Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews
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Review of 2003 Passat 4 cyl SW
Ole, 02/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Only problem: dealer refuses to provide any information on basic maintenance [oil changes, bulb changes, etc.] I guess they want to force customers to take the Passat to overpriced service at the dealership.
It fits nicely into my garage
Mr. Moos, 02/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have now owned my 1.8T Passat for roughly 1 month and I'm enjoying every minute of it. I've heard about some of the problems with the coil and hope that since mine is 2003 it won't become an issue. Everyday I try and find excuses to take long drives in the mountains and on the hwy because it has great pickup for a 170 HP powerplant. When that turbo kicks in, I can really feel it. I recommend anyone that's looking for a new sedan to test drive the manual first then the automatic. They both have a nice feel.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,50055 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,20057 mi away
- GLS 1.8T WagonMSRP: $2,99578 mi away
See all 19 listings
2003 GL Wagon 1.8L Manual
philzone, 09/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very happy with my purchase overall. Unfortuately, one wheel was unbalanced by 2.5 oz. when I drove it off the lot, but did not notice until I was on the interstate. Initial gas mileage is not quite as good as expected, perhaps more time will tell. Also was extremely difficult to find as a 5-speed manual, but I eventually got what I wanted after waiting till 2003 models. Excellent and responsive engine and tight suspension, with the cargo room I was looking for without buying an SUV or minivan.
Squeaks!!!!
sayvwagon, 02/19/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Beware that the brakes will squeak and all you will hear from VW is rinse off the brake dust, to decrease the squeak sound. Right door hand peels but VW will replace. And key will get stuck in the closed position, VW will replace. Gas mileage very poor for running around. I like the way it drives but for the price, STOP the SQUEAK.
Diamond in the rough
kory_p, 02/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It was only coincidence that I stumbled onto the volswagon dealership and found a true diamond in the rough. I was previously looking at a four door sedan and a sporty two door coupe from other car makers. Then I saw the passat GLS 1.8T and realized I could have the extra space and the sporty drive all in one.
Way to go, VW!
Shadow3, 10/01/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love this car! We bought the 1.8L turbo; it's a rocket! And it's steady in the wind. Has a nice steady feel. Hard to keep it under or at the legal speed limit. We tried Camry and Accord and feel that we made the best choice when we bought the Passat.
NEVER BUY A VOLKSWAGEN
ckbell, 02/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With the promise of gas mileage of 20 city and 28 hwy, it was a sensible car to buy. Unfortunately I am getting between 13-14 mpg since I bought it. I do not sit in traffic or have unusual circumstances that would cause such a problem. Our Ford Explorer gets better gas mileage - unbelievable. I have pleaded with both the dealership and the VW Corporation to fix my car or replace it with another one but they will not do anything to help me. They actually told me that the lemon law would not protect me because gas mileage is only an "estimate", not a guarantee. I will NEVER own a Volkswagen of any kind again.
In love with my '03 Silverblue beauty!
Maiden, 02/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in August and I love to drive it! Many standard features that are optional on other competitors cars, ultra safe, dig the German touches-first aid kit cabinet in the trunk, chrome tie downs, etc. Fabulous car, I will do it again!
Love my VW!!!
grassyknollgunman13, 10/16/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1.8T 5speed is great. Not too expensive, and a great car. Rides nice, got some power and a great soundsystem. (Monsoon) The only 2 things Im not crazy about are the placement and design of the sideview mirror control, (knob on the door panel)and the front seat center arm rest. Its nice that it slides forward to be adjustable but w/ a manual tranny, it moves too much while shifting. Other than that, I would highly recomend this car.
Wouldnt buy a VW again
Eric Lederman, 02/21/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
too many problems....the first 6 months was good and then it all began. Ignition coils failed, Monsoon sterio stopped working, fog lights stopped working,trip computer works few days a month,cannot drive the car in rain or fog ,wipers dont work efficiently.DOnt buy a VW, if you are real crazy lease it
problem after problem
j, 04/14/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car brand new and each yer I have had to pay out at least 2,000 or more a year for repairs, now my car needs a new engine. My car stayed in the shop for 4 mths at a time I have had to put my car in the shop at least 3 time a year
UnGermanlike Engineering
Brian, 01/28/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst car we have had for frequent & expensive repairs. Now at 73,000 miles. Since 60,000 we have spent a ridiculous $6,000 on repairs. AC compressor and evaporator $3000,timing belt repair $1400. Brakes $800. Our air bag warning light is now on $400 to fix. VW service told us that after warranty "It's your problem." Mercedes repairs are same or less-less labor charges since better design.
I miss my Honda Civic
Carpentier, 10/15/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have four separate rattles. I can hear two rattles in the dash idling at a stop light from the engine vibration even with the stereo on. The transmission has a mind of its own. Shifting is often rough. I averaged only 16 mpg for the first 600 miles.
I love my Passat
yuhuei, 02/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I was searching all the informations about the Jetta and Passat last year when I was almost going to buy the Jetta. I saw many complains on the Jetta, part of the reasons because are made in Mexico. However, I bought the Passat, so far I am really happy and didn't regreat at all. That's good sight!!
Looks Good/Bad Mechanical Experience
jumpman, 02/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Did lots of homework.Mechanical nightmare. Poor warranty. Problems include replacement of $1,300 electrical part in 3 months, replacement of brakes in 1st year, engine knock and piston replacement in year, engine vacuum hose in need of replacement @ 36,000 miles, both headlights replaced and engine related recall. Everything done to manufacturer specifications, including use of more expensive premium gas.
Good, But !
chigue, 10/19/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second GLX Wagon . Had an 01 to trade in at 24000 miles. Overall I like the styling better on the 03, wish they had avoided the chrome trim tacked on over and in the car, that in my opinion cheapens the look esp on the dash. The wheels are easier to clean at least. Its a nice car to drive with a good solid feel to it. Needs more power though especially considering the poor fuel economy. Which is the worst thing about this car .It has terrible fuel economy considerably worse than my 01 which in itself was alot worse than my prior car a Saab 9000. I feel a car this expensive and of this quality should have decent fuel economy. It does not!
2003 Passat Purchase
Mark Winegar, 07/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I ordered a '03 Passat GLS in September '02 and took delivery January '03. Because of the color (Fresco metallic green with biege leather interior)combination and transmission (manual), I had to order it. It was well worth the wait. I consider this to be a entry level luxury car, not just a midsize sedan. The ride, quietness, performance and workmanship all have exceeded my expectations. The 1.8T works best with the manual transmission. I haven't had any problems in the 6 mos. I have owned it. It's a beautiful German made car. It will go faster than most people realize.
Great Car - Poor Gas Mileage
hzolla, 06/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've been driving my Passat for 6 months now and really enjoy it. The Passat is quiet and has adequate pick up. I have experienced no quality or mechanical problems at all. I test drove the Volvo V70 and Audi A6 & A4 wagon and it was clear to me then, as it is now, that the best value amongst these is the VW. My only complaint is below - Gas Mileage.
a perfect
ssamaha, 10/17/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 2001 Volvo V70 Turbo wagon and it's a great car, but for $10,000 less, this VW is even a better car. I couldn't believe how well equiped a $30,000 sedan can be. We even looked at the MB C240 and the Audi A4 and they were comprable but cost 5-10 Gs more! It drives like a true German car, and there is absolutely no torque steer like with my Volvo. It had superior build quality, and German design.
Amazing!
Tomg, 07/10/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Wonderful car. Volkswagen pays great attention to detail. The interior design and comfort is top notch. The ride is smooth and refined. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anothe Volkswagen.
Good Value, Stylish Ride
JJS, 07/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Put 1,000 miles on the car in the first 2 months. Ride and style are great, no issues with reliability to date. The car is everything that I expected. I think that a few of the poor reviews out there might be accurate for those few that had real problems with their dealer, but most are from buyers that did zero research and thought that they were buying a Benz in VW skin for 30k. This the car is not, and many reviewers seem to take this mistake out on their review instead of themselves. This is however a great VW. If you know and like VW, and need an AWD wagon, you will be very happy with the Passat.
Excellent car!
desertracer, 10/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had a 98 Golf GL and got the 2003 1.8T GLS with leather option on Sat. It's a nice car to drive. The manual transmission is reponsive. Gas milage is excellent. Features are great. Fresno Green exterior color is subtle.
Fun to drive, when it's not in the shop.
Dr.Go, 07/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving this car, like the style, but am frustrated with the many repairs needed in the first six months of ownership. Needed to replace an interior door panel (defective), the windshield (distortion), repair a vibration noise in the ceiling, and replace the gas tank (this took 4 attempts to fix!). Very poor quality control, resulting in 7 days in the shop in four months. Dealer has been very helpful, but still not the carefree ownership I had hoped for.
Solid and fun
Jeff Ogden, 07/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Looks great. Drives great. Handles like on rails. Dislikes: back seat is small and V6 is a bit light on the power, but not bad.
Worst reliability I've ever encountered
Andrews, 04/17/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car was purchased used with 33,000 miles on it from CarMax. I purchased the extended warranty after reading spotty reliably ratings. Thank goodness I did. This car has been in the shop five times in the past six months. We've got a rental Chevy Cobalt for now. Side note: While the Cobalt is not in the same luxury range as the Passat, I'm extremely surprised at how nice the car is. I'm looking at getting a new Malibu to replace our lemon VW.
$4000 in repairs in less than a year!
katie, 02/01/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this at 59,000. Two weeks later it went in the shop. 6 of the 8 ignition coils went bad $620(there was a recall on this so if they need repaired again VW will not pay 4 it). Intake bad, fuel sensor bad, coolant sensor bad. Total that time $1,890.00. Before I bought the car Lithia put $500.00 in what they called basic repairs, 2 weeks ago I put $900 in electrical probs and 2day my valve gaskets blew out of no where (they are new btw) $1,192.00 for those to be replaced. Front light went out and that's $500.00 2 repair bc they have 2 take the front panel off! Oh and the car is now stated to be worth $8,000.00. So in reality I have thus paid $12,982 for a car worth $8 grand
2003 Passat
trishat, 10/23/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has pizazz! The comfort and style of this model rivals most luxury cars for a modest price. The car is full of saftey features that are not installed on other vehicles so you feel safe transporting your children. Bottom line........safe, reliable and FUN!!!!!!
Nice car!
Badoodie, 07/24/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I really like this car. A bit smaller than my previous Mazda but much more fun to drive. Nice leather interior. Most importantly, my mechanic and my car insurance guy both gave it very enthusiastic thumbs up!
Happy with my VW
DWP, 07/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
3 months so far and no problems. Really enjoy the way it drives and handles. Tiptronic is great! The safety record and features really give me peace of mind. Heard mixed reviews about Monsoon sound so bought a model without it and have no complaints, sound is excellent unless you have to have car shaking bass.
Passat W8
VW-Newbie, 10/24/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When I began searching for a new vehicle I wasn't even aware that an "upscale" Passat was available. I had made a list of vehicles to test drive - the Audi A6 2.7T, Volvo S60 T5, Acura TL Type S, BMW 3 series and the Lincoln LS. Thankfully some people online informed me that an all-new VW was available with 8 cylinders AND all wheel drive. After one test drive I was sold! I still went out and test drove other vehicles, but none felt as "complete" as the W8. If you are looking for a car that combines performance, safety and a fun-to-drive spirit for under $40k then you owe it to yourself to test drive the VW Passat W8.
Ten W8 complaints
datt, 02/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Steering wheel misaligned. 1st wk in shop to find antenna wire partially severed in mfg. 1. Rear seats don't fold. Trunk 50% reduced from front drive Passat. 2. Steering hard. 3. Seats uncomfortable on long drives. 4. Xeon headlamps used as running lights. Dealer unaware replacement bulbs are $200 a pop. Running lights cannot be disabled. 5. First oil change $105. W8 requires 9 quarts synthetic, with two changes in 1st yr owner's expense. 6. Mileage disappointing. 7. Glove box small. 8. Trunk access operation and lock inconvenient. 9. Radio so-so. 10. Sprays itself badly on wet roads.
Gentlemen only, please
Sir Henry, 07/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The wagon is ideal for both city and country. It parks easily, and looks great. With the V6 it has a smooth acceleration, and manouvers quickly in tight situations. It has an understated and unpretensious appeal, with surprising luxery and comfort. I personally like the feeling of superior workmanship, and distinctly german attitude.
repair bills 3 inches thick shameful
Ryan , 04/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a joy to drive when the check engine light is not on. It has Great hwy mileage. As for the down side I paid 6700 for the car a year ago in very good shape still looks great but have replace over 3000 dollars worth of crap on the car in 5 different visits to the dealership. I got a stack of papers from the previous owners of every service visit and oil change so i thought i would be ok. I was wrong regardless of how well you take care of this car is just a nightmare in random repair bills.
excellent vehicle
rob1234, 10/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great handling, powerful, beautiful design, great triptronic transmission but would have liked a manual, 6 speed maybe. Safe with AWD, plenty of airbags, ESP
Still happy one year later
clekezarke2, 07/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We picked up our wagon last June and have been very happy with it since then. It is a solid drive and much more fun to piot than a station wagon ought to be. I don't regret replacing my Trailblazer with this car one bit. It has better handling, braking, responsiveness, and gas mileage than the Chevy did, and that was the older model. I found the newer Chevy to be sloppier in these categories. We have had no problems with the vehicle other than a recall for a problem that would probably never happen.
2003 vw passat gl turbo
AJMATTA, 07/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive midsize sedan, confortably fits 4 or 5 adults. Great gas mileage, roomy interior, great looks and a lot less money than other in it's class. The 1.8 turbo gives it great power, the high torque helps too. This is my 4th VW and recommend them everywhere I go.
Nice Ride
weauxd, 10/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Very comfortable, plenty of room and very fun to drive. Gas mileage leaves room for improvement considering premium is recommended. Features of this car rock. Seat adjusters on GLS are archaic, no electronic adjustments there. Cruise control in awkward position.
Ignition coil Problems!!!!
trbochrg, 02/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the looks, love to drive it, but the ignition coils are no good, and my dealership is giving me the runaround. They don't care that my coils are failing, and their only option until March is to bring it in, and replace them with coils they have that will contiue to fail!!! What service!!! Can't even get a straight answer about when the new ignition coils will be available!
1st VW
Chris Wisp, 07/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For my 1st VW I am totally impressed. I have owned several Audi Vehicles with Quattro and been very impressed. I owned the original 4000 Quattro and liken this car to it in the sense that it is an exellent value. The performance of a 20 year newer car is of course better by leaps and bounds but at the price that it sells for this car is a value. I am impressed with a wagon that can run with the best of the performance cars of today and is still versitile enough to hall almost anything. This car is new to me and of course only time will tell, but my Audi 4000 went for over 400,000 miles.
LOVE my Passat
SFM, 04/20/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car with great fuel economy. Whenever I am on the highway I get around 30 mpg. Mine has 95,000 on it right now and is still running great. The exterior is a little boring but greatly improved on in the new Passats. The body is very sturdy, I have backed into my garage door after slamming the gas and it barely has a scratch. Great for a first car or anyone who is on the road a lot.
Love my VW
jshanley, 05/08/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is truly an amazing vehicle, from the comfort and control to the stability and the safety you feel driving such a powerful vehicle. I purchased my car with 31,000 miles and have since put 9,000 on in less than one year because I simply love driving it!
Great car, couple of issues
Andy L, 10/31/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Comfortable ride. Good mileage around 30mpg. Love the fresco green color. Two negatives about the car are: 1) delay in acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear, 2) poor visibility out the back window because of the head rests getting in the way.
reliability an issue
willis, 07/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has anyone else had problems with the radio, ignition coils and then the recall for the right tire well/gas tank "explosion risk"? It looks great - when it is not in the shop.
Thrilled!
eap, 07/28/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning 2 other VWs and a few other makes, this is the best one by far. Fun to drive, plenty of space for people and stuff. It feels like a car costing much more. I would but another one without hesitating. Car had a foggy taillight on delivery. Took it home and did what dealer suggested to remedy the problem. When that didn't work, they replaced it under warranty. Have also had a few rear bulbs burn out already but they, too, have been replaced for free. Service before and after the sale has been fantastic. The 1.8T is plenty quick, but like most people, I'd love a tad more power.
W8 6M What Fun!
zedbyers, 07/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just picked up my new W8 6M last weekend, and put 2500 miles on it already. What a fun car to drive!! Only complaints, no where to put CDs, seats should be a bit more comfortable, Recaro would be nice. This engine/tranny is a blast to drive. Can't wait to see a few mods come out for the car, and can only imagine what the Phaeton with a manual tranny would be like! Excellent experience with dealer. Will be back to by another VW when I get bored with this one (if that can happen). Can't beat the quality and amount of car you get for price paid when compared to MB, BMW, and Audi.
Frustrated with computer related prob
cmn168, 08/01/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Picked up my brand new 2003 Passat on 6/28/03. Towed to dealership on 7/6/03 with 113 miles, due to computer prob. Picked up the repaired car on 7/9/03. Towed to the dealship again on 7/26/03 with 581 miles for similar computer prob. and the car is still in the shop, as of 8/1/03.
Funnest car I've owned
not all bad reviews, 05/15/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it in 04 with 20,000 miles and now have 145,000 miles on it. Had to replace the coils and brake light switch. Had my own mechanic do the work and got reimbursed most$ because of recalls. Fun to drive. Had a water issue but fixed it myself. If I had mechanic fix it would have gotten reimbursed due to recall. Only issue I have is the headlights are wired backwards so the main lights are on all the time. Also have a heated seat issue but beyond that I love the car. Parts are pricey and the dealers don't have a clue. But have not had the issues these posters have had. Anyone who's borrowed my car liked driving it.
Best Car, Best Value
wheatie, 11/02/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has been wonderful. I drove the new altima and accord and they both felt cheap compared to the passat. I thought I would have to sacrifice value, but I got heated seats, computer, 2 extra airbags for around $21,000.
W8 Underated Overachiever
Jim Powers, 08/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is exactly what I was looking for. A quality sedan with the power to pass easily on the highway and the handling necessary for City streets. Going around corners is fun and exiting in rain or sunshine. The car holds its line and it is nearly impossible to loose control with the all wheel 4Motion drive.The manual mode of this transmission allows the user to drive the car like a stick shift without the hassle of a clutch. The leather interior is comfortable and luxurious and with the Monsoon Stereo blaring and the sunroof open driving beachside down A1A is a gas.
Looks Good in the Shop
balewis, 08/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had the car one year and already had to replace the starter. The A/C would not turn off. One recall repair. And several rattles in the dash. The VW charm is quickly wearing off. The VW Service is a nightmare.