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 141 through 150 of 588.00

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  Dont buy if you drive a lot - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By R.S. - June 21 - 1:33 am

  I got exactly what I wanted with this car. Comfort and good quality. Its quiet as well, and designed well inside. From the outside its boring (which is fine with me, but bad if you drive to impress). But the build quality is excellent. The finish resists minor bumps and scratches. I had a minor fender bender and it didnt even scratch the bumper. It has three really bad points, though. First, it has terrible mileage (14 miles/gallon around town, which gets pricey when you also have to use 91 octane fuel ). Second, the fuel tank is small, so I only get 190 miles per tank. Last, the steering wheel takes a lot of effort to turn. Thats fine with me, but my wife wont drive it.

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  W8 Passat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Man - June 16 - 1:00 pm

  This car has given me nothing but joy since I bought it. The design is great and the comfort super. Also, for a V8 engine is is remarkably fuel effcient. They are hard to come by, but well worth the extra effort to find one.

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  Great German Marvel - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jey - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Except for some reliability issues and improperly trained technicians at services, this is a great car. VW must ratify these issues before they become out of hand.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gOpACKERS - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car! fast-- awd gets through alot of snow etc! neg--cd changer in trunk

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  Fun to Drive! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gopackers - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Great car! fast-- awd gets through alot of snow etc! neg--cd changer in trunk

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  Fun to drive, when its not in the shop. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dr.Go - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car, like the style, but am frustrated with the many repairs needed in the first six months of ownership. Needed to replace an interior door panel (defective), the windshield (distortion), repair a vibration noise in the ceiling, and replace the gas tank (this took 4 attempts to fix!). Very poor quality control, resulting in 7 days in the shop in four months. Dealer has been very helpful, but still not the carefree ownership I had hoped for.

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  Horrible quality - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Disappointed - May 26 - 10:00 am

  German engineering and quality at some point in time was stellar. Not so with this vehicle. In the shop more than on the road and finally have had enough. 7 years of ownership and real pain all along. Great vehicle when it works, but a very expensive experience. Now changing and looking at Asian brands exclusively. How times have changed when a Kia is more appealling quality wise then a VW.

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  Performance and Utility - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this vehicle and was impressed with the refinement and build quality of both the interior and exterior. Every little thing seems to have been thought of, including a little hidden hand crank to open the sun roof in an emergency. The performance and handling were smooth and nicely tuned, with only minor nudges as the gears shifted under acceleration. Its easy to see why people are willing to pay a premium for this car.

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  Cranky Transmission - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By leaseman - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I test drove this vehicle with great anticipation but was terribly disappointed by jerky, hesitating acceleration. The engine is smooth, quiet and plenty powerful, but getting up to speed is not the joyous experience it is in other $40k cars with automatic transmissions. Most everything else was marvelous, from the exterior styling to the look and feel of the interior appointments. My only other gripe was that the seats are so firm that its difficult to find a comfortable setting.

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  Excellent Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lenjoe - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for six weeks and 4000 miles. In one word "excellent". Very stable at highway speeds and you have no fear of rollover like you would with an SUV. It also give great mileage. On the high ways at 75mph, I get about 31-32 mpg. Overall I have had 26mpg in mixed driving.