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 121 through 130 of 588.00

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  Best Looking Wagon on the Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By FoHGoR - November 1 - 10:00 am

  We love our Wagon. Its a great value with a ton of safety and standard features for less than $25K. The 1.8t has plenty of pull through most the gears-especially while using the tiptronic feature (Then you can add a chip for even more power). Theres plenty of room for a couple who are just starting a family. The perfect car for those of us who dont want a minivan nor an SUV.

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  LOVE IT! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By AnonymousMe - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE my new passat. At first I wasnt too sure when I was considering it, now Im so happy! The only thing that my passat doesnt have is power adjustable seats, otherwise everythings great!

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  Confused - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Confused - October 14 - 4:33 pm

  I bought my Passat in Italy through a company that sells US spec models directly to US civilian and military personnel. I drove it through the Alps, through Croatia, from Naples to Belgium and back at sustained speeds of 100 mph for a couple of hours at a time. Nothing broke, nothing fell off, nothing went wrong. It never needed a tow until the fuel pump went out at 55,000 miles, which the dealer in Aosta Italy replaced under warranty. I am not sure what people in the US do to their cars so they dont work right or if their expectations are totally misplaced. Ive had Jettas and Passats almost exclusively since 1984 and have never had major problems, and at 62K mi., no oil use!

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWLOVER2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  AFTER TEST DRIVING ALL SIMILAR STYLES AND PRICE RANGES, THIS CAR WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST FOR THE MONEY, IT HAS ALL THE EXTRAS. THE COMFORT & THE RIDE ARE INCREDIBLE. I TELL EVERYONE I KNOW

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  What a Mistake! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Karen - October 4 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this car new in 2003, it was my first experience with a Volkswagon. I now now it will be my last. The first month the starter went and I was without a car for days. I unfortunately continued to bring the car to the dealership and never got out of there under $1000, even for routine service. The recalls have been numerous, and my pants actually caught fire with the lovely heated seats prior to the recall. I recently replaced an axle, and now I am told I may need a new transmission. I dont even have 80,000 mile yet. My back doors do not unlock, the handle came off the glovebox, the alarm no longer sounds when I leave the lights on, the sunroof gets stuck open, ....on and on..

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  Im stuck with a VW lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By edgar215 - September 29 - 12:50 am

  I purchased a nice 03 Passat with 65k miles last year for my daughters 1st car. Now, Im faced with buying a new engine because of sludging. I had never heard of this problem. Apparently, the engine is ruined and VW will not warranty it without all past service records. I am the 3rd or 4th owner so I dont have them. Ive owned over 25 cars in my 52 years and have never had a problem like this. I is going to cost me over $4,000 to fix it. I will NEVER own another VW!

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  This is a Bug Mobile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Lady - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This car replaces the Beetle as the new BUG, as it is so buggy. The electric seats stopped working a week after I bought the damn this. Now the fuel gauge also gave out. What junk.

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  First VW and will not be last! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sigem - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I personally did not have enough moola to upgrade into the higher models, but needed more room than the Jetta. The Passat GL was the perfect car for me. It had everything I needed and even more! The power is kind of weak, but for the price and the budget I was completely satisfied. I was also comparing it against the new Honda Accord and Camry but those look boring! I also want to add that the dealership I would highly recommend you guys to goto Lithia Volkswagen in Concord and meet up with Hoang. The didnt pressure me into any other models, and were really nice. So if your in the Bay Area, California go take a look at these guys.

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  Winter fun in Style - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By loyalist - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the style of the automobile. It looks great inside and out. I sell real estate and wanted a car that would present a respectable and professional image, and impress but not intimidate my clients. This car shines in winter driving. One time, early on, driving on freezing rain I did a bit of a four wheel drift, but within a few days I became one with this car. I did not use studded tires this past winter- it did not need them. The stock Michelins are awesome all season tires- the car seems to stop and corner as well or better than my 1996 Passat GLX did this past winter with studs. This is a great car for our family.

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  Stay away - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By cuse311 - August 23 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years now and while it was fun during the warranty period, lately it has been a real drain on my finances to keep it running. Problem after problem keeps showing up from sensors, coils, thermostat. If you like to be punished then go out and buy one, otherwise stay away. This car is very unreliable and very, very expensive to fix.