2003 Volkswagen Passat consumer reviews

VWs are nice looking and a smooth ride, but unreliable and expensive to maintain. My car began having problems after only 3 years and 65k miles (nearly all highway). Most of the issues have been electrical-related, and repairs have been frequent and expensive. Among other things, it began leaking oil into the turbo at 75k miles, which would cost thousands to repair. An independent repair shop indicated that the car "was having problems at 75k miles that no car should have until it has at least 150k miles on it." This probably explains the car's fast depreciation and low resale values. My plan was to own this car for 8-10 years but it looks like I will have to replace it at just over 6 years. This is my second and last VW.

Have had this car three years now bought it with 55,000 miles on it now its at 125,000 have never had any problems with it drives like a dream, gets great mileage and goes through the snow no problem. To top it off looks great and I feel very safe in it with my two kids.

I have owned my Passat GLX since 2003. (6 years now). The only real problem I have had is with the brakes, which had to be replaced after the warranty ran out (how do they do that so consistently). You must find a good, honest mechanic (they are out there). the VW dealers in the DC region have the lowest possible ratings. I only use synthetic oil, and change it every 5,000 miles, and only premium gas. City mileage is atrocious 15-16 mpg, but I get 29 on the highway. Lately I have had to put a half a quart of oil in the engine every 1,000 miles. The seats are incredibly comfortable (I have a bad back but can drive for hours on end) and the sound system, with a gentle subwoofer under the seat, is terrific for rock, jazz and classical . I read all the ratings, and am dreading the time when my luck runs out, but to date I wouldn't trade the car for anything. I don't like the new model designs, which are bigger, but less sporty. My only regret is that I wish I had gotten a rear spoiler, just for aesthetic reasons.

after long search for replacement for an old gas guzzling SUV, decided on a used 2003 GLX Wagon. car had only 29K miles and a good service history on Carfax and from local VW dealer. had the car for over a year now and put 16K miles on it. car drives smooth, is quiet, handles good, is comfortable, has all features you could need, is stylish, but could use more power. have changed the oil to synthetic and changed every 5K miles. had auto tranny and differential serviced @ 40K miles. now that I know car is solid, performs well and up to date on all maintenance I have started upgrading and modifying. think if you decide to go with a Passat you must make sure to maintain it well from new or buy a used one with a good, documented service history. very happy with my purchase and will recommend to others.

I bought mine a basic GL used, I have never had any problems with it, I'm 21 and i do all my oil changes on it. I have no ideea why all these people complain about, if you take good care of it you shoudn't have any problems. I had a chevy before and i put way more money and time into that one then into the Passat.

bought in 2004 a used 2003 passat with 30k miles now i have 147k miles runs like a champ never had a problem but i do every 3000 miles oil change

We have the wagon. Fun to drive and we really like the ABS and traction control. Very comfortable interior; lovely ride. Lots of cargo space. The wagon is somewhat noisy inside. I am rather short and appreciate the good visibility. Biggest downer is the high cost of maintenance. Lots of repairs. Interior design issue: the ashtray in the center back is just the right place for little kids to kick it open and break it. Over and Over.

We have loved this car. It has always done well for us and we have never had any issues with it at all. I would definitely get another one. We had to sell our first VW because we were leaving the country for 3 years and it broke my heart to part with it. We will always have VWs. If you take care of them properly, you will never have issues.

This car was fantastic! There are a few lemons out there and VW sometimes has issues with the electrical systems in their cars because their tolerances are SO precise. My Passat was PERFECT. I kept it for 5 years and only got rid of it to upgrade to an Audi A4. I maintained the vehicle very well and never had one breakdown. There is definitely some turbo lag off the line, but this car is SO fast. The problem with these vehicles is people don't maintain them properly and don't understand that a turbo charged vehicle absolutely needs to have 91 octane gas or higher... Anyway, I would do everything the same again in a heart beat.

Just over 50000 and everything is falling apart. Engine repair $6000! I have always wanted a VW and will never drive another. Very disappointed.