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Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
592 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

2003 PASSAT

ELAINE CESARETTI, 10/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

LOVE THE DESIGN AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CAR HANDLES GREAT WITH THE TURBO. SUSPENSION A LITTLE TIGHT, COULD BE A SMOOTHER RIDE.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

VOLKSWAGEN: No longer for the "VOLKS"

mcVT, 02/27/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After about five weeks, the transmission in my 2003 Volkswagen Passat failed (fortunately the warranty covered it, at no cost to us). Throughout the time that we have owned this car, we have had it in the shop for warranty issues more often than we like. There is always for some molding or other annoying piece that really has no business failing off. Despite the legendary quality of German engineering, little problems with this car have been getting to us, like the windows freeze shut at the slightest hint of ice and you can't open the rear hatch without unlocking it. It has been difficult as a family vehicle, particularly with two young kids and a dog. It is just too small for our family. Other than that, it has been a great car.

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2.5 out of 5 stars

VW - Never Again

Millenium, 02/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Since I purchased this car 6 years ago, it has been in for repair at least 4 to 10 times per year, every year (on top of the regular oil changes). Always some electrical problem or oil leak. In the first 3 months all four tires had to be replaced. While the people at the dealer were always friendly and cooperative, they were not forthcoming with detailed answers about any of the mechanical/electrical problems.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Many VW's in the family

Cresty, 08/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I turned in my '99 GLS V6 Sedan for the 4Motion Wagon and have not looked back. While winter snows on the sedan made it vertually 4x4, the past few winters in NJ have been especially harsh, I can't wait for this winter. On dry roads it feels like it's tearing up the blacktop. We've had a lot of rain lately and the grip continues. Also own a '95 GLX Wagon, 5 spd, while it too is a blast to drive, the luxury in the '03 4Motion out does it. No complaints, just Fahrvergneugen!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Avoid at all costs!

JetsetTX, 11/06/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I loved my car when I first bought it. It is beautiful and the inerior is very well done and they use quality materials. That's where the love story ends. When it was just over three years old the check engine light came on and it was the brake light switch, which was replaced under warranty. Not long after the car broke down on me on the way to work, it was the fuel pump, they replaced it. They had to replace something that was allowing fuel vapor into the cabin a few month later. The new fuel pump needed replacement within a year of the original being replaced. The clutch had to be replaced (out of warranty) at five years old. The thermostat was just replaced the CV boot 2 yrs ago.

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