Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
Thank god it's gone
Naomi, 12/29/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
When I bought the car it had all the features and performance I was looking for along with great all weather traction. That was the good news. Over 6 years it would spend 1-2 months in the shop every year. Electrical problems, replaced fuel senders x2, fuel tank, engine coils, torque converter, cv joints, numerous other recalls and finally the dreaded cam adjusters failed at 43k. Quoted repair cost $8500, and happens to just about every w8. A quick fix is to try an oil flush like k&w, but it is a ticking time bomb of what's going to fail next. Worst reliability I have ever seen, and this holds for other w8 owners I spoke too. We all traded ours in for a more reliable car (just not a VW).
Dripping with Features - Very Satisfying
Mij, 04/03/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I just love this car! It shifts into 5th gear at about 125 MPH and pulls right up until the 130 MPH limit. Corners are confidence inspiring. The engine is much more powerful at road speeds than the small 2.8L implies due to the high revs (3000 RPM @ 80 MPH). Fuel economy is surprisingly decent (23+ overall) during day-to-day driving, and on the road turns in 28-29 MPG without the A/C (drops about 15% with A/C). The low volume wind noise, even with all windows down and the sunroof open, and the lack of internal wind-buffeting allows me to enjoy near-top-down comfort at any moment. The wood trim and leather steering wheel are sensual in softness and caress-worthiness.
The Lemonader
Irv King, 07/28/2015
updated 02/01/2017
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
21 of 27 people found this review helpful
I purchased a new 2003 Passat GL 4-door sedan. Not including regular maintenance, here are the repairs headings taken directly from my receipts: CV Boot. MOC Cleaner. Light bulb. Power steering Pump. Battery. Coolant Leak. Serpentine belt, AC belt. Power steering pressure hose. Timing Belt. Brake light. CV boot. Driver headlight. Coolant leak. Transmission fluid leak. Cam tensioner seal leak. Rear coolant flange coolant leak. Axle boot. Engine & transmission mounts. Coolant leak. Master Power Window switches. Vacuum check valves and connecting hoses. Automatic transmission service. Brake boost vacuum mechanical failure. Headlamp. Coolant bottle and multiple coolant leaks. Axles/CV boots/CV joints. Recharge A/C system. Power steering leak. Glove box door latch broken/replaced. Coolant leak. Thermostat cover. Engine leak/pan gasket. Axles/CV boots/CV joints. Passenger headlamp. Radiator hose leak. Front lower spoiler and hoot strut replaced. Rear shocks and front upper link bushings. Splash guard/front grill replaced. Anti-lock brake system. Cooling system and oil leak. An average of more than $3,000 a year for repairs over the last 6 years. Worst car I have ever owned. THE LEMONADER.
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2003 Volkswagen Passat
j wilson, 11/07/2015
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
18 of 23 people found this review helpful
This car is a complete lemon. You fix one thing three things break. Repairs include 2 water pumps, vacuum system failure. Sludge in the motor. Very expensive parts. Turbocharger failure. Antenna broke. Seatbelt buckle broke which is hooked to airbag. Don't buy a Volkswagen. I have paid more in repairs than I paid for the car.
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- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car Except... 2 Things Drive me Crazy
jax20, 01/04/2013
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
17 of 22 people found this review helpful
I'm writing this review because I just got backed into. And if the blasted horn were to work when the car is turned off it would not have happened. What I want to ask you Mr. Hans Designor is why must the hatch lock everytime it is closed? How is this a safety feature? And how in the world is it safe to be unable to use a horn when your car is turned off? A paranoid hypocondriac grandmother could not design a more annoying electric locking system.