2003 Volkswagen Passat Ratings
Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
-
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GLX (A5) FWD Sedan
Reliable (so far); quite ride; comfortable; radio signal a bit weak; do like it a lot.
- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 6 years
-
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GLX (A5) FWD Sedan
Very nice ride and comfortable interior, getting outdated but very happy with car. The GLX has just about all you need in comfort and some luxury. Will hate to say goodbye to it.
- Recommend this vehicle to a friend? Yes
- How long have you owned this vehicle? 6 years
-
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GL (M5) FWD Sedan
Pros: Heated cloth seats.
Cons: The never-ending and expensive maintainence.
Advice: This car has such heavy maintenance that you won't get from oil chainge to oil change. Don't buy this car!
I bought my VW Passat new and I loved it. I could even deal with the delay in the turbo. The 1.8T is really not substantial enough for the weight of the car. The real kicker is that you have to visit the dealer for every little problem and the dealers (I've been to 4)are not much help. Whenever, I have had a problem they hook the car up the the diagnostic machine and shrug their shoulders. I don't think that a VW dealer has ever had a real mechanic. Besides that, the car is so over engineered that when one part breaks - the other connected parts shortly follow suit. I have had air intake sensors replaced, the water pump replaced and the fuel pump replaced and my car just hit 3 years old. If you want a car you are going to have to baby certainly buy this car, but if you don't want the hassle - buy anything besides this car! -
2003 Volkswagen Passat - W8 (A5) AWD 4Motion Sedan
Pros: Appearance
Cons: Poor performance
Advice: Do not buy this car
ok when tested for purchase. just under 20,000 now and it is causing much trouble. -
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GLS (M5) FWD Sedan
Pros: Design and quality of interior and exterior.
Cons: The hesitation of the engine.
Advice: Test drive the 4 and 6cyl engines.
I have had my Passat for a year and a half. The only dissapointment I have encountered is a annoying and sometimes dangerous hesitation when accelerating from a standstill. Have had it to the dealer a few times and they can't duplicate the circumstance. If considering, consider the 6cyl, or get the manual trans with the 1.8 Turbo. -
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GLX (M5) FWD Sedan
Pros: The ability to switch between an automatic and a 5-speed manual transmission
Cons: The need for high octane gasoline
Advice: Don't be afraid to barter for a good price!
Once behind the wheel I knew I was going to buy the car. It has the Climatron temperature adjustment, telescopic steering wheel, CD player, heated leather seats, floor mats 'buttoned' to the floor, self-tinting rearview mirror, sunroof, On-Star, V6 Tiptronic transmission, 16' rims, and every safety feature that insurance companies love to hear! -
2003 Volkswagen Passat - GL (M5) FWD Sedan
Pros: Turbo engine
Cons: The heating system and the fact that I have to put higher octane gas in the engine
Advice: Read all maintenance and get prices and to have this car is expensive
Smooth, fast turbo ride. Handles very easy be careful of the low front end