUN to drive. No problems so far. Regular maintenance may be a little high, but I love the car. Two dislikes, low beam lights could really use improvement, and the windows fog up under certain weather conditions, and is difficult to defog. I am glad I bought the car, and would do it again.
Don't Ever Buy One!!!!
M., 05/27/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had very poor customer service. I had been doing service with them for sometime on a 99 Beetle that ran like a charm, 135K. Traded in for the Passat. Fell in love with it for one day. Light came on, and stated it had a vapor leak, the axle and cv joints were shot, front passenger seat replaced, oil and transmission pan replaced, two hoses replaced, very squeaky brakes, back right window didn't work, and two different sets of tires. Dealership had never shown or mentioned any of this until after purchase, and after I had been in 5 times in less than a month. I finally had enough and as I was about to trade it in, all of a sudden it started leaking transmission fluid everywhere!!!!
A Very Good Car
Mark-Boston, 01/12/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall, I've been quite happy with this car (now > 2 years into ownership). I haven't had any major problems and my dealer. This definitely is a very comfortable and versatile car, that is safe and can haul a lot of stuff - but is also quite luxurious. I drive approx 50 miles a day to work. The straight line traction is excellent (make sure you put on 4 snow tires on it and it's very surefooted in the winter). VW's are more expensive to maintain than several of it's competitors, but they really have a soul. I purchased an aftermarket warranty through a reputable source for added protection. The 2003 model appears to have been a good year according to CU.
Horrible quality
Disappointed, 10/15/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
German engineering and quality at some point in time was stellar. Not so with this vehicle. In the shop more than on the road and finally have had enough. 7 years of ownership and real pain all along. Great vehicle when it works, but a very expensive experience. Now changing and looking at Asian brands exclusively. How times have changed when a Kia is more appealling quality wise then a VW.
All of my love
RYE, 06/29/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This wonderful car is a reliable workhorse. After 4 years of 2k miles a month this car has only needed minor expenses for tune-ups. I can't express how well built and dependable it is. The ride quality is head and shoulders above Camry or Accord. I love my car.
The best unreliable car I have ever ownd
djtomek2003, 07/19/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I loved this car but I could no longer afford the crazy maintenance costs. AT 60.000 miles the water pump failed - Timing Belt needed to be replaced - AC system started leaking and eventually ran out. ( after 3 trips to the dealership they finally found out where the leak was ) 2200 to repair I changed the break lights as often as I changed oil.
This car is a piece of JUNK!!!
DosGattos, 09/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is a piece of junk. At first it was great to drive and I had no problems. Once the check engine light came on in 2008 I have had nothing but problems. I can't count on one hand the times the coils have been changed. The sunroof opens on its own, speakers are intermittent, doors wont lock, lights burn out, brakes wear quickly,etc.. Right now it is sitting in my driveway because the engine light is on again (2nd time in 3 months) and it shakes horribly and smokes. Don't buy this car!!
Fantastic
Gus P., 07/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Volkswagon by far has the best cars out there right now. German enginering is great inside and outside while some american made cars look like something my daugher put together using a cardboard box. Great on gas and a terrific pickup on the highway. This is my third Volkswagon and I when my lease runs out I'll get another one.
Car showing pollution control problem
Amar, 05/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new in May, 2003, Passat GL 4-dr.Drove nice for two days and then see a funny warning lite. I took it to the dealer and they say this is pollution control problem. This car is there for eight days now and the dealer cannot figure out what is the problem. They reap apart the brand new car and could not fix it. I dont know what to do. I have to see lawyear soon.
What a Mistake!
shenry, 05/28/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
After doing alot of research and test driving I purchased this vehicle from Downtown Fine Cars in Toronto, Canada. What a terrible mistake. 8 months later the car doesn't start and had to be towed into the garage due to a broken fuel guage sender. The customer service was horrendous and they have failed to respond to a both a letter of complaint and a telephone call. Now, the roof trim is delaminating from around the roof rack. Do not purchase a VW!