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.
Very disapointed VW Owner
K.Walsh, 05/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
We bought this car (2002 VW Passat) based on great reviews. Unfortunately, we encountered coil problems, as did all 2002 Passat owners with the 1.8 Turbo. We remain very bitter and disapointed in the manner in which this problem was addressed. VW would only replace the faulty ignition coils as they failed. So for a four cylander car, that was four occassions for the car to completely lose power and break down. Dealing with VW was an aweful experience. Now, my car's rear breaks need replacing @ 15,000 miles and the radio does not work. Additionally, the rear cigarette lighter refuses to stay shut and now does not work altogether. Good luck.
Passat is the Best Value!
ptsurfrider, 11/05/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle new and have put it through rigorous testing (off road, extensive mileage, power w/the V6). I don't recommend my testing, but the results have led to my conclusion that VW German engineering really does last. I've owned a Buick Riviera, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, and a Toyota Camry. Though Toyota and Honda are excellent vehicles, my Passat is the most fun to drive. My next vehicle purchase will definitely be a VW.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 21 listings
- GLX 4Motion SedanMSRP: $3,99754 mi away
- GLX SedanMSRP: $6,997204 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,263475 mi away
See all 21 listings
Your Father's Passat
John Hetrick, 03/18/2016
updated 09/18/2017
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
2003 Passat GLX is a fully loaded sedan- two 8 way power seats with memory, rain sensing wipers, folding mirrors, smooth V6 engine and drive train, and other features only available on high end vehicles. Most all the options still work. Only bothersome problem has been the alloy rims pit from the winter salt and develop slow leaks. Recently repaired rims since winter is over- should hold till next year. Paint and body has held up well for Ohio winter roads. This car still turns heads- people don't believe it is 13 years old.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Worst car I have ever owned
merry8, 06/03/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new off the lot, brakes squeeked from day 1, when I inquired with the dealer I was advised "all new car's brakes squeek". I took to an independent mechanic at 8k miles, the mechanic stated my brakes were completley failed, rusted. The mechanic told me the brakes were so bad I should stop driving asap, I had the car towed to the dealer. The dealer b.s.'ed me and told me my brakes were fine, I believed them. They were not, at just over 12k miles, they were gone, dealer said brake warranty over at 12k, they strung me along until the warranty ran out. The dealer stated it was because i lived near the ocean, that is why my brakes failed!!Numerous other issues as well.
Excellent purchase!
vampirecat019, 01/17/2015
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've had my Passat for two years now, and besides regular maintenance and a few repairs I could do myself (Aged plastic hoses, etc.) which ANY car would need replaced at 120,000 miles, it has been an excellent purchase! There are a lot of reviews on here saying the Passat is junk, but if you can't properly inspect a car to see if it has been maintained like any car should before you buy it, you're a moron, and have no right to slander a perfectly good car. After initial purchase with 110,000 miles, I changed the water pump and timing belt myself. Yes, I had to take off the front bumper. Boo Hoo! This is one of the EASIEST cars I've ever owned to work on. I've had an RX-7, Impreza, Accord.