Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great Car
MAnish, 11/07/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Its a Great Feeling
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.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,695678 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,995852 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499907 mi away
See all 19 listings
Best Buy!!!
AO Schwarz, 11/06/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's only been a couple of weeks since I passed over the new 2003 Accord in favor of a 2003 1.8T Passat. So far, I have absolutely no regrets. Inital quality and performance are outstanding and it's a joy to look at inside and out. The German look and "feel" are evident throughout this vehicle. The manufacturer recommends premium gas, which does seem to be necessary. Two tank fulls of mid-grade have provided a measureable difference in performance. Oh, well...it's worth the extra few bucks in gas! FYI - My car is Fresco Green, which looks hideous on the VW website, but stellar in person.
Great Car
memikl, 10/07/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A little wind noise, but other than that a truly great car to drive and own.
V-6 is worth it
gabesmom1127, 10/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When youre looking for a car that looks and feels good, it is easy to overlook engine performance. This bad boy has some awesome pick up. It truely is a dream to drive. I love my car!!!
Least reliable car I've ever owned
Derwinator, 05/04/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything you've read about the Passat is true - they are great to drive, look awesome, and have excellent fit and finish. Have really enjoying DRIVING this car, but can't say the same for my experience with its reliability. Hands down the most expensive and problematic car I've ever owned. If it wasn't in the shop for a $85 oil change (synthetic required by VW) it was in for a service recall or a problem like water leaking into the passenger side for the 4th time. Finally, the water pump failed at 78K mile destroying the timing belt and engine in the process. I've had enough and this car was sold as soon as I got it back from the repair shop. I'm in a Honda again and happy.
Great Car
10/04/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is great. It is fun to drive and is very stylish in the interior and exterior.
Blend of value and compromise
10/02/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In general the pros far outweigh the cons. For the price, I find the car to be a steal. The car is very sturdy. The quality of interior and exterior material is top notch. I purchased this car mainly because it has tons of safety features. For a family sedan, the 1.8T engine is adequate. Although the engine is a little noisy at lower revs, it is quite smooth at higher speeds. I feel that road noise is excessive. This may be attributed to the Continental tires. I highly recommend this car.
Passat
anthony , 10/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This automobile feels like a $50,000 BMW without the high maintainence cost.
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.
Not far from the Audi A4
BLew, 11/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased the car 2 months ago and is a blast to drive when you punch the accelerator. Very comfortable and has an upscale feel. I am concerned a little with reliability as the car has hesitated to start several times, but seems to have stopped as the miles go up.
Lemon of all Lemons
DanH8VW, 12/08/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just a warning just don't do VW. I absolutely hate this car, because of poor service and reliability. I don't go anywhere for fear it will break down again. VW service is horrible. I have a door that has never opened, just not safe. I have needed CV boots since the day after I bought the car. This car was a replacement for my 2002 Jetta, which was a death trap. I fear for my safety in this car. I have leaked every fluid since it was new. Dealers and VW state meets specification. I wonder should they be prosecuted for theft. I have paid more in maintenance and repairs than what the car cost. Ontario VW wants $2800 for each CV boot replacement, more than it's worth.
New Car
Mertdawg, 05/25/2009
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 this car for about a month and I LOVE IT. It's comparable to Acura's. I can't wait to put Yokohama Tires on it and fix it up piece by piece! RECALLS are great. A new TURBO has been put in it! You can still smell it breaking in ;) The turbo reminds me of V tec in my '98 Acura 3.0 CL.
<H1>Glued To The Road
Willard, 11/12/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I originally wanted an Audi A6 but one drive in the Passat and a look at the lower price there was no way that I could consider anything else. This car out shines anything from the asian manufacturers, not even close. No wonder consumer reports rated it the number one car in America. You must drive this car and experience the glued to the road feeling.
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.
1.8Turbo Passat GLS
Pastafarian, 11/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great family sedan -- room for 3 kids, comfortable, fun 5sp manual, and thrifty on gas (1.8T). Acceleration is adequate with the manual, but you won't win any races. Handling is decent on winding country roads, but you should opt for bigger wheels if you can.
outstanding
Michael De La Rosa, 11/15/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
my experience with the passat was a great experience. getting in i felt i was in total control and at the same time felt so comfortable and safe. a car i would never get tired of driving.
Disappointed
jsmith, 05/31/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the look, style, and power of my Passat. I was so excited to own a VW Passat. Two months after buying my used Passat, I noticed fluid leaking from underneath the car and smoke coming from the exhaust when I started the car. Transmission fluid was leaking and so was oil from the turbo. Before I could get the turbo fixed my car left me stranded on Christmas Eve. I ended up replacing the engine and turbo, which took 2 1/2 months to find an engine and turbo in good shape. Now a year after buying my car and putting in a new engine and turbo the transmission is slipping and the AC stopped working. I can not wait to get rid of this car!
2003 GLX with Tiptronic
MPZMBA, 11/15/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having been a sports car owner for several years (Porsche, S-2000, and Corvette), the move to a sedan was a major shock. Not wanting to blowup the bank account, I narrowed my choices to the GLX, an Accord V-6, Maxima, and G- 35 Infiniti. Well the G-35 was almost immediately eliminated, due to the fact that I'm moving from So. Fla to CT (rear wheel drive). I tested the others mentioned--BORING!!! When I got to the Passat, my eyes lit up. Nice looking car, German engineering, and a decent price tag.
I Love My First Dub!
Thom Rowe, 11/18/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Passat 1.8T, 5-speed manual for 4 months now. I think it's a great ride - fun to drive, easy to take care of, and it looks great. I have fallen in love with the German engineering.
A Great Car
PassatLover2003, 01/31/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car drives better than I ever expected it to. The 4 cylinder gets very good milage (up to 30 mpg) and still has unbelievable pep. Passing on the freeway is almost too easy. It's basically an Audi A4 at a great price
Love the car
sherryV, 09/22/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car. It is a dream to drive. We had a 98 Honda Accord and compared to what we were driving , I really love this car. Its so far my favorite in price you can't go wrong.
My new passat
hfbouyett, 02/04/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great experience, great materials, lot of fun to drive.
Exceeds Expectations
Kalamazoo, 11/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Pleasing performance, fine fit and finish, quietness, excellent sound system, features, features, features -- still finding new features.
Passat 4motion 6cyl
allnode, 02/07/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We only have the car for a week. Put in about a couple of hundred miles. So not sure yet about long term reliability. So far, we love its handling and its 4motion traction. Love its ability to take sharp corner and also great accelaration.
A Super Car!
bjbird2, 09/25/2002
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 really a kick to drive. I actually look foeward to my commute to and from work since I bought the Passat.
Stay away
cuse311, 03/24/2009
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 this car for almost 6 years now and while it was fun during the warranty period, lately it has been a real drain on my finances to keep it running. Problem after problem keeps showing up from sensors, coils, thermostat. If you like to be punished then go out and buy one, otherwise stay away. This car is very unreliable and very, very expensive to fix.
From a C-class to a Passat and glad..
Vespula, 08/04/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car has proven to be a class act. Fun to drive, comfortable and looks great. I think the thing I love most about this car is the feeling of being safe when im driving it. If you are looking for a sedan for under 30k that feels like a 40k+ car this is the one!
Great Car
ChrisR, 11/22/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Driving for three months and this car far exceeds my expectations. German engineering is far more exciting than Japanese reliability. The German build quality of this car is noncomparable to the previously built US & Mexico VW's (Rabbit/Jetta) There is always room for improvement, but they are minor in nature. This car has one small rattle that the monsoon stereo fixes.
2003 GLX great car!
Passatman, 02/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Impressive car to drive, smooth, quiet and fast. Lots of very nice touches. Better than the Jaguars, lincolns, and other expensive cars I test drove. Love the layout inside the car, love the firm but smooth ride, the silky smooth v6 and auto trans are tops. Loads of nice options on the GLX.
Great so far :)
nmallya, 09/26/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
So far running great..all of 5 days old
I love it!
JetsetTX, 02/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love it! Nissan tried to copy the Passat and failed. Drove the Mazda6 , a nice car, and the Passat before choosing the VW. The 6 is nice, the Passat is much more well equipped than the Mazda 6i. I wanted ABS, not standard on the Mazda. Can't get it without every package, which adds over $4000 to the cost. VW introduced the GL, I drove it and decided this is the car I wanted. The car the others failed trying to copy. It's fun, roomy, gets great gas mileage. Better interior than the Altima, Mazda, and Accord. The best car in it's class.
Its ok with a W8
rough driver in MT, 12/25/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Yea I read a lot of the complaints that these cars have but have you ever noticed that the complaints are only about the 1.8T? We have a 03 W8 passat and were the type that takes a car anywhere. Are passat goes through a lot of abuse because where we live has a lot of rough roads and unpredictable weather and it still runs ok. So if you are going to get one these cars get a W8 with 4motion because these cars are very heavy and do need the extra power and the 1.8T may do the job but stresses the engine to much causing parts to wear faster.
sub audi
Bartosz, 02/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is as well built as his richer brother Audi, and the GLX on which everything is "standard" is a bargain whereas BMW or Audi would cost me 40k with same options. No brainer.
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.
bought new, owned for 6 years, 100k mile
gphin305, 06/02/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car new in 2002 and just turned 100k miles. Problems...coil packs replaced by dealer when new...no charge. Cars manufactured prior to 7/02 had defects which VW took care of under warranty. Had engine sludge problem at 82k miles which vw fixed for free although technically out of warranty...changed to synthetic oil. car has had regular maintenance by VW dealer which provides excellent service. Car has experienced some minor issues (emergency flasher replaced, headlights burned out, etc.) but overall has been very reliable....no major engine or transmission issues. Very fun to drive, excellent ride on highway, solid German engineering. Bought new 08 last year....10k miles no problems.
Passat is great!
flisnik, 08/17/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My first venture from the Honda line in 15 years and I'm glad I made it. This car is a dream to drive. I've made two trips of 12 hours each way to see family and the Passat made it relaxing. The sound system is sweet to the ear.
LOVE IT!
AnonymousMe, 11/28/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I LOVE my new passat. At first I wasn't too sure when I was considering it, now I'm so happy! The only thing that my passat doesn't have is power adjustable seats, otherwise everything's great!
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.
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.
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!!
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!!!!!!
Impressive
RAM, 11/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Following test drives of the new Accord, Camry, A4, Maxima, and Volvo S60, the Passat was ahead of the pack in several categories. The main ones being the combination of features (V6, tiptronic, ESP, Monsoon, etc.) for the reasonable $30k price tag. Love the ride quality and responsiveness. Don't by a car without test driving the Passat.
First Impressions of New Car
Cal Driver, 08/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for less than one week, but so far it is a lot of fun and a pleasure to spend time in. Quality and reliability unknown but this site requires an answer to post...
2003 VW Passat: Beyond the call
leica, 12/11/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A super nice auto! Well made, fun to drive,comfortable,safe and affordable. Volkswagon is killing the competition! A 15 year BMWer who is equally happy with a bunch of cash to spare. Very Well done.
affordable luxury performance car...
New_VW_Lover, 12/13/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The VW Passat feels like a luxury car and it's really fun to drive. The 170HP/turbo engine accelerates well from stop or when passing. The car is feels solid and it's very responsive and accommodating in turns. As a New England resident and former SUV owner, it performs well in the snow with its great tires and traction control. The interior controls are easy to use/access and well layed-out. This is a luxury performance car with all the bells & whistles and safety features without the ridiculous price tag. I love this car!
Electrical nightmare
roger, 01/13/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the looks and driveability of car but will never buy another VW. I have had one electrical issue after another. Repair costs are high. UNDEPENDABLE!
2003 GLX
vam, 08/22/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive but Lots of road noise. Comfort is excellent. Bad Triptonic future
a very well car by VW
andre thursby, 12/21/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i own a 2002 vw passat and i am just in love. i bought it last november and i already have 24,000 miles on it and it doing well.
No question about it!!!!
ww401k, 12/19/2002
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 the bomb!!!! I have owned a BMW 318ti and although the engine was a bit smoother and it tracked a little better the Passat is bigger, nicer interior--many more features and about $5,000 less. Get the leather interior with heated seats...you will not want to get out!!!!!