2003 Volkswagen Passat Consumer Reviews

2003 Volkswagen Passat

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2003 Volkswagen Passat

Kelley Blue Book Retail $4,000–$11,250  

Average Rating

3.6 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.2 out of 5
Performance:3.6 out of 5
Exterior Styling:3.9 out of 5
Interior Design:4.0 out of 5
Value for the Money:3.1 out of 5
Reliability:3.0 out of 5

25 out of 43 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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VW

by AJBCARS
from Albany, NY | March 11, 2013

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 2 out of 5
Reliability: 2 out of 5

"I own two VW's and they are the most unreliable cars I have ever owned. The dealership tells me that VW does have problems and VW North America tell me they have never heard this. Check out JD Powers and VW's are rated four from the least reliable cars made. If you are going to own a VW product get your check book ready!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work


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3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Best car that I've ever owned

by Alex
from | March 3, 2013

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Super smooth, very comfortable, very refined. VW Engineers got it right. system works amazing in the rain and snow. Monsoon stereo sounds amazing. All the extra options are really nice. The memory seats tied to the remotes are very cool - where even the side mirrors change to either Mem1 or Mem2 when you unlock the doors. Heated seats are really nice. The car has been very reliable, and fun to drive." I would recommend this vehicle to a friend: Yes This vehicle was purchased: New"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

Primary use for this car: N/A


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Steer clear of VW

by deck
from muskegon, mi | May 21, 2012

Rating from

(1)
Comfort: 2 out of 5
Performance: 1 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"My 2003 Passat had 91,000 miles when the engine sludged; a known problem with this engine. This car has been more stress than the $14,000 purchase price. The original sludged engine had to be replaced with a new engine ($3,695), installed and the engine reset ($977 + $252), as well as the cost of a replacement car ($900). Stress and towing not included. VW's CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding the Sludging of its Passat vehicles has been anything but easy. VW had multiple hoops to jump through. The Oil Sludge Settlement Administrator group had told me on more than one occasion that I would be "reimbursed 100% of the above expenses", but their reimbursement check barely covered the cost of the engine ($3991.98). What a shame. This engine had problems, VW was aware of these problems, and VW was taken to court and made to reimburse those who purchased these problems. This company, Volkswagen, is not a reputable company to deal with based on my dealings with them. Both their product and business handlings have been of poor caliber. I would not recommend doing business with Volkswagen."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work


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13 out of 15 found this review helpful

maintenance costs for outweigh the good

by Just want a nice reliable car
from Minneapolis, MN | May 21, 2012

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"We bought the '03 Passat used. We have replaced just about every replaceable part in the engine - coils, motor mounts. Major sludge problem, VW fixed it once at about 65,000 miles but now we're at 94,000 miles and it's done it again. They won't fix it this time. Now I'm stuck with a very nice dead car. We've used synthetic oil since we bought it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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10 out of 12 found this review helpful

A truly great car

by Ozzie
from Visalia, CA | February 20, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I've owned two Passats, my current one is an '03 W8 model. It's truly a great car (for all of the past 6 years that I've owned it). Its German engineering is obvious in every way, the terrific handling, the fit-and-finish, the great ride, etc. The car drives like a slot-car with its tight steering and all-wheel-drive handling. The 8-cylinder power and acceleration are also confidence building. VWs are a true bargain for those who want European looks and quality. I'd highly recommend this W8 model."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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6 out of 8 found this review helpful

Been Blessed to own this Reliable 2003 Passat

by Yellowfranjipani
from Santa Rosa CA | February 8, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Just love everything about it...heated front seats, quiet engine..rain sensor wipers..(whoopi!), backseat armrest..inside is spacious. I chose the right car as it wins Trendcar of the Year 2012...wat more can u ask for...."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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3 out of 6 found this review helpful

Very reliable car

by Cars
from Buffalo New York | September 10, 2011

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"The quality of German cars is as good as it gets in a car. I have owned a Passat for several years and I love the car."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 5 found this review helpful

WORST VW EVER

by Dontbuyit
from Princeton, NJ | June 8, 2011

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 1 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"This was the fourth VW I've owned. Such a disappointment. Completely unreliable. The model has a major engine design flaw that will cause a sludge issue that will require the engine to practically be rebuilt. Fortunately, mine was still under warranty when it happened. There's also a design flaw that causes water to collect inside the dash board, will cost a fortune to fix, and will just happen again. I expected so much more from VW than this lemon. Do yourself a favor. Don't buy a 2003 Passat."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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16 out of 17 found this review helpful

Notoriously unreliable

by ex owner of vw
from st louis | December 4, 2010

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 1 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 2 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"The most unreliable car ever !!!! just stay away from it. the MIL light comes on every few months and the VW dealerships don't have a clue.not worth the high price. i will never buy a VW again"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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16 out of 18 found this review helpful

Get rid of it before it breaks down

by Never again
from Cincinati,OH | November 13, 2010

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 2 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 3 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 1 out of 5
Reliability: 1 out of 5

"The most unreliable car that I have ever owned. Numerous and very expensive trips to the dealer made life stressful for me. The check engine light comes on every few months. I will never buy this brand again. German engineering at its absolute low !"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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11 out of 13 found this review helpful

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