Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
seriously fun and reliable
KH, 11/14/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
4 Motion, All wheel drive, W8: Overall, it was a great purchase for the price. It is by all means a luxury car. Our only complaint is that the check engine light has been on since the purchase (8 months) and two dealerships and three visits have yet to be able to find the issue, it there even is one. Please note that this car takes synthetic oil so you will pay more for regular changes. Also, it takes a person with higher than average mechanical skills to work on the car personally. So, even minor issues will usually have to be taken car of professionally (the engine is enclosed).
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.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499905 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,995961 mi away
- GLX SedanMSRP: $7,999975 mi away
See all 18 listings
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
- Safety
- 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.