Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Not totally impressed
Todd Herzog, 08/26/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am very impressed with the overall appearance and handling of this car. My concern is the electrical and the transmission. After owning for 3 days the tiptronic will not engage and the fuel gauge quit working. Maybe mine is a fluke and is an easy repair but it has left me with a sour feeling at this point.
It's not my father's VW
Fritz, 10/04/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Finally bought the car I wanted. Interior looks like a car costing $10K more and exterior style and finish is classy. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is smooth with just enough firmness to give confidence in the handling. Instruments at night are just plain cool, and Monsoon stereo sounds great. If I'm this happy in 5 years it will be worth every penny.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 25 listings
- GLX 4Motion SedanMSRP: $5,49515 mi away
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,500181 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,900184 mi away
See all 25 listings
Excellent car- great buy!
mihirmaniar, 08/28/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Maxima was totalled in an accident. We were looking for a V6 family-sedan under $30K. Our shortlist was Passat, Acura TL and Maxima. We test-drove many cars- older 528i, A6. We've previously owned Mazdas, Nissan, Toyotas. We did a lot of research on the web- Edmunds is awesome! After a couple weeks, we converged on the Passat GLX and absolutely love it! The exterior/interior is eye-catching and the handling is far superior than the Japanese cars. I am hoping the Passat will last me as long as the Japanese cars- they've increased the warranty to 4years now which is great. German cars feel stiffer than the Japanese cars, and make you stick to the road.
Be forewarned
Former owner, 09/12/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you are reading this you are probably thinking about purchasing a used Passat. If you do, chances are good you will regret it. I owned one for 4 years and never got any satisfaction, and got a lot of mediocre to poor service from VW. My Passat had brake issues. First replaced at 10k (all), then 17k (rear) 25k (rear) 29k (front) and when I ditched it at 33k, the rear needed replacing again, VW said was normal. I had a hesitation problem which I pointed out to them from 7000 miles, and every other time that I brought it in, they could never replicate the problem, but it was dangerous- not normal turbo lag. Lots of other issues and little satisfaction. Look up engine sludge issues on internet.
Not worth it
Warren, 08/08/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I think that the guy who bought his VW from CarMax got the one that I unloaded. It was the biggest disappointment. Had a Rabbit for 16 yrs that was great. Had the Passat for 4 years and hated it for three. Went through 4 sets of brakes, VW said it was normal wear. Hesitation issues, finally the axle was giving me trouble and I traded it in for a Mercury Milan. So far the Milan has only needed $30 oil changes, compared with the $80 oil changes of VW, not to mention premium gas. Got rid of the Passat at 33000 miles and was glad it was gone. Hey Andrews, is yours indigo blue? If so, sorry you got stuck. I don't care however reliable VW gets, I am done with them as a company.