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 61 through 70 of 588.00

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  Pretty Good. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cali to Mass - January 19 - 1:46 pm

  As my first real car, I lived in Orange County and bought it @ 66,000 miles Certified. Two car accidents. One cross country trip from California to Boston. One winter later it has 105,000 miles on it! GULP! But its fared pretty well. Ive had a few minor electrical issues, and an engine leak but after the terrible VW Customer service honored everything it was alright. After putting over 105k miles on a 5 year old car it still coasts the highways SO SMOOOOTHLY. I need brakes done shortly, first time since 66,000 miles. Just got my timing belt done and ready for more. Good Car considering everything Ive done to the poor thing.

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  Love at First Sight - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By D. Jones - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I shopped around for other cars in my price range, but fell in love with the Passat at first sight. Ive received many compliments on this car. The Passat is a total package for great looks, safety features, performance, and reliability. My Passat has nearly 10k miles without any problems. Its fun to drive and handles well in the snow. Im a first time VW owner and love this car!

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  Fun but tempermental - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tim d - December 30 - 9:36 pm

  Bought this car new in 03. Blue Anthracite with Grey Leather. Very well appointed and good performance. Drove great, had the feeling of a safe and heavy car. Had problems that I would not expect of a fairly new car: Short Brake Life, including warped rotors. Bad Breaklight Switch, $900 alternator replacement, a battery that only the dealer can replace (not good when it goes out on Sat. night). 2 bad CV boots. Oil leaks. Improper alignment burned up 2 new tires. Ridiculous price on 40K and 80K maintenance. When this car was getting near 80K, I sold it on Craigslist and bought a Honda. I could not stomach another trip to the dealer for them to find more stuff wrong.

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  Worst car ever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dreidjr - December 24 - 5:58 am

  I purchased this car used in march of 08 with 70k on it, within the first month my car was back at the VW dealer water magically found its way into the cabin destroying the CCM $1200 fix. Two months later ignition coils go bad causing car to have a misfire... $350 fix. 4 months later i pull off from the stop light i smell coolant and see smoke coming from engine compartment.. pop the hood theres coolant squirting everywhere.. towed to vw dealer 1300 for a clamp.. really vw?? a day later same thing happens again..within the 4 years ive owned this car i probably paid more in repairs than its worth DO NOT BUY this car unless you like wasting money

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  My First VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By First-time VW Owner - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Only had the vehicle for a week, but so far its a blast. The automatic is a bit sluggish starting out, but it quickly bites and gets going fast, pinning you to your seat. Ive only had one problem with quality so far and its a simple paint problem on the left rear quarter panel. Looks as if they forgot to buff or polish. Looks like a light haze, just a couple of inches in area. Ill see how the dealership handles my request to fix it.

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  2003 Passat 4 Motion Sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ksaintd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Passat, the first being the 1.8t 5 speed GL model. I only have 600 miles on the car so this is clearly preliminary information. The car is very luxurious for the price. The fit and finish, the interior comfort are just superb. I wanted the safety and sure-footedness of all wheel drive so I looked at both the Audi and Passat. I needed an automatic to meet the needs of all of the drivers of the car. Everything I read and heard told me the 1.8t was marginal when used with an automatic. That meant the Audi 3.0 automatic and a price tag of about $37k. I could not justify the $8,000 difference for 25 more hp and 15 ft/lbs of torque.

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  My Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nicholas Corbin - December 15 - 10:00 am

  For a four cylinder vehicle it has good acceleration and power. I have always loved Volkswagons my first car was a 1967 VW Bug. I feel if a car made in 1967 lasted over 30 years it is waorth another investment.

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  Passsat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JJfpagan - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent movements and great handling and confort are the best qualities of this car

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  03 VW passat GLS 1.8T Sedan - Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By 2003 VW passat - December 9 - 12:33 pm

  I have had this car since Jan 2009, and this is the most comfortable car I have ever sat or driven in. The only problem I have had since buying the car was a CV boot which was just a month ago and it was torn and needed to be replaced asap. So I recommend to you VW owners to not go to a dealership for ANY repairs including headlight/tail light bulbs & oil changes unless you want to pay up the butt in bills. Find a car mechanic. The only thing I dont like about the car is that the headlight bulbs are hard to find and replace. My advice to VW owners is to not to go to a dealership unless that is your last option! I love my car and I guess I was just lucky compared to other reviews.

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  Way to go, VW! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Shadow3 - November 27 - 10:00 am

  We love this car! We bought the 1.8L turbo; its a rocket! And its steady in the wind. Has a nice steady feel. Hard to keep it under or at the legal speed limit. We tried Camry and Accord and feel that we made the best choice when we bought the Passat.