Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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
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.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,695146 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499453 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,995474 mi away
See all 19 listings
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.
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.
Don't buy if you drive a lot
R.S., 07/08/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I got exactly what I wanted with this car. Comfort and good quality. It's quiet as well, and designed well inside. From the outside it's boring (which is fine with me, but bad if you drive to impress). But the build quality is excellent. The finish resists minor bumps and scratches. I had a minor fender bender and it didn't even scratch the bumper. It has three really bad points, though. First, it has terrible mileage (14 miles/gallon around town, which gets pricey when you also have to use 91 octane fuel ). Second, the fuel tank is small, so I only get 190 miles per tank. Last, the steering wheel takes a lot of effort to turn. That's fine with me, but my wife won't drive it.
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.
Merc 4 VW price
Nassar, 11/05/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car. Drives and handles like a Benz. Gives you a tight and solid feeling around curves and zigzagging.
unbelievable
aik, 02/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. Its like driving a cloud. The speed will become legendary. It is a family car and a finely tuned racing machine. It is a pal, a friend and so much fun to drive. It almost knows what you expect of it and it delivers. The v8 engine is unlike any you have seen before. It takes your breath away.
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.
the best for the money
jorge zamacona, 08/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car is one great package. has allthe necessary bells and whistles. great handling and extremely responsive engine. gets you out of tight spots with a simple touch of the gas peddal. the 4 motion is truly the best. Great in corners and engine even on auto slows down and shifts down according to speed and rpm. this is the total package. yo get 100 cents for every Dollar.
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.
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.
My Passat
smity67, 08/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Everything is great with my passat, but I wish it had more horse power. I realize they make the 8 cylinder now but Ive got the 1.8T and it doesnt have enough.
VW PASSAT
Maryanne Shea, 08/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car...fun to drive
Great Car
PIX, 08/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I own a 2000 Model and for a 6ft+ size guy, its a great car. Comfortable, great leg room,handles extremely well in bad weather, fun to drive and safe as well. Plus looks great, its a luxurgy car in my book.
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.
Passsat Review
JJfpagan, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent movements and great handling and confort are the best qualities of this car
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.
Wish I had the autobahn
ad_roper, 08/20/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sweet car to drive, absolutely delighted I purchased the passat GLX. I considered the Mazda6, and Altima and after a rigorous test drive the Altima was out of contention. Both the Mazda6 and Passat were delightful on the course but the feel of the VW was better. The standard safety features eliminated the mazda. Highlights: Cruising at 120 using a BMW as a very fast rabbit while having a casual conversation with my daughter without realizing how fast we were flying. I let the rabbit go - there was more play to be had if I desired. Stopping on a dime after traffic came to a dead halt without the slightest hint of danger.
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.
Great Car
Velvet, 08/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent mileage and easy to manuever in and out of small places. Good stability - Appears heavier than it actually is so it holds the road well. Comfortable to drive with 3 seat controls. Fanatastic Monsoon audio sound. Cold weather package includes heated washer tips and rear view mirror defrosters
GLX Best German Engineering value
whcatto, 08/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the GLX for 5 months now; it is the best car out there for the money. I look forward to getting into it each morning; the design and performance are what would be expected in a $50,000 German Sedan. All of the "extra" features that are uncovered in the first few weeks make this car truly special.
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.
Wow!!
passatmo, 09/03/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My wife's '92 Q-45's transmission went out. Had to get something else. Test drove 4-5 cars. Test drove a "demo" GLX and LOVED it. Brought it home yesterday. She let me drive it about 25 miles on the freeway while it was turning dark outside. It drove like a dream! Then I turned on the lights and the instrument panel lit up! WOW! Shifted to Tiptronic at 70 mph. Wife drove it to work today. I can't wait til she gets home so I can have another crack at it.
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.
Please, very pleased!
Rommel, 09/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a great car - who wants to drive any of the other "We all look and drive the same" cars. Triptronic is superb fun - a really great car to drive! Had 3 Jettas before (All of which I loved), prefer this car to my friends BMW 325 - far better equipped and it was $11K cheaper! Only criticism so far is that the MPG could be better - this should be fun!
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.
Worth a little extra $$.
FieldingMelish, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I only considered 2 models, the Passat and the Nissan Altima. The quality of the Passat's interior and the handling was so much better than the Altima. A great car.
A Blast to Drive.
luckyg22, 07/23/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought my Passat a week ago I traded my Lincoln Town Car It was a 2001 . I just love this car. It has so much power and is so much fun to drive. I wish I would have bought a long time ago . My son had a BMW once and this car reminds me of it. Just the way it drive sounds , handles. I can't say enough about it . It's great. I love it.
brakesease
HAROLD KFARE, 09/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
overall very pleased,especially with the service department with the dealer
nice ride
bobby43, 08/10/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this is my 1st vw & i like very much, it has nice ride and quite from inside.
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!
So Far So Good
JS/SJ, 08/09/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought car in 2/03; a month ago drove from Chicago to Glacier Natl Pk & back. Drove like a dream at ALL speeds. 8,500 now on odometer. Only prob so far: warped brk rotor, which dlr replaced for free. Just received a letter from VW stating that they are "replacing all ignition coils in cars potentially affected whether a malfunction has occurred or not" YAAY
My Passat
Nicholas Corbin, 09/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For a four cylinder vehicle it has good acceleration and power. I have always loved Volkswagons my first car was a 1967 VW Bug. I feel if a car made in 1967 lasted over 30 years it is waorth another investment.
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.
Buyer Beware
Jennifer Heit, 09/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am so disappointed with my gas mileage. I am only getting 15 mpg. Service department says there is nothing they can do. They blame my in town driving, our hot climate, and my heavy use of the ac. It's a nice car and I have no other complaints but with premium gas at over $2.00 a gallon this is not an economical car. The advertised mpg is suppose to be 19 mpg.
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.
More than Expected
BAllen, 07/18/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Still a "new" VW owner but am impressed so far. This car is solid, handles well and gives you a sense of being sporty yet practical. FUN TO DRIVE.
Quantum in a different world!
TRH, 07/30/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Sedan (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent handling and road feel. Solid bodywork and trim. Involved in minor wreck with Toyota 4runner and Toyota mangled. Passat bruised but still driveable and operable. V-6 has more power than you can realistically use on US roads.
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!
New to VW
Mel, 06/02/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It handles good, feels good. Owners manual does not say much at all about Transmission or maintenance of tranny. i can't even find type oil to use or how to check it.
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!!!!!