Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
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2003 Passat GL
I enjoy this car. I had a 2000 Accord EX V6 A, and I simply like the Passat better. It handles great especially since I've added 17 inch wheels and high performance tires -- like night and day. For a basic family sedan that looks sharp and drives well, the Passat is the way to go IMHO.
New to VW
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.
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $1,999266 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,295494 mi away
- GLX WagonMSRP: $3,250540 mi away
Electrical nightmare
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
Fun to drive but Lots of road noise. Comfort is excellent. Bad Triptonic future
a very well car by VW
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.
some pluses; some minuses
I purchased a VW Passat V6 sedan two weeks ago, even though my first choice was the Infiniti G35. Honda Accords were also in the original mix. So far, the Passat has performed well but there are certain caveats; e.g., no key lock for trunk; the homelink remote transmitter does not light up in the dark; small door handles; gear shifts do not light up;fairly noisy engine.
love the 2003 b5
i love the 2003 b5, great vehicle. had the two recalls- engine coil packs and the rear wheel well. otherwise, i find that the car handles well, accel. decently, the manual helps out the 1.8t. good mileage.
No question about it!!!!
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!!!!!
I'd do it again
I was immediately disappointed that I leased and did not buy my Passat. It is a fine car. It has been reliable. I just find the car fun to drive. Had an 88' Camry and couldn't wait to get rid of it. Mileage has been ~28 in the country and 33+ on trips. Great handling. Love night inter. lighting. Suprising power from a four cylinder. VW got it right. I am buying the next one.
questionable reliability
This car is sporty, looks pretty, nice pick up but has not been the most reliable, I would not reccomend this vehicle to others right now, it has broken down and left me stranded, broke down and left me stranded for a second time alone - it has recall after recall and I pay alot to lease it and cannot wait to give it back - I cannot reley on the vehicle, I wish I can give it back now but VW will not let me - I worry when I get in it everyday!
My favorite car
Was actually looking at the Accord Coupe and Toyota Solara in a V6. Somehow ended up at a VW dealer. Needless to say, I ended up with a Passat GLS 1.8T with the 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Never thought I would buy a VW, but I am sure glad I did.
As good as a VW gets.
This is a complete german car that can compete with any other at a much lower price. It is a fully loaded sedan that still offers a fun ride. The 1.8T engine hadles like a good 4 cyl at low RPMs, but as soon as it gets close to 3000 RMP yo can feel the car pulling. Precise steering and good breaks. The only thing I would change are the tires, They a confortable set of Michellin, but they lack the grip when working the 1.8T
I love this car!
Bought it last fall after months looking for a gently-used 2001.5 or 2002, but couldn't find a V6 anywhere. Traffic around DC can be frustrating, but I stopped complaining about my commute after buying it. And if I ever think I spent too much, all I have to do is drive something else to realize that every last penny was worth it. This car looks great and is a blast to drive! It handles wonderfully (I cried for my old Saab every day that I drove the very vanilla Dodge that replaced it, until I bought the Passat), is great on short AND long drives (nearly 24,000 trouble-free miles), and handles anything from sand to snow with aplomb.
Not Bad, Its Great!
I've had my Passat now for almost 2 years and have put 31,000 miles on it. There has been only one issue with the car. the coil packs went and where replace by the dealer. Besides that its been a kick ass car. i drive very agresive and the car handles turns, accelerating and decelerating really well. I drive mostly city and 70-80 mph on the highway and get 21.3 MPG not bad for my style of driving. I have no complaints. I wouldn't give this car up for any thing. I plan to modify the car to get 210hp from the standard 170hp. Easy to Modify very inexpensively to increase the engines performance. Go get one, trust me.
Pay the extra cash upgrade from Jetta!
I upgraded from the Jetta, because the 2002 was falling apart. I should have spent the 2k more and got the Passat from the start. The handling is great, the mileage is better than the Jetta, I get 22mpg city, 26mpg hwy. The car is have all the fun of the jetta, but with more power. Power is more than adequate. Taking some getting used to the 5 speed auto and turbo lag. Way underpriced for what you get.
I love My Car
I have owned three VW jetta and a Chevy Blazer and I can say the amount of times I took all three VW to the shop was less than the number of times I took the Chevy to the shop. Thank goodness I am driving one of the best cars of our time. I don't care what anybody says. I love my new passat and my wife is going to get rid of her mitsubishi and get one too!!!. It just puts a smile on my face anytime i sit behind the wheel. I recommend anyone who wants to purchase a sedan for $21000 plus to consider a passat!!!
Max bang for the buck
This is an all around great car at a price that adds a real feeling of triumph for us value addicts.
Total price too high!
in owning a passat one has to be carefull as to the cost and quality of service available and has to be considered in the total price. Avalability of trained service technicians is scarce and the cost of parts is also something to be reckoned with. An onboard diagnostic computer which would print out the problem would help the consumer in not being taken by the dealer or be the training guineapig of the technician
I love it so far
I've only had it a couple of weeks, but so far it is great. It handles well. There is a little turbo lag, but it is quick. The build quality is fantastic. It is really quiet, and feels very solid and tight. It comes with a lot of nice standard features and safety features. I am hoping that it is as reliable as the Rabbit I had for 15 years. It is a pleasure to look at as well as drive.
Volkswagen Passat
the best car ever made!!!
'03 Passat GLX (5A)
I believe that the Passat is the best 4 door family sedan for the money (compared to Honda (didn't care for the '03 Accord redesign), Toyota, and Acura (TL Type-S didn't do it for me)- it DOESN'T compare to domestic products). A quality German-engineered and built car, many features for the money (interior design and fit and finish alone make this a wonderful car), safety (side curtain air bags, etc.), and good looks to boot. May be a few $K more than Japanese cars, but once you drive one, you'll understand why. I came out of a BMW and wanted to stay with German quality, reliability, etc. and feel that this is a good compromise.
Passat Lover
I am really happy with this car. Ive had Toyota,Honda, Chevy, and Ford. Ive also driven countless cars. This is a great buy if your looking for a sporty family sedan with good traction and steering.
What a car...
With almost 40000 trouble-free miles the Passat is the best car I have ever owned. My next VW will be the 8th VW for me, keep up the good work....
Not totally impressed
I am very impressed with the overall appearance and handling of this car. My concern is the electrical and the transmission. After owning for 3 days the tiptronic will not engage and the fuel gauge quit working. Maybe mine is a fluke and is an easy repair but it has left me with a sour feeling at this point.
I love my new car!!!
I absolutely love my new passat...I had considered buying an Altima but I am very glad that I chose the passat instead. I absolutely love my car...and the price cannot be matched!!
Charlie
Love the car. Bad points include, transmission(automatic- dowmnshift seems to shutter.) Not smooth coming to a stop. Gas peddel is akward to my driving position. I have to change foot position from start to cruise position.
fun car
Love the 1.8t stick for pickup and fuel economy. Chose the leather interior and couldnt be happier. Overall a fun car to drive
Buyer Beware - Tires Defective
Tires defective at purchase (Micheliin MXV4) - pulled and "wobbly." VW dealer refused to replace. Michelin authorized dealers continue run-around. Rotated on 10/28/02, told to drive for 5000 miles. Re- rotated on 12/13, and pulled other direction. Michelin dealers refused to replace - advised to return to VW dealer. Dealer refused. Dealer offered to "replace" tire for $150 including balance, valve stem and mounting. Caveat emptor.
Sweet ride, excellent value
We compared the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima before deciding on the Passat. In almost every aspect, the Passat beat out the other two. Comfort and safety ranked high on our list of priorities, but when you can get that AND the pleasure of driving a VW (which Honda and Nissan simply cannot copy), it was a simple choice. With 1.9% financing AND $1000 in loyalty bonus, PLUS a dealer incentive of $1500, the 2003 Passat is a fantastic value for the money. With all the standard features of the GLS, we feel like we just stole a luxury car... Put all those features in an Altima, and watch that low base price shoot through the roof.
pass otty
luv the feel and performance, wish the styling were more defined
Be forewarned
If you are reading this you are probably thinking about purchasing a used Passat. If you do, chances are good you will regret it. I owned one for 4 years and never got any satisfaction, and got a lot of mediocre to poor service from VW. My Passat had brake issues. First replaced at 10k (all), then 17k (rear) 25k (rear) 29k (front) and when I ditched it at 33k, the rear needed replacing again, VW said was normal. I had a hesitation problem which I pointed out to them from 7000 miles, and every other time that I brought it in, they could never replicate the problem, but it was dangerous- not normal turbo lag. Lots of other issues and little satisfaction. Look up engine sludge issues on internet.
Pleased with the 2003 Passat and Oakvill
As a 16 year owner of the 1st model year of the VW Jetta, I answered the call for drivers wanted in 2007. My used 2003 Passat is truly a joy to drive. I faithfully change oil out @ 8K with Castrol Synthetic 5 w 40 and look forward to enjoyable years of driving. Purchased in 2007 with ~ 83 K I have now in 01/09 133 K with only a transaxle boot replacement
Excellent car- great buy!
My Maxima was totalled in an accident. We were looking for a V6 family-sedan under $30K. Our shortlist was Passat, Acura TL and Maxima. We test-drove many cars- older 528i, A6. We've previously owned Mazdas, Nissan, Toyotas. We did a lot of research on the web- Edmunds is awesome! After a couple weeks, we converged on the Passat GLX and absolutely love it! The exterior/interior is eye-catching and the handling is far superior than the Japanese cars. I am hoping the Passat will last me as long as the Japanese cars- they've increased the warranty to 4years now which is great. German cars feel stiffer than the Japanese cars, and make you stick to the road.
Cranky Transmission
I test drove this vehicle with great anticipation but was terribly disappointed by jerky, hesitating acceleration. The engine is smooth, quiet and plenty powerful, but getting up to speed is not the joyous experience it is in other $40k cars with automatic transmissions. Most everything else was marvelous, from the exterior styling to the look and feel of the interior appointments. My only other gripe was that the seats are so firm that it's difficult to find a comfortable setting.
Love to drive!!!!
The car has been awesome!! People are impressed by the stylish interior, comfort & good looks. Highway driving is smooth. Can't even tell how fast you are going (sometimes a problem!!) Would recommend highly....
MY DREAM COME TRUE
THIS IS THE DREAM CAR!
Warning!!!!
If you purchase a 1.8 beware you are looking at a hefty timimg belt replacement that even if it fails VW will not back you and you will pay 5K for repairs!! Ask the sales person before you buy!
I still love it even I had trouble
I had some unhappy experience with my car, losing wheel cover twice; rear brake right can't turn off. However, I am so comfortable with the interior design, performance and the service of my dealer; over all, I believe buying passat still a good choice.
Luxurious!
I've only had my Passat for two and a half weeks now, but I am in love! I got a great deal (thanks to Edmunds.com!) and I've got a luxurious car! Outside, you cannot find a jazzier or sportier design on a sedan. Inside...from the moment you sit in the leather seats...well, it's just wonderful! Go drive one! You'll see!
One Owner's Opinion
The first thing you notice is the look and styling, both inside and out, of cars that are much more expensive. Like their commercial blatantly states, it only looks like a million bucks. The exterior lines are clean, not cluttered, but cutting edge modern. The interior is German plain, but classy. The quasi-retro speedometer and tach, with cool blue lights and red designation points are unique. The feel of driving it screams quality. Tight, respectable acceleration at low speeds, and surprisingly quick response over 75 mph. This car does the German heritage proud. Being a Volkswagen, it is also reasonably priced in the $20's.
Most fun I have ever had driving
This is flat out one fun car to drive. The V6 is really peppy! Had the car out in a snow storm and the kept up with SUV's great winter traction and handling in the front wheel drive version. Great fit & finish you can feel the quality they build into this car the first time you drive it. ROCK SOLID
2003 Passat
I've enjoyed owning this car. I've had it four months and it has performed perfectly. I look forward to using it every day. I enjoy the looks and style of it. It rides great, has a tight feel and seems to have quality workmanship and engineering. I recommend this car.
Just shy of a Perfect 10
This is my 2nd Passat. Opted for the V-6 this time around. Just like the first, this car is quiet, comfortable, fun to drive, and a joy on the highway. I can barely hear the V-6 unless I'm hammering the accelerator, but the gas mileage did suffer by about 4-5 mpg over the 4 cyl Turbo. I would probably get the 4 cyl if I could do it all over again...the 4- turbo is very peppy, except for the slight hesitation on 'takeoff'. Controls are well placed and well lit at night - the blue & red dashboard lights are great. Between the build quality and overall features - it feels like I'm riding in a much more expensive vehicle.
The Best Yet
I have owned SAABs, BMWs, Volvos, and older VW models. For the money, you cannot buy a better vehicle than a VW. Comfort, drive, safety are all standard with this vehicle or any other VW for that matter. I look forward to a long relationship with this car.
Acceleration woes
Impressive looks, excellent handling, and smooth, powerful engine. The all wheel drive was excellent even in deep snow - better than prior suv's I've owned. Only complaint: I've have had a problem with acceleration when I really needed it. Slammed the gas and nothing!! It hesitates for maybe 2 seconds and then takes off. Very scary when an 18 wheeler is about to T- bone you. The dealer doesn't have a clue as to why.
LOVE THIS CAR!
All I can say is that I am in love with my car, I feel like I'm driving a 50,000$ car that was 24,000, this car is the MOST bang for your buck, spend 24,000 on an altima and u feel like you're driving a chinsy weak car, this car is solid, MUCH nicer materials than any other car in its class, and you feel really cool driving it.
Not worth it
I think that the guy who bought his VW from CarMax got the one that I unloaded. It was the biggest disappointment. Had a Rabbit for 16 yrs that was great. Had the Passat for 4 years and hated it for three. Went through 4 sets of brakes, VW said it was normal wear. Hesitation issues, finally the axle was giving me trouble and I traded it in for a Mercury Milan. So far the Milan has only needed $30 oil changes, compared with the $80 oil changes of VW, not to mention premium gas. Got rid of the Passat at 33000 miles and was glad it was gone. Hey Andrews, is yours indigo blue? If so, sorry you got stuck. I don't care however reliable VW gets, I am done with them as a company.
Overall a great car
After studying this and other publications, we came to the decision that the Passat was the car for us. We choose the GLS 1.8 for its fuel economy and added the Luxury Package. The side curatin airbags and traction control weighed heavily in the protection of our children. We have had two fit and finish errors. First of all the child lockout for the power windows didn't depress. Secondly, the dashboard had two small indentations where the dash cover wasn't properly adhered to the underlayment. Both were fixed without any trouble. We absolutely love the car and are looking foward to remaining VW customers.
This is car should be 45 grand!
Buy this car if you like to drive. I can't understand people who buy Hondas, Toyotas, etc. Boring.
Great Car
Leased a 2000 before this 2003 and loved it. Most of this review will be to compare the two models (exact same). The handling, performance, price and amenities are, in that order, unmatched in other cars in the class. If you like to drive, the Passat is the one you'll buy after test drives. That said, one beef I have with the 2003 is the softer ride. It's still neutral around curves (no over or under steer). The increased horsepower (150 to 170) is fairly noticable and appreciated but comes with an equally noticable drop in gas mileage (approx. 30 to 27 around town).