2003 Volkswagen Passat consumer reviews

Read some of the negative reviews.....mostly concerning the possibility of engine "sludge". I owned one of the 1.8Turbo models involved in the class action suit. It appears that using the recommended 5 - 40w synthetic oil and changing at the 5500 to 6000 mile intervals is key to avoiding problems. Perform the service (you can get the Mann filters & five quarts of synthetic on sale @ Auto Zone for under $30) and you will have a vehicle that will perform well for a couple hundred thousand miles. Thousands are still reliably running & being sold every day.. Finding service outside the dealer network is not difficult in my rural area. As I travel around I always see small service/sales centers who specialize in the VW brand. I think the folks who have problems have not taken care of their vehicles......All makes require service.......in my area the pre-owned VW's (including the 1.8T) have a strong resale record and high satisfaction rating.

I have owed a passat w8 in the past, fun car to drive but spent about 5,500 in repaires in about a years time! We took great care and just wanted a nice reliable car but this was not it! Unless you just want to have the car for a weekend driver this is not the car for you. Don't plan on taking it to anywhere but the volkswagon dealer to get it fixed as they are very complex and nobody else knows how to repair them. Run like the wind and buy something else! Don't say you weren't warned

If you like to have fun driving,drive one of these.They handle the roads with agility.They are sleek and fuel efficient.If you can find a foreign car repair specialist in your area,your all set.The 2.8 V6 with 4motion is a great combination,very safe and handles snow extremely well.

I own a 2003 Passat GLX-V6 and love this car. It is the best car I have ever owned. It is smartly designed, very comfortable, sporty to drive and plenty of room for 5 passengers. I highly recommend this car.

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!

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

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'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.

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....

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.