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 111 through 120 of 588.00

• 

  fast, very fast - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By emmax - February 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is best car that I have ever owned. It drives like a Mercedes and has as many features as ones that cost several thousand dollars more. Very fast and comfortable. Half the time I dont realize I am going as fast as I am. Receive many comments about the car.

• 

  Id do it again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By The T Man - February 14 - 10:00 am

  I was immediately disappointed that I leased and did not buy my Passat. It is a fine car. It has been reliable. I just find the car fun to drive. Had an 88 Camry and couldnt wait to get rid of it. Mileage has been ~28 in the country and 33+ on trips. Great handling. Love night inter. lighting. Suprising power from a four cylinder. VW got it right. I am buying the next one.

• 

  love the 2003 b5 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grad - February 14 - 10:00 am

  i love the 2003 b5, great vehicle. had the two recalls- engine coil packs and the rear wheel well. otherwise, i find that the car handles well, accel. decently, the manual helps out the 1.8t. good mileage.

• 

  The best car ever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By belarus - January 14 - 2:00 am

  In 2001 me and my wife got Jetta GLS sedan. My friend told me not to get a Mercedes. Well, I wanted to get Jetta and I did. My friends bought MB (e320), BMW (528) and Lexus (rx300). We agreed to collect every paperwork from dealer if there are any problem accures.After 1 year of driving we got our paperwork together and here what weve got: BMW - 7 visits MB - 8 visits Lexus - 5 visits VW - 3 visits That was enough to make my choice for second car. Just 1 month ago we dot VW Passat GLS...

• 

  Sluggish out of First and Second Gear - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ARP - January 9 - 10:00 am

  Looks great...I get a lot of very nice comments about the car. Well-made, great features. VERY SLUGGISH in first and second gear. Once you get into higher gears it takes off nicely. Great quality matierial...they did not go cheap on interior or exterior materials.

• 

  cool car dude - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mtbstevo - December 19 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had this car for a year, and I still get compliments. This car feels like luxury (even though it has cloth seats) is a pleasure to drive. I drove it almost 800 miles in one day, and the miles just flew by (averaged over 80mph no problem). Had a head gasket leak, but VW replaced it no questions. Its been running pretty strong otherwise, although the electronic ignition hesitates in cold temps (<40). The car is very responsive on the highway and almost has that "driving on rails" german feel to it, and the cabin is very quiet (not quite Lexus quiet but close). A little bigger than the A4 but a fraction of the price. Was trying to hold out for new Legacy but no regrets with the VW.

• 

  2003 GL Wagon 1.8L Manual - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By philzone - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my purchase overall. Unfortuately, one wheel was unbalanced by 2.5 oz. when I drove it off the lot, but did not notice until I was on the interstate. Initial gas mileage is not quite as good as expected, perhaps more time will tell. Also was extremely difficult to find as a 5-speed manual, but I eventually got what I wanted after waiting till 2003 models. Excellent and responsive engine and tight suspension, with the cargo room I was looking for without buying an SUV or minivan.

• 

  Nice Car, but - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW_in_ny - November 28 - 12:43 am

  Still a nice car after 2 yrs and 40,000 miles. Car brought in for 40,000 mile service, rear break pads were worn and I was shocked to find pads and rotors need to be replaced as same time. Im used to honda & toyota & subaru where the front breaks do the work (and need service) and the rear breaks can be pretty much ignored.

• 

  Love My Passat 1.8T - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jeremy - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my Passat. I bought this car new and have never had a single problem. After buying a new Malibu, then an Accord and having problems early on I have to say that Im a VW fan for life!

• 

  Good Solid Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hawk - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I brought my passat in 2003 new. We are know in 2010 and I have not had any problems that I am surprised about. I drive my car on a daily basis. I currently have 97,500 miles on my car, and plan on changing the timing belt at 105,000 to drive the car another 100,000 miles. I plan on replacing the shocks and springs with Eibach brands and I plan on finding some factory 17 inch vw wheels to place on my car. I dont plan on buying a car anytime soon. This car has treated me very well.