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 101 through 110 of 588.00-
Avoid the turbo without a thorough inspection - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By checkengine88 - May 25 - 4:51 amBought it used from an as is dealer. Trunk only opened with a key and the coolant looked a little funny, but I talked him down and thought I was getting a good deal even after I had to sink some money into it. $1900 later I gave up. The car kept over heating as engine oil was getting into the coolant system. Had the engine oil cooler, water pump, belts and thermostat replaced and it overheated again. I had to call it when they said the next step was to replace the turbo and if that didnt work, the head gaskets. Oh and the electrical module under the seat was faulty causing the trunk problems. Please take it to a dealer for an inspection before you buy it used. Had it for a month
-
BMW performance w/o the price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By lsm@spring - May 21 - 10:00 amThis car handles as well as our 300i and has all the bells and whistles that the BMW has - but at $10,000 less. The 4 wheel drive is phenomenal. This car sticks to the road better than our X5. We bought it for our teen, but I may get one for myself.
-
Passat Highline 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Michael23 - May 21 - 10:00 amThis is a great car. I own a German spec Passat Highline. It has many features not avalable here in the USA. The 1.8T engine is great for tuning (chips, exaust, and intake) I have easly 220HP from a 4cyl petrol engine. This is a great car to drive and identical to its twin sister the Audi A4 1.8T. I recomend both cars to anyone. Im a loyal VAG customer and sometimes the dealerships here in the USA dont know there heads from there asses but those are the minor things compaired to such a great looking ride. Danke! Michael (Miami, FL/Munich Germany)
-
LOVE THIS CAR! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By StevenC - May 10 - 10:00 amAll I can say is that I am in love with my car, I feel like Im driving a 50,000$ car that was 24,000, this car is the MOST bang for your buck, spend 24,000 on an altima and u feel like youre driving a chinsy weak car, this car is solid, MUCH nicer materials than any other car in its class, and you feel really cool driving it.
-
High Maintenance - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Fuller - April 15 - 12:33 pmI really liked the look of the Passat. It drives well, handles good, and gets pretty good gas mileage (24 on average). The brake system is terrible. I have had to have the rotors and the brakes changed every year and most of my daily drive is highway. You have to go to the dealership for every thing (head light replacements, wiper blades, etc.). Ive had to take it to the dealer at least 5 times for recalls. The kicker is the car requires high octane gas. It wont perform well on regular gas.
-
Great Middle of the Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By newPassatOwner - April 8 - 2:00 amThe GLX is smooth but a little underpowered, very stable but a little soft with just a bit too much body lean to feel like a true sports sedan. The interior feels like a car $10K more expensive, although the power-heated- leather-memory seats could be a little more supportive laterally. The V6 is so quiet and the power band so even that the TipTronic is virtually useless...its very hard to "feel" the engine. VWs giving you a lot for your money with this car. The traction control prevented me from climbing a steep, snow-covered driveway...had to turn it off finally, but normally you dont notice.
-
Great car love 4 motion - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By BJP42 - April 8 - 2:00 amI have had for only 2 weeks but have been happy with everything so far. Very smooth 6 great great handling. Beautiful car in and out. Drove last nite in a ice and snow storm and remained glued to the road no slip at all.Great atention to detail interior is gorgeous. Only knock is the center arm rest storage is pathetic. But if thats the worst complaint, I can live with it. Lots of room Im comforatable at 66"
-
$4000 in repairs in less than a year! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By katie - April 2 - 12:00 pmI bought this at 59,000. Two weeks later it went in the shop. 6 of the 8 ignition coils went bad $620(there was a recall on this so if they need repaired again VW will not pay 4 it). Intake bad, fuel sensor bad, coolant sensor bad. Total that time $1,890.00. Before I bought the car Lithia put $500.00 in what they called basic repairs, 2 weeks ago I put $900 in electrical probs and 2day my valve gaskets blew out of no where (they are new btw) $1,192.00 for those to be replaced. Front light went out and thats $500.00 2 repair bc they have 2 take the front panel off! Oh and the car is now stated to be worth $8,000.00. So in reality I have thus paid $12,982 for a car worth $8 grand
-
Would not recommend this vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By deck3 - March 26 - 2:41 amMy 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. VWs 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 I just received a reimbursement check barely large enough to cover 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.
-
Good, But ! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By chigue - March 9 - 10:00 amMy second GLX Wagon . Had an 01 to trade in at 24000 miles. Overall I like the styling better on the 03, wish they had avoided the chrome trim tacked on over and in the car, that in my opinion cheapens the look esp on the dash. The wheels are easier to clean at least. Its a nice car to drive with a good solid feel to it. Needs more power though especially considering the poor fuel economy. Which is the worst thing about this car .It has terrible fuel economy considerably worse than my 01 which in itself was alot worse than my prior car a Saab 9000. I feel a car this expensive and of this quality should have decent fuel economy. It does not!
