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 161 through 170 of 588.00

• 

  W8 the car youll love to hate - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By zerowheelspin - February 9 - 9:56 am

  After picking up the most grown up car Ive ever owned, I find my self in a Love hate relationship.. I bought it right off lease with 24k on the clock on 4-13-07. The first of the problems was the ac went it the first week right before a trip to the fl. Keys. The roof trim keeps popping up at the rear over the rear window. Window regulator broke, over head interior light stay on, sun roof opens for no reason, trunk lock broke, head light washer non opp, cv boots leaked, trans torque converter replaced, brake booster vac line. The list goes on I just dont have the time or space. By the way as of 8-31-09 this car only has 49,290 miles on the clock.. If you ask me stay clear of VW! All lemons!

• 

  W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ursus43 - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I really like this Passat. It is fun to drive, it has power and it is getting better gas mileage than it claims or I expected.

• 

  Please, very pleased! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rommel - January 20 - 10:00 am

  What a great car - who wants to drive any of the other "We all look and drive the same" cars. Triptronic is superb fun - a really great car to drive! Had 3 Jettas before (All of which I loved), prefer this car to my friends BMW 325 - far better equipped and it was $11K cheaper! Only criticism so far is that the MPG could be better - this should be fun!

• 

  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By CRAIGF - January 9 - 11:03 am

  I bought my Passat with 20,000 miles on it and have drove it 25,000 flawless miles in the last year. My only complaint is the expensive service. Otherwise it drives similar to my Mercedes 380E. The Passat is a great road car.

• 

  Fun to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MN Commuter - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owneed this car for 5 months. It has been a pleasure to drive. It is very responsive - good fuel economy. I looked at Honda Accord and Saab 93 - the Passat was better handling than the Honda and matched or beat the Saab in handling and roominess at a lower price.

• 

  Im Hooked - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ILuVmyVW - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Just turned in my 99 Passat for a 2003. I love this car! Why spend the extra money for an Audi? Hondas cant compare. Smooth ride, excellent handling, excellent braking, safety - bar none, looks and feels like a luxury car.

• 

  Excellent, sporty, usefull wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nathenso - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Though we have only driven our VW for 3 months, we are exceptionally pleased with the quality, solidity, comfort, and ease to manuver. As far as reliability, we have had no trouble. Time will tell

• 

  unbelievable - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By aik - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its like driving a cloud. The speed will become legendary. It is a family car and a finely tuned racing machine. It is a pal, a friend and so much fun to drive. It almost knows what you expect of it and it delivers. The v8 engine is unlike any you have seen before. It takes your breath away.

• 

  Cost-effective Audi/BMW replacement - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nemakv - December 14 - 10:00 am

  Since the fall of 2001, I drove 30K mileage. Only the front day-time bulb needed to be replaced. Pros: overall an excellent driving experience that make this car a stand- alone valuable alternative to Audi A4/A6 or BMW 3 series. Because Passat model year 2001.5 - 2003 is based on Audi platform and power train, the built quality and engineering is of a premium luxury car for less. The safety futures exceed the industry standard for mid-size sedan. Cons: velour upholstery is retaining any possible lint and fabric imaginable. 1.8T engine, 20 valves turbo gem requires a premium gasoline.

• 

  Lemon of all Lemons - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DanH8VW - December 5 - 1:10 pm

  Just a warning just dont do VW. I absolutely hate this car, because of poor service and reliability. I dont go anywhere for fear it will break down again. VW service is horrible. I have a door that has never opened, just not safe. I have needed CV boots since the day after I bought the car. This car was a replacement for my 2002 Jetta, which was a death trap. I fear for my safety in this car. I have leaked every fluid since it was new. Dealers and VW state meets specification. I wonder should they be prosecuted for theft. I have paid more in maintenance and repairs than what the car cost. Ontario VW wants $2800 for each CV boot replacement, more than its worth.