Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used Passat for sale
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 18 listings
- GLX WagonMSRP: $3,250372 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $1,999417 mi away
- GLMSRP: $5,000466 mi away
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Avoid this car like the plague
nakie, 09/20/2013
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
8 of 14 people found this review helpful
This is the most unreliable I've ever owned. This model is total rubbish and should have had recalls on the engine and all the hoses attached. It is the ultimate in cheap manufacturing. I have replaced the transmission all hoses and connections below the engine(plastic fittings that all cracked) the dip stick holder(plastic) that came out in multiple pieces when checking the oil the engine that froze and died when the oil strainer became clogged with sludge( the red light came on telling me to stop but by the time I could get off the road the engine was starved of oil and had to be replaced
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.
My 2003 Passat
brueggemann, 03/06/2011
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
5 of 10 people found this review helpful
This is the 2nd 2003 Passt we've owned. My niece had a 2003 also and told me that they had to replace the motor once, and the turbo charger once, and recommended I don't get one. During the 2 years with our first Passat, we had it in the shop 6 times for engine lights. Finally they said it was caused by the turbo charger & wanted $4,300. We could afford the repair & traded it on another 2003 with lower mileage & extended warranty. We've had the this second car for 3 years & the engine light has come on 9 different times. Sun roof opens on its own and the rear windows fall out of the tracks. The car is in the shop now for it 2nd new turbo booster and guess what? No more warranty. GRRRR