Overview & Reviews
For 2003, a base GL sedan and wagon are available. Think of the GL as a GLS 1.8T for buyers who don't require any extras like alloy wheels, leather upholstery, seat heaters or a sunroof. Meanwhile, alloy wheels and sunroof are now standard on GLS models. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system will not be offered on GLS V6 models, forcing interested buyers to cross the 30-grand line; however, VW has made stability control (ESP) optional on all Passats (except the W8, which has this standard). Also this year, you'll be able to get W8 sedans and wagons with a six-speed manual transmission and a sport package that includes a firmer suspension and the requisite 17-inch wheels. Lastly, the standard stereo head unit gets backlighting for the buttons.
- Fun to drive, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive.
User Reviews:
Showing 91 through 100 of 588.00-
Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Victor - June 23 - 8:56 amThe 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS V6 besides being very reliable, is a lot of fun to drive, and looks very smart. VW did a beautiful job with the Passat and my next car will be another one.
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VW Fan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Hank Kingsley - June 22 - 10:00 amIn June I traded in my 2000 Passat for the 03. Very similar in ride and comfort, with a little more pep from the turbo, and some nice interior & styling improvements. The longer warranty is also welcome.
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THE BEST EVER! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Nickers - June 22 - 10:00 amI have owned 2 Audis in the past, 1 Jetta and now the Passat. I absouletly love it! Five on the floor, turbo charged and it rips up the hills in no time at all. I get more people who want to take my car ~ love the midnight blue color and the gray leather interior. It has everything you would want in a car and then some! I love the way it handles ~ German cars are known for how they can turn on a dime ~ this car does not disappoint you! It is totally awesome! Ive always owned German cars and would buy another Passat in a heartbeat. Love it!
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THE BEST EVER! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Nickers - June 22 - 10:00 amI have owned 2 Audis in the past, 1 Jetta and now the Passat. I absouletly love it! Five on the floor, turbo charged and it rips up the hills in no time at all. I get more people who want to take my car ~ love the midnight blue color and the gray leather interior. It has everything you would want in a car and then some! I love the way it handles ~ German cars are known for how they can turn on a dime ~ this car does not disappoint you! It is totally awesome! Ive always owned German cars and would buy another Passat in a heartbeat. Love it!
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Its still new - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By PassatDoTd - June 22 - 10:00 amOk so the car is still very very new. However, I will post additional reviews down the road. To be concise: 1. Takes getting used to(the drive that is) if you havent had turbo before. This isnt a bad thing. 2. Super smooth ride. Where are the bumps? 3. Nice acceleration. No problems passing the slower folks. 4. Turns heads and impresses many. So far 4 friends/family have been stunned and they each want one. For the value the car cant be beat.
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Gas Gusler! But Worth It!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Suzy - June 22 - 10:00 amThis car is the most eligant and at the same time sexy. It is very nice to drive and is a pain when it comes time to refuel every 225miles.
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Least reliable car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Derwinator - June 21 - 6:56 amEverything youve read about the Passat is true - they are great to drive, look awesome, and have excellent fit and finish. Have really enjoying DRIVING this car, but cant say the same for my experience with its reliability. Hands down the most expensive and problematic car Ive ever owned. If it wasnt in the shop for a $85 oil change (synthetic required by VW) it was in for a service recall or a problem like water leaking into the passenger side for the 4th time. Finally, the water pump failed at 78K mile destroying the timing belt and engine in the process. Ive had enough and this car was sold as soon as I got it back from the repair shop. Im in a Honda again and happy.
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Expect Improvement Once Broken In - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Artback - June 16 - 2:00 amHad some intial trouble with the CD player which was replaced under warranty. In this same service call, the dealer replaced the ignition coils (note well known problem in 2003). 0-60 time has improved from 7.4 secs to 6.7 secs (vs. new) at 5,000 miles. This car is great on the highway, and during Chicagos 1st serious snowfall of the year, I have discovered what this car is all about. 2 tons on 4 wheels with 8 cylinder power and a Quattro system is close to automotive Heaven. There are few performance sedans (i.e. Subaru WRX STi here) that move as sure- footedly in the snow. ESC stability control is a real bonus.
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New to VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Mel - June 15 - 12:26 amIt handles good, feels good. Owners manual does not say much at all about Transmission or maintenance of tranny. i cant even find type oil to use or how to check it.
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Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Rocky96 - June 8 - 2:20 pmThis is a fun car to drive. The tiptronic transmission is awesome. The four wheel drive makes the handling of this car exceptional.
