Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Poorly engineered
billsr, 05/24/2018
updated 11/02/2018
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 7 people found this review helpful
2003 V-6 Passat: replace alternator, $1000+; replace motor mounts, $ 600+; etc
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Repairs equal purchase price
hassef, 06/11/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 17 people found this review helpful
My brother bought this car for a little old lady 9 months ago for 5k. Haha, ya right. He has already spent 4k fixing it and his mechanic says the ball joints are going, onther 1k. What a lemon. I drove the car, it may or may not have been owned by a little old lady but it definitely drives like one. What a piece of junk.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 25 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $1,999144 mi away
- GL WagonMSRP: $4,693462 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,263727 mi away
See all 25 listings
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.
bought new, owned for 6 years, 100k mile
gphin305, 06/02/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car new in 2002 and just turned 100k miles. Problems...coil packs replaced by dealer when new...no charge. Cars manufactured prior to 7/02 had defects which VW took care of under warranty. Had engine sludge problem at 82k miles which vw fixed for free although technically out of warranty...changed to synthetic oil. car has had regular maintenance by VW dealer which provides excellent service. Car has experienced some minor issues (emergency flasher replaced, headlights burned out, etc.) but overall has been very reliable....no major engine or transmission issues. Very fun to drive, excellent ride on highway, solid German engineering. Bought new 08 last year....10k miles no problems.
No Regrets but not perfect
navitor, 09/02/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We owned our Passat wagon for almost 5 years and 52,000 miles. Overall this has been a good car. My wife loved it for hauling around our first child for the first 4 years then I got it when we put her in a Honda Odyssey for hauling our two kids. I used it as a commuting car into Houston from the burbs or to the park and ride. The car has a nice tight steering feel and great suspension. The overall ride quality is very good. I think the instruments are good and not too complicated which I have often read. The engine was good but the car felt a little underpowered at times with the AWD. I would generally recommend this car.