Used 2003 Volkswagen Passat Wagon Consumer Reviews
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OIL SLUDGE AT 120K! READ THE FORUMS
j1eis, 09/16/2011
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
36 of 38 people found this review helpful
Sure I took a risk buying this car used at 119,500 miles, but all the reviews online were pretty good for this car. 400 miles later I started having oil pressure lights and engine lights come on and when I googled the symptoms, I got all kinds of bad news about the car. Oil sludge is a problem and if it's not fixed fast, the engine will need replacing. I'm not even sure if there really is a fix for this problem. If you have this car, get it checked right away. These reviews make it look like a good car, but be careful and read the forums to see what will really happen if you purchase/own this car. 2002 also has this problem
Great car, expensive to own
heffelz8, 08/05/2011
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
28 of 30 people found this review helpful
I think the title says it all. I absolutely love driving my wagon around town and killing it on the highway. It will do about 140 mph pretty quickly, although you'll still get 23-25 mpg at 65-70 mph. It is a rather expensive car to maintain...an oil change runs 120 bucks but it's good for 10,000 miles. Everything and anything that is on or near the engine is a nightmare to work on and costs lots of moola. If you don't have the money to spend on repairs, do not buy. However if you're looking for something fun in the sun, and cool in the snow, than this is the ride for you. Also, I'm 6'6" and there is plenty of room for me.
2003 Volkswagen Passat for sale near you
Showing 3 of 18 listings
- GLX 4Motion WagonMSRP: $4,695305 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $4,995515 mi away
- GLS 1.8T SedanMSRP: $2,499545 mi away
See all 18 listings
Classy Ride
jservin4him, 07/25/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
26 of 30 people found this review helpful
My wife and were looking for something that would be a good fit for our growing family of 3. It seems everywhere we go we needed a stroller and had to get groceries and haul a baby bag. A wagon was the best choice for us. We looked between a Subaru Outback, Mazda Protege5, Kia Spectra5, and the Passat. All of which are increasingly hard to find in good condition without having to sell the farm. We picked the Passat wagon and are very please with the good mileage and smooth power of our 1.8T and Tiptronic. Our is a GLS so it doesn't have everthing but is very comfortable with black leather. The Monsoon audio system sounds great! Great car for us so far.
Great Car Except... 2 Things Drive me Crazy
jax20, 01/04/2013
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
17 of 22 people found this review helpful
I'm writing this review because I just got backed into. And if the blasted horn were to work when the car is turned off it would not have happened. What I want to ask you Mr. Hans Designor is why must the hatch lock everytime it is closed? How is this a safety feature? And how in the world is it safe to be unable to use a horn when your car is turned off? A paranoid hypocondriac grandmother could not design a more annoying electric locking system.
Looking for something reliable? AVOID AT ALL COST
cliney, 05/28/2015
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
15 of 20 people found this review helpful
We bought our 2003 Passat GLS 1.8T wagon with a little over 70k miles on it, which I guess is high mileage for a VW. If you're a real enthusiast or VERY handy with a wrench, then by all means get one of these. Otherwise, be advised to stay the hell away from these pieces of cr*p. Every year is thousands of $$$ to keep it on the road. The car has a complicated and involved service procedure, so anything under the hood will be expensive to replace. Two shops quoted me $500 just for the valve cover gasket, and most of that was labor. German engineering = myth.
Honestly a good car
Ashley Larson, 01/08/2019
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got this car at 170000 miles. I just wanted a car to last until high school. A lot of things started breaking down- first the tire blew (because I drove into a pothole), then the car started misfiring because of the spark plugs and ignition wires (honestly it’s just general mantience). Then the o2 sender went and the alternator belt went (as did the battery). The car was reaching the end of its life, anyways. The repairs were all relatively cheap. I’d recommend this car to someone who can keep up with small repairs. I bought the car for $900 and have gotten into 2 crashes and still no exterior damage. German engineering!
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Very Good Car - Update
Mark-- Boston, 09/02/2007
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Now > 4 years into ownership and at 108,000 miles, I thought I'd update my review. I still like this car a lot. It remains reasonably reliable with only fair fuel economy ( although I've been getting 24-25 MPG on the highway lately). Cost of maintenance has been relatively high, but I do drive a lot, so I feel it has been quite acceptable. Engine (V6) is running smooth and not burning oil. I'm thinking of driving it until 200K or until the cost of repairs gets too high (I've done the TB and WP at 85K). I'm still overall satisfied with the car and service I've been getting. I've had two electrical problems. Fuel pump died at 60K (recall) and driver's seat heater died (expensive, but needed fix).
Wolf in Sheeps clothing
Andreas, 08/08/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've only had my Passat one month so I wont comment on reliability. This car has everything; power, style, innovative features, comfort, I could go on and on. I love the exhaust resonance when I start it up and the fact that you can open and close all windows with the key in the door and the rain sensing wipers and the headlight sprayers and the fastened down floormats and of course the tiptronic. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Love/Hate Relationship
DG, 02/15/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I ordered a 2003 VW Passat GLX 4Motion Wagon in 2002, direct from VW. Consumer Reports had written a review that said this was the BEST wagon you could buy, so I believed them and switched from my 20-year relationship with Mazda. At first I LOVED this car, and I especially loved the dealership. Over the years, I have never had a car have so many recalls - and in my case, everything that could break did break prior to the recall - so I've had to have these things replaced twice!
Worst car I have ever owned
merry8, 06/03/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new off the lot, brakes squeeked from day 1, when I inquired with the dealer I was advised "all new car's brakes squeek". I took to an independent mechanic at 8k miles, the mechanic stated my brakes were completley failed, rusted. The mechanic told me the brakes were so bad I should stop driving asap, I had the car towed to the dealer. The dealer b.s.'ed me and told me my brakes were fine, I believed them. They were not, at just over 12k miles, they were gone, dealer said brake warranty over at 12k, they strung me along until the warranty ran out. The dealer stated it was because i lived near the ocean, that is why my brakes failed!!Numerous other issues as well.
Love to Drive
Erin, 05/05/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I Haven't had this car long but I love it. It is very fun to drive. Good fuel economy for a V8. When driving in the mountains I get between 16-18 mpg and on the freeway 22-25 mpg. I live in the foothills and the power is great going up the hills. I bought the car with 64000 miles and the only problem was whoever owned it last didn't have the rear brakes replaced properly and it broke the rear springs. Not a big deal though. I had it fixed and it runs fine now. Car seats fit well in the back and I have more than enough room in the back to fit all the kids stuff (Pop-up crib, stroller ect)for a weekend trip. Great Car and I have no regrets purchasing it.
I Love my VW but there are problems
KimBea, 10/20/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love my Volkswagen but there are problems. It's fun to drive, looks good. I love having a station wagon. People often think it's a more expensive car. I did have to get my engine replaced after about 50,000 miles. Fortunately, It was under warranty and I had documents to prove that I had my oil changed properly. YOU MUST PUT SYNTHETIC OIL IN YOUR CAR AND GET IT CHANGED AT 3,000 miles. You have to baby it. I know have to make sure I check my oil and add some. I use a trusted mechanic rather than the dealer. I go to the dealer and buy the part I need (including bulbs) and have my mechanic install it. I save money and time. I'm not sure I would buy another VW, but I love my car.
GREAT sedan.
kory, 08/19/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car last January and I've been really impressed so far. The fuel economy isn't great, but if you use premium unleaded (which your supposed to use) you should see about 29mpg hwy and about 20 city. Car looks very euro which is a plus. 2003 is the last year they stopped making the classic European style and they started making them look more like an electric razor on wheels. 2003 is the best year for this car!
Best bang for the buck
Ragekit, 01/02/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
If you're considering an all round performer that can handle a family of four plus and still haul booty in the winter or summer w/the 4Motion, the VW W8 is for you. My only faults are gas mileage in the city and the sensors that seem to go bad more frequently than other foreign cars. I recommend the W8 wagon w/sport package and 6 speed manual--what a blast to drive. This car is a sleeper!
VOLKSWAGEN: No longer for the "VOLKS"
mcVT, 02/27/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After about five weeks, the transmission in my 2003 Volkswagen Passat failed (fortunately the warranty covered it, at no cost to us). Throughout the time that we have owned this car, we have had it in the shop for warranty issues more often than we like. There is always for some molding or other annoying piece that really has no business failing off. Despite the legendary quality of German engineering, little problems with this car have been getting to us, like the windows freeze shut at the slightest hint of ice and you can't open the rear hatch without unlocking it. It has been difficult as a family vehicle, particularly with two young kids and a dog. It is just too small for our family. Other than that, it has been a great car.
Passat Wagon -- no compromises
dermeister, 08/08/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
With a new baby on the way, I needed just a bit more room than my previous Passat 1.8T sedan. But I didn't want to compromise on performance, overall engineering, looks, or quality. I'm very happy with my '02 Passat Wagon/Variant. It has willing performance, good low-end torque from the V6, very stable handling at low and high speeds, and great room thanks to the practical square wagon design. I chose a the buttery smooth 5-speed manual, but the 5-speed tiptronic is equally nice and pleasing. The wagon back actually adds a considerable amount of room, and also adds more rear headroom than the sedan.
BEST CAR OUT THERE!
SUGAR, 08/08/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THERE IS NO BETTER CAR ON THE MARKET FOR THIS PRICE AND QUALITY!
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T
VW OWNER, 08/02/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is exceptionally fun to drive, considering its engine is only 1.8 liters. It is fast and averages an all around 26 mpg. Mine has a 5-speed standard transmission. This is a premium automobile at a big discount!
Engine Problem
murphya, 05/05/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After 67,000 miles, the entire engine block cracked after hitting a pothole or small object in the road. VW would not admit any liability, my collision paid for it. The car runs very low to the ground. It seems like such a major repair for a minor collision. Cost $6700 to repair.
Do not buy a VW!
Sorry I bought, 04/05/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Two words...oil sludge. All VWs of this engine type (and the V6 I've heard) have several fundamental problems that VW is unwilling to address. Poorly engineered product. Go with a Japanese competitor.
Why can't VW get it right ??
Fool me twice ??, 12/03/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
My husband owned an '86 GTI that had electrical probs from day one. He swore he'd never have another VW but I begged. While we have not had any major electrical probs, the car has been to the dealership too many times. The trim is continuously discoloring or falling off, the wiring harness went bad in the first 10,000 miles, the fuel pump went out at 44,000 miles and we had to replace the brakes AND rotors at 44,000. When the car was stalling for no apparent reason, the dealership asked me if I had driven through any puddles recently. Enlighten me, can a VW not go through puddles without stalling? Now the interior light only occasionally comes on when you open the door. The gas mileage is dissappointing. I've learned my lesson.
Vrooooom!
SKEEMEISTER, 07/12/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Went to test VW Passats and was aimed to purchase a more economicaly solution to a new car (1.8T engine). After test driving all 3 engine types the W8 was the only option I could see worth my $$$. The engine is smooth and powerful enough for me at 275HP. Good MPG for an 8 cylinder(have gotten up to 25+ on the highways cruising). It rides like butter around town and on the freeway it is a dream. The AWD(4motion) coupled with snow tires handles like no car I have owned in the snow. The manu- tronic transmission is a but sluggish at times. Overall a great car with more than enough performance and luxury for me. Debadge the lid and you will defientley have a sleeper.
Impossible to fix
Kenneth, 08/30/2005
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was a good basic car. However, all of the items meant to make this a luxury car did not work (auto-wipers, auto-AC, etc). I could only get parts at the dealer and only the dealer could work on it. But, even the dealer couldn't fix any of the problems. I sold it with all of the problems that supposedly had been repaired. I did not have a trip to the repair shop cost less than $2,000. From new to sold (including repair costs) I lost approx $30,000 owning this vehicle.
Many VW's in the family
Cresty, 08/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I turned in my '99 GLS V6 Sedan for the 4Motion Wagon and have not looked back. While winter snows on the sedan made it vertually 4x4, the past few winters in NJ have been especially harsh, I can't wait for this winter. On dry roads it feels like it's tearing up the blacktop. We've had a lot of rain lately and the grip continues. Also own a '95 GLX Wagon, 5 spd, while it too is a blast to drive, the luxury in the '03 4Motion out does it. No complaints, just Fahrvergneugen!
VW - Never Again
Millenium, 02/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Since I purchased this car 6 years ago, it has been in for repair at least 4 to 10 times per year, every year (on top of the regular oil changes). Always some electrical problem or oil leak. In the first 3 months all four tires had to be replaced. While the people at the dealer were always friendly and cooperative, they were not forthcoming with detailed answers about any of the mechanical/electrical problems.
This car always makes me smile
grammatarz, 10/22/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The only unfortunate thing that I have found is that 2003 is the first year that they installed a plug in the back of the manifold. Unfortunately mine blew without warning after 4 months..this may be a chronic problem. Ultimately, the car gave me no warning that all of the oil was blowing out as I was driving. It should have given me a low oil pressure sign or something. It's something to look into.
VW Pasat Wagon - Is a great Car
RickF, 06/06/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased a 2003 VW Passat Wagon with 38,000 in Jan 2006 for $12.9K and drove the car for 4+ years with never a problem. Sure I had to replace the usual stuff Brakes, Tires and the battery, but all in all the 03 Passat was the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. I just purchased a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDI to replace it, and I hope it is just as good. I see concerns that VW repairs are expensive, but not really much more than anything else. Find a good local VW Mech, stay away from the dealership 4 repairs, $100 per hour labor can add up fast. Also, if you cannot change the headlamp on one of these cars (others complaining), you have no business under the hood, it is a 2 min job.
Love your mechanic, you'll see him a lot!
Steve A, 01/07/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car has had repeated issues with brakes (5 incidents). Electrical problems with doors, set heaters, fuel pump issue. Repeated Check Engine Light warnings with repeated assurances that it was a computer "glitch". Only after the car was out of warranty did they agree to change the charcoal cannister (at my expense) which resolved the issue that plagued me for a year! I wasted too much time on this car. Would not buy another VW product based on service experience. Rear brakes are too thin and the fuel economy is appalling.
Great car
czilar, 01/10/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (4.0L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
We bought this car used, trading in our beloved honda civic. My wife is very pleased, heated front seats, AWD (especially now that we have over a foot of snow!).
My Mom-Mobile
Christi , 07/11/2006
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a wonderful car that has given me few problems in the time I've owned it. The AWD allows me to corner at any speed I want and never complain. I've been able to drive through rain and then a couple of feet of snow and it feels no different that driving on dry pavement. This really feels like it is the Audi in VW clothing.
GLX Passat Wagon, 5 Speed Manual
citispot, 01/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
I usd to be a valet car prkr and hve drvn thsnds of cars, rngng frm Yugos to Lmbrginis. Fr undr $30,000, the Pasat is an absltly fblus cr cmprd to othrs. I also cnsidrd the 2003 Hnda Acrd but I didn't lke it's mre desensitized sterng and suspnsn; tpicl of Japnse cars. Don't get me wrng whn you read my sugsted impvemts; I thnk the Psat is a fblus cr. It's jst tht car cmpnes wld be wise to hire me to fnd thngs wrng with ther crs. I excel at that. Thre are ltraly hndrds of outstndng thngs about ths car. Only 300 chrctrs ar alowd in the nxt two clmns, so I am gng to wrte sgstd impvmts in bth clmns.
Repairs equal purchase price
hassef, 06/11/2012
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
2 of 17 people found this review helpful
My brother bought this car for a little old lady 9 months ago for 5k. Haha, ya right. He has already spent 4k fixing it and his mechanic says the ball joints are going, onther 1k. What a lemon. I drove the car, it may or may not have been owned by a little old lady but it definitely drives like one. What a piece of junk.
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!
Will never own another car!!!
JackieB8985, 11/10/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just bought my GLS wagon last week. I love it!!! Very comfortable, safe, stylish, affordable, just an overall great purchase. This is my first non- american car, and I'm glad I made the decision.
2003 Passat Wagon
Al, 05/08/2009
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car looks good and drives well but it lacks in reliability. It burns oil and is plagued with recalls. This is the second VW I own and again to be disappointed.
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.
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.
Loved it for 7 years
happy, 10/13/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the station wagon new. I previously owned an M3 BMW and this car has the road feel and gives me as much pleasure as the BMW. I have an antique shop and can load anything in the car; Hoosier, table and chairs, things that look impossible to fit even into an suv. The biggest problem with all VWs is the dealerships. The car is wonderful but my dealings with the dealership have been awful. The car has had no problems and I only see the dealer for routine maintenance. The men at the counter are friendly and pleasant but the job always takes twice as long as they say and seem pleased that they only charged an arm and a leg.
Awsome
Greg DiCesare, 12/17/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I put on 1,500 kms per week and this vehicle now has close to 17,000 kms. Trouble free and the 4Motion, especially here in Canada really comes in handy. -20 celcius this morning, just get in, start and go. The heated hides are a nice touch as well. I love this car...way more than the '02 Maxima I had previous.
Good, practical car
Jay, 07/11/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall Passat is a very good and practical car, did not have any major problems, pleasure to drive, excellent trunk space (as a wagon). Interior is nice, quality of radio sound is good.
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.
Great Car!!!!
Tstaggs, 12/23/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had the car for 3 days now and have loved every minute of it. I have always had a sports car but decided that with expanding a family I needed a sedan. This car has the power and drivability of a sports car with a luxury ride. It is a car that exceeds my expectations.
It's a great car when it runs
jd-nmi, 01/02/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This wagon drives like a sports car when it runs. VW has had ignition coil troubles with all of the 1.8L V6 and W8 engines. Car has failed 2 times and is still at shop. No parts available- 1000's of VW's all in shop with the same problem. VW will only fix the broken componets so it will be back to the shop when the next two coils fail or cashed in under the Lemon Law. VW customer service is the worst in the industry.
Best Car In Price Range, By Far
cts, 12/30/2002
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The Passat is very quick "off the line" in every day driving, and that there is more than sufficient speed to merge and pass on the highway. The car also cruises quite comfortably at 70-90 mph. The seats in the car (eight-way power) are extremely comfortable and very supportive during aggressive driving. However, everyone has a different back- end - some of my friends prefer softer seats than those in the Passat. On value - you get an all-wheel-drive car with gobs of luxury features for under $31k (see below). I've not owned the car long enough to discuss reliability. We'll see.
Oh My God!!
Not what I Planned, 01/06/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Timing belt failure!! $5000 and none of it covered under warrantee!?!?!!? Just be wary a regular change at 60K cost almost $2000 and yes the car is not paid for yet!!!!!!!
A great car, but needs TLC
Passat 1.8T wagon, 11/04/2010
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought it brand new off the boat from Germany, and we still love the car at 75,000 miles. These cars do require a little extra appreciation of the engineering and sophistication of the 1.8 turbo four with its low speed torque and light weight. Previously, we owned 3 Toyota Camrys, which also required more repairs as they got older. VW and both local dealers have been good about recall notices and anticipating problems. I started using synthetic oil changes at 5000 miles when VW offered the 80,000 mile warranty, and I think it protects during cold starts and gives a little better mileage, despite the extra cost.
Performance and Utility
Leaseman, 01/07/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion AWD 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I test drove this vehicle and was impressed with the refinement and build quality of both the interior and exterior. Every little thing seems to have been thought of, including a little hidden hand crank to open the sun roof in an emergency. The performance and handling were smooth and nicely tuned, with only minor nudges as the gears shifted under acceleration. It's easy to see why people are willing to pay a premium for this car.
CUSTOMERS BEWARE!!!
Lava, 01/17/2003
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 Fwd 4dr Wagon (2.8L 6cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I did all my homework before I bought this car and also read message boards to make sure I did not miss anything, well I did. Everyone who has great reviews has relatively few miles on their car (<10,000). I've had nothing but ignition coil problems with this vehicle. It seems that all 1.8T engines in VW and Audi have this problem and nothing has been done to fix it. They just repair it which typically takes 2-3 weeks and tell you that "there's a 90% chance the others will go." On top of that the computer board malfunctions and causes check engine light to come on. DON'T let the exterior and interior attractive design fool you.
Get it fixed right
Robert in Alhambra, 06/27/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First, I can not understand why there are so many parts within the wheel bearing. That aside, my car has been a very reliable car. After 120k miles, I have replaced all of the ignition coils, spark plugs, struts, and a few other items. The importance of a reliable mechanic can not be made enough. The dealership's work - all of it ever made - had to be redone. No kidding. After I started going to an honest mechanic, someone who told me about certain gas stations, rather than replacing something that didn't need fixing, life was better.
Almost 100,000 and feels like new
BillFromNY, 11/22/2008
2003 Volkswagen Passat GL Fwd 4dr Wagon (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We purchased this car new in 03 (03 Passat Wagon 5 MT, heated seats, monsoon sound), my wife drove it for 98,000 miles with minimal hassle. She replaced with an 08 Passat Sedan (6 MT not offered in 09). Car has been well maintained by dealer with mainly wear and tear items. Car is a blast to drive. Kind of a sleeper; five year old station wagon that can get up and move. You feel safe and sure footed in all weather and all road conditions. Mileage: I have been getting 26 to 27 in city driving (I do stomp on it a bit but coast steady when I can); I think on highway only trips it gets 32 or 33.