Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews
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Best Looking Wagon on the Road
FoHGoR, 09/16/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We love our Wagon. It's a great value with a ton of safety and standard features for less than $25K. The 1.8t has plenty of pull through most the gears-especially while using the tiptronic feature (Then you can add a chip for even more power). There's plenty of room for a couple who are just starting a family. The perfect car for those of us who don't want a minivan nor an SUV.
Fun to drive, when it's not in the shop.
Dr.Go, 07/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving this car, like the style, but am frustrated with the many repairs needed in the first six months of ownership. Needed to replace an interior door panel (defective), the windshield (distortion), repair a vibration noise in the ceiling, and replace the gas tank (this took 4 attempts to fix!). Very poor quality control, resulting in 7 days in the shop in four months. Dealer has been very helpful, but still not the carefree ownership I had hoped for.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 19 listings
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,695497 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,995726 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499758 mi away
See all 19 listings
Luxury on a shoestring
Robebrown, 05/19/2004
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We looked at a lot of cars, from budget Subaru to opulent BMW 500 series. The Passat won out, not because it was the best at any one thing, but because it had more good things in one package: comfort, convenience, driveability, roominess. And the wagon is easier to parallel park than any other car I've owned. GLX is not exactly cheap, but for the money, it gives you more than most other cars in its class.
W8
ursus43, 03/10/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really like this Passat. It is fun to drive, it has power and it is getting better gas mileage than it claims or I expected.
Great Wagon
Bill_in_ny, 10/07/2004
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very nice car (my wife's). Wonderfull fit and finish, loaded with safety features (air bags, anti-lock, pinch free window) very comfy. Rides on air with enough road feel to make it seem like you are part of the car. More room than most SUV's without lugging 4000lbs around. Quick around town and on open road. Great on long trips (took turns and drove staight through from NY to FL)
UnGermanlike Engineering
Brian, 01/28/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Worst car we have had for frequent & expensive repairs. Now at 73,000 miles. Since 60,000 we have spent a ridiculous $6,000 on repairs. AC compressor and evaporator $3000,timing belt repair $1400. Brakes $800. Our air bag warning light is now on $400 to fix. VW service told us that after warranty "It's your problem." Mercedes repairs are same or less-less labor charges since better design.
VW Passat GLX Wagon
Miguel Brown, 09/22/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've had this vehicle for over 8 months now and love it. I don't regret the purchase at all. The rear cargo area is amble and the gas milege is good. The safety ratings by the insurance industry and government are excellent. This wagon has been the perfect alternative to an SUV. I overlooked this car for a long time because of the image of a "wagon" and because of its price. But this vehicle is about as sporty as it gets for a wagon, and it's worth the price because of the quality.
Gentlemen only, please
Sir Henry, 07/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The wagon is ideal for both city and country. It parks easily, and looks great. With the V6 it has a smooth acceleration, and manouvers quickly in tight situations. It has an understated and unpretensious appeal, with surprising luxery and comfort. I personally like the feeling of superior workmanship, and distinctly german attitude.
outstanding
dw8, 10/21/2004
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An oddity: a luxury car from a non-prestige name. The interior is gorgeous. (A VW/Audi hallmark.) The W8 engine is smooth and powerful. The AWD system is the best available: VW 4motion IS Audi quattro. Tight precise steering and a well-tuned (sport) suspension. So sure-footed even in blizzards that it exudes confidence. And it's a wagon -- so it has tons of space. A fully-loaded family truckster shouldn't be able to blow the doors off 3-series and G35's; this one can. But what family truckster of old was this polished? It's like a buff gymnast in a nice Italian suit. Don't compare it with other Passats; the luxuries it offers are more in line with the A6/allroad and 5-series.
Still happy one year later
clekezarke2, 07/25/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We picked up our wagon last June and have been very happy with it since then. It is a solid drive and much more fun to piot than a station wagon ought to be. I don't regret replacing my Trailblazer with this car one bit. It has better handling, braking, responsiveness, and gas mileage than the Chevy did, and that was the older model. I found the newer Chevy to be sloppier in these categories. We have had no problems with the vehicle other than a recall for a problem that would probably never happen.
Nice Car, but
VW_in_ny, 07/12/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Still a nice car after 2 yrs and 40,000 miles. Car brought in for 40,000 mile service, rear break pads were worn and I was shocked to find pads and rotors need to be replaced as same time. I'm used to honda & toyota & subaru where the front breaks do the work (and need service) and the rear breaks can be pretty much ignored.
2003 GL Wagon 1.8L Manual
philzone, 09/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very happy with my purchase overall. Unfortuately, one wheel was unbalanced by 2.5 oz. when I drove it off the lot, but did not notice until I was on the interstate. Initial gas mileage is not quite as good as expected, perhaps more time will tell. Also was extremely difficult to find as a 5-speed manual, but I eventually got what I wanted after waiting till 2003 models. Excellent and responsive engine and tight suspension, with the cargo room I was looking for without buying an SUV or minivan.
Ignition coil Problems!!!!
trbochrg, 02/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the looks, love to drive it, but the ignition coils are no good, and my dealership is giving me the runaround. They don't care that my coils are failing, and their only option until March is to bring it in, and replace them with coils they have that will contiue to fail!!! What service!!! Can't even get a straight answer about when the new ignition coils will be available!
Good car, but too many annoying problems
Tam, 07/14/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I leased this car a couple of years ago - it goes back in December. I love the styling, the interior room, and the comfort. (We call it our "van" because it's so accomodating.) But there are a lot of little things I hate about it. I hate that to make the seats recline, you have to use a stiff knob rather than the usual lever. I hate that the windshield wipers are special ones you have to get at the dealership, which cost tons to replace, and are not nearly as good as I had in my Honda Civic. And the radio reception is poor. We haven't had any mechanical problems with it, and it's been a fine car to own. Just do some comparison shopping first!
Good, But !
chigue, 10/19/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second GLX Wagon . Had an 01 to trade in at 24000 miles. Overall I like the styling better on the 03, wish they had avoided the chrome trim tacked on over and in the car, that in my opinion cheapens the look esp on the dash. The wheels are easier to clean at least. Its a nice car to drive with a good solid feel to it. Needs more power though especially considering the poor fuel economy. Which is the worst thing about this car .It has terrible fuel economy considerably worse than my 01 which in itself was alot worse than my prior car a Saab 9000. I feel a car this expensive and of this quality should have decent fuel economy. It does not!
1st VW
Chris Wisp, 07/26/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
For my 1st VW I am totally impressed. I have owned several Audi Vehicles with Quattro and been very impressed. I owned the original 4000 Quattro and liken this car to it in the sense that it is an exellent value. The performance of a 20 year newer car is of course better by leaps and bounds but at the price that it sells for this car is a value. I am impressed with a wagon that can run with the best of the performance cars of today and is still versitile enough to hall almost anything. This car is new to me and of course only time will tell, but my Audi 4000 went for over 400,000 miles.
reliability an issue
willis, 07/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Has anyone else had problems with the radio, ignition coils and then the recall for the right tire well/gas tank "explosion risk"? It looks great - when it is not in the shop.
Wonderful to drive wagon!
KLJ, 04/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My previous car was a 1995 Dodge Intrepid, and this Passat wagon beats it in all ways. It drives and handles wonderfully and is very comfortable. Cargo area is nice and roomy. This car is quiet with very little road, wind or tire noise.
Great car, but interior could be nicer
mjegan59, 04/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I went out truck shopping and came home with the Passat Wagon turbo. It gets close to 30 MPG and is so fun to drive that I even went without my coveted 6 cyl engine and 4 wheel drive. It whips around tight u-turns, accelerates like crazy on the freeway (moves just as fluidly between 90 mph and 120 mph as between 40-70 mph), makes almost no noise on the road and has a sick sound system. It feels great on the road even at high speed and still accelerates at altitude and climbing mountains.
Thrilled!
eap, 07/28/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After owning 2 other VWs and a few other makes, this is the best one by far. Fun to drive, plenty of space for people and stuff. It feels like a car costing much more. I would but another one without hesitating. Car had a foggy taillight on delivery. Took it home and did what dealer suggested to remedy the problem. When that didn't work, they replaced it under warranty. Have also had a few rear bulbs burn out already but they, too, have been replaced for free. Service before and after the sale has been fantastic. The 1.8T is plenty quick, but like most people, I'd love a tad more power.
Love It!!
Jowibo, 04/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
To the guy who complained about no room for owner's manual--there's a cubby for it underneath steering wheel- -I didn't know it was there, either until I read about it online. And VW is replacing all 4 coils now, so that point is moot, too. I am so in love with this car--I'd marry it if I could. I've always been a car nut, but don't think I've ever been so pleased with one. I have 10,000 miles today (bought back in July--allegely first 2003 in town) and never had any problems. Great in snow, excellent mpg, etc. Can't figure out why they put 180 hp in Jetta but only 170 in Passat.
Do not buy Volkswagons
MichelleM, 05/16/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My experience with my new 2002 VW Passat has been very, very disappointing! Over the 18 months that I have owned the car, I have had to bring the vehicle in for service 7 times for repeated problems, including faulty ignition coils, electrical systems failures and mass air flow system replacements. I have maintained the car, as recommended by the dealership (e.g. maintenance every 5,000 miles) however, have had nothing but problems!. I would not recommend purchasing the VW Passat to anyone. If you are thinking about purchasing a VW Passat and have any questions about my experience, please feel free to email me before you make your decision.
Cool Sport Wagon
KevLion88, 08/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My partner and I just got a '99 GLS 1.8T wagon in Feb. of this year. Before then I'd always wanted a Passat but had never driven one. Had owned VWs in the past, however. This is not a car to be overlooked. The overall build quality is that of a car costing thousands more. And that legendary VW handling and performance can't be matched in this price class. This is the "GAP" version to Audi's A4 1.8T Avant "Banana Republic" car!
Winter fun in Style
loyalist, 05/15/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the style of the automobile. It looks great inside and out. I sell real estate and wanted a car that would present a respectable and professional image, and impress but not intimidate my clients. This car shines in winter driving. One time, early on, driving on freezing rain I did a bit of a four wheel drift, but within a few days I became one with this car. I did not use studded tires this past winter- it did not need them. The stock Michelin's are awesome all season tires- the car seems to stop and corner as well or better than my 1996 Passat GLX did this past winter with studs. This is a great car for our family.
VW Passat SW
MAPSS, 10/27/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My Passat SW is very fun to drive. I recently drove down to Florida with it and it was very comfortable. I just wish I had more power (but thats why you can buy it in V6 or W8 and if you can afford it I highly recommend it. Overall this is the best station wagon in the market!
Completely satisfied and very impressed!
Davidm, 02/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We didn't like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldn't afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.
9000 KMs and Loving It
wagonguy, 08/28/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With our 2 kids we weren't sure whether we made the right decision about buying a wagon over a mini-van. I am so glad we got this wagon!! It hauls as much as a minivan, gets great mileage (averaging 32mpg), very comfortable both up front and in the back seats and is a blast to drive. We got into an accident early on and the wagon handled it like a tank. This thing is built like a tank. For a family of 4 or less, this is the car to get.
not thrilled @ 1st but its growing on me
Lori & Tom, 02/12/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sporty, gives us a confident feeling in snow & bad weather. Getting baby in & out out of the back is impressive, as the rear doors open very wide making access amazingly painless! The turbo acceleration takes a while to get used to, theres a measurable hesitation when you really need it. Door locking system, seems to 'think'. If I pull the hatch release button, then dont open it for a few minutes, it 'thinks' I didnt want it to open, thereby, locking it again! The remote buttons are hard to push with big fingers,& even harder in cold weather. It's been in the shop 3 times for various problems, making us leary on its reliability.
IT DOESN"T RUN
Patrick, 01/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought this car after researching on this site and others. We have a little over 5,000 miles on our Passat and it has been in the shop 4 times for igntion coil failures. This results in not being able to drive the car. The last time the tow truck driver stated he had towed over 100 of these one with only 23 miles for this problem. We have had some other minor issues. VW has left us with bottom of the line Toyota as a loner with no date on when we will get our car back as they have not parts to fix it.
Nice Job
rotonya, 09/08/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Replaced a 2000. 20 HP makes a difference, no turbo lag.
A lot of car for the money
Tom Swennes, 04/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We were so impressed with our 2000 Passat GLS sedan that when it came time to purchase a new car for my wife, the '03 Passat was at the top of our consideration list. After looking at a range of vehicles, including a number of SUVs, she decided on the 2003 Passat GLX V6. This vehicle offers an impressive list of luxury and convenience items, solid construction, and a high level of safety features. If you want the practicality of a wagon, but do not need the bulk of an SUV or minivan, you should look at the Passat.
Excellent
katall, 11/14/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Well worth the money (alot of it). Drives beautifully. Everything we were promised.
Nice Ride
weauxd, 10/29/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Very comfortable, plenty of room and very fun to drive. Gas mileage leaves room for improvement considering premium is recommended. Features of this car rock. Seat adjusters on GLS are archaic, no electronic adjustments there. Cruise control in awkward position.
my vw
jean maria, 08/04/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car preformance is more then i thought it could be. this is my first new car and i am glad it is a vw. we bought ours after my sister got hers, after us my in-laws purchaced theirs and love it also.
1.8T 5MT GLS Wagon is a wonderful car!
ovi, 08/28/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just came back from a 2,400 mi trip (Ontario to NC and back). The car is absolutely fantastic: excellent performance in heavy traffic and on highway, low fuel consumption (average 33.11mpg with AC on, 65-70MPH) and very comfortable seats. Great torque @ 2000rpm, very stable/quiet car. I only miss the 6-speed manual transmission. This car will serve you well if the driving habits are reasonable and maintenance is properly done (5W40 syn oil every 5,000mi, good oil and air filters). Yes, some repairs are expensive at the dealer but if you find a good repair shop you'll see a huge drop in ownership costs.
2003 Wagon great car
BillfromNY, 11/17/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2003 Passat GL Wagon, 5 sp MT. Heated seats and monsoon audio. Great car. My wife drove for 5 years 98,000 miles and we bought her a new 08 Passat sedan (arrest me red) with a 6 sp MT. This car is new to me since I only drove it a handful of times since 2003. Ride: Great Performance: Great Comfort: Great Safety: You feel very secure in a VW Reliability: Fine, we have a very good dealer near by that is a pleasure to deal with.
glx 4motion passat wagon
ron stidmon, 06/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the Passat 4motion system works well and the car has a very solid feel. Much more comfortable ride than Subaru Forester but not as firm as most SUVs. Styling is attractive and the controls are intuitive,
I luv driving this car
Bill in Madison, 08/11/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I now search out the "Rustic Roads" (an actual state designation in Wisconsin), in order to push this car a little closer to it's edge. Cornering at high speeds is like riding on rails, and I enjoy leaving the wannabes way back after corners, only to have them zoom up on the straight. Then at the next corner... The foldback mirrors are great fun, and I've used them while driving onto a ferry boat in the Apostle Islands. I REALLY love driving this car! Only possible negative is the mileage, but unless I start driving like I'm from Minnesota, I can't expect good fuel mileage. ;-)
Best Value on Market
Luigidk, 06/14/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We drove Camry's, Accord's, Solara's, Saturn's, Volvo's, BMW's and just on a whim decided to drive the Passat. No other car for the money touches this car. Why anyone would touch an SUV over a Passat wagon is tough to imagine. Safety, performance, fun, economics, storage space, handling, not one of these features comes second to any SUV out there. Don't bother with the V6 or W8 - the V6 only offers 20 more HP and worse economy - why spend the money? If you want the W8 - you are looking for performance - get a vette! If you drive this car and appreciate car value at all - it will be a done deal...
fun to drive but few flaws
Pjopzy, 12/13/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Presumably good car, but few flaws and none mentioned on this forum. Like everyone the interior colors are great. But confusing controls on the dashboard. The build is good with an eye on safety.Fun to drive,sporty. But too many electrical faults. Bad Monsoon sterio system. Too many reported problems with their ignition coils. They are redesigning their ignition coils after too many of the Passats started giving problems. There is a backlog for these parts for a few frustrating weeks. If you are the next unlucky victim cross your fingers cos the wait can be painful.Does not have a good defroster. Can be painful in those foggy cold days.
Love it! But expensive to repair
Story man, 06/27/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second Passat; bought it used in 2006. It is a joy to drive, and is one of the few 5-speed wagons available in this class. Both Passats had reliability problems ('98: cam followers bad at 120k; window regulator at 60K) ('03: turbo out at 70K, water leaks from roof drains). But in spite of these and many other problems, I bought a second one because it is so much fun to drive and looks great. I will put up with the costs because I love it.
Excellent, sporty, usefull wagon
nathenso, 02/27/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Though we have only driven our VW for 3 months, we are exceptionally pleased with the quality, solidity, comfort, and ease to manuver. As far as reliability, we have had no trouble. Time will tell
Passat Wagon
tgride87, 08/16/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car used and have since put over 50,000 miles on it without hardly having to put in any maintenance costs. It is really a great car - drives well, is comfortable, gets decent to good gas mileage and holds its value.
No Regrets but not perfect
navitor, 09/02/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We owned our Passat wagon for almost 5 years and 52,000 miles. Overall this has been a good car. My wife loved it for hauling around our first child for the first 4 years then I got it when we put her in a Honda Odyssey for hauling our two kids. I used it as a commuting car into Houston from the burbs or to the park and ride. The car has a nice tight steering feel and great suspension. The overall ride quality is very good. I think the instruments are good and not too complicated which I have often read. The engine was good but the car felt a little underpowered at times with the AWD. I would generally recommend this car.
Very impressive
blue25, 09/04/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Recently bought this car to replace our Volvo V70 wagon which broke down. Wow, is this car great. In hindsight I wish I would have never bought the Volvo. The feel and drive of this car is great. It seems to be well designed and engineered. The interior is luxurious, and the car handles great. The 4Motion system which is really the Audi Quattro system is very responsive. I look forward to many great years with this car.
GLS wagon
sevans, 10/02/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First off, this is a great car to be in and to drive. Driving longer distances in my old car would exhaust me but the passat invigorates. I am quite happy with the car. It's sporty but sleek, and shows that only fools need to buy a SUV. Only one complaint, on rare occasion my directional indicator will rapidly flash so this is some electircal/mechanical problem.
GREAT CAR
dksbatch, 08/05/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love our wagon and I test drove a lot of wagons before we bought this one. It is reliable, sporty and perfect for someone downsizing from an SUV (we had an Explorer) It is the safest car out there and you are not limited to a trunk. The back opens up and the back seats lay flat giving plenty of room.
2003 Passat
BillG, 05/13/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My experience has been positive overall, although when I picked up the car one of the speakers was fuzzy & one front tire was not properly balanced. The dealer flatly refused to fix the problems. I'm leasing, so I did not escalate the problem to VW of America. This is my second leased Passat and I love it, but would NOT buy it.
A Very Good Car
Mark-Boston, 01/12/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Overall, I've been quite happy with this car (now > 2 years into ownership). I haven't had any major problems and my dealer. This definitely is a very comfortable and versatile car, that is safe and can haul a lot of stuff - but is also quite luxurious. I drive approx 50 miles a day to work. The straight line traction is excellent (make sure you put on 4 snow tires on it and it's very surefooted in the winter). VW's are more expensive to maintain than several of it's competitors, but they really have a soul. I purchased an aftermarket warranty through a reputable source for added protection. The 2003 model appears to have been a good year according to CU.
Horrible quality
Disappointed, 10/15/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
German engineering and quality at some point in time was stellar. Not so with this vehicle. In the shop more than on the road and finally have had enough. 7 years of ownership and real pain all along. Great vehicle when it works, but a very expensive experience. Now changing and looking at Asian brands exclusively. How times have changed when a Kia is more appealling quality wise then a VW.