Volkswagen Passat 2000-2005 used car review

The Volkswagen Passat offers a comfortable drive and premium features at a low price.

Richard Edwards

Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

Exterior

Drive

Safety

Value

Interior

Overall score , 3.1 out of 5

The good

Comfortable front seats and a quality feel to the interior
Premium look and badge at a low price

The not-so-good

Poor reliability overall
Small boot opening despite good volume
No parking sensors or reversing camera

Inside and out

On the road

Safety

Reliability

Cost of ownership

Buyers' guide

Variants

Timeline

Details

Review vehicle

2003 Volkswagen Passat V5

Price

$3,000 to $10,000 for models which have travelled 70,000 to 120,000km

Engine

2.3-litre five-cylinder, 110kW and 205NM

Transmission

Five-speed automatic, front-wheel drive

Safety rating

Five-star Used Car Safety Rating

Servicing

10,000km or 12 months

Spare wheel

Space saver

Fuel economy

9.8-litres per 100km (claimed)

Fuel type

Premium

Length

4704mm

Width

1740mm

Height

1436mm

Towing capacity

750kg (unbraked), 1,600kg (braked)

Turning circle

11.7m

Image gallery

Richard Edwards

Expert Reviewer | Auto Media Group

Also consider

Mitsubishi Evo vs. Subaru WR STi front action

Review

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FQ300 vs Subaru Impreza WRX STi comparison

Holden vs. Ford battles are intense, but in rally-replicas, each STi move is countered. We tested Mitsi and Subaru.

Kyle Cassidy

Review

2005 Mitsubishi Evolution IX GT vs Subaru Impreza WRX STi comparison

You think they’ve reached a pinnacle and then another generation of Mitsubishi Evolution and Subaru WRX STi is launched.

Peter Louisson

Review

Honda Accord Euro R 2002-2008 used car review

The Honda Accord is a practical family car. The Euro R version gives you sports car performance.

Richard Edwards