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 151 through 160 of 588.00

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  fun car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By eman1t - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Love the 1.8t stick for pickup and fuel economy. Chose the leather interior and couldnt be happier. Overall a fun car to drive

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  pass otty - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By matt hew - April 16 - 10:00 am

  luv the feel and performance, wish the styling were more defined

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  I miss my Honda Civic - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Carpentier - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have four separate rattles. I can hear two rattles in the dash idling at a stop light from the engine vibration even with the stereo on. The transmission has a mind of its own. Shifting is often rough. I averaged only 16 mpg for the first 600 miles.

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  Too many electrical problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tavee88 - March 22 - 12:23 pm

  To echo many others out there I have had way too many electrical problems in the 2 years that I have had the car. Bought it used in Nov 2003 from the 1st owner and it was still under warranty at 20,000 miles. So far, I have had the following items fixed under warrenty: the rear window brake light, left brake light, passenger window could not be operated from the drivers side, and the front right fog lite. The biggest issue covered was seal improperly installed on the AC that routed the condensation to the passenger foot area, my sandels were floating in water! After my warranty expired, all of the running lights on the right went out, it needed a new door light fuse for $92, the driver door warning would not shut off, the dome light stays on, and I cant lock it with the remote. There was a recall on the seat, and then a factory defect on gas line to tank!

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  1 awesome ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By R Owen - March 10 - 10:00 am

  My wifes and I first VW, and definitly will NOT be our last. We absolutley love this car. 03 Passat, loaded with everything, 10 months and 15,000 miles later. No car in this price range can compare the handling, comfort, and fun. We still have our Honda Accord, and it doesnt come close to compare with the Passat. We Live in Pa., this car will plow through the snow. Cant say enough great things about this car. Its kinda funny, the couple bad reviews that are listed are extremely similiar with the wording, as if one person is trying to demean the car. Service has been great. Envious people constantly asking us questions about our car.

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  Love/Hate Relationship - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DG - March 9 - 11:06 am

  I ordered a 2003 VW Passat GLX 4Motion Wagon in 2002, direct from VW. Consumer Reports had written a review that said this was the BEST wagon you could buy, so I believed them and switched from my 20-year relationship with Mazda. At first I LOVED this car, and I especially loved the dealership. Over the years, I have never had a car have so many recalls - and in my case, everything that could break did break prior to the recall - so Ive had to have these things replaced twice!

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jennifer Heit - March 3 - 10:00 am

  I am so disappointed with my gas mileage. I am only getting 15 mpg. Service department says there is nothing they can do. They blame my in town driving, our hot climate, and my heavy use of the ac. Its a nice car and I have no other complaints but with premium gas at over $2.00 a gallon this is not an economical car. The advertised mpg is suppose to be 19 mpg.

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  UnGermanlike Engineering - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian - February 14 - 5:20 am

  Worst car we have had for frequent & expensive repairs. Now at 73,000 miles. Since 60,000 we have spent a ridiculous $6,000 on repairs. AC compressor and evaporator $3000,timing belt repair $1400. Brakes $800. Our air bag warning light is now on $400 to fix. VW service told us that after warranty "Its your problem." Mercedes repairs are same or less-less labor charges since better design.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It is fun to drive and is very stylish in the interior and exterior.

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  Its not my fathers VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fritz - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Finally bought the car I wanted. Interior looks like a car costing $10K more and exterior style and finish is classy. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is smooth with just enough firmness to give confidence in the handling. Instruments at night are just plain cool, and Monsoon stereo sounds great. If Im this happy in 5 years it will be worth every penny.