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 71 through 80 of 588.00-
fun to drive but few flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Pjopzy - November 20 - 2:00 amPresumably good car, but few flaws and none mentioned on this forum. Like everyone the interior colors are great. But confusing controls on the dashboard. The build is good with an eye on safety.Fun to drive,sporty. But too many electrical faults. Bad Monsoon sterio system. Too many reported problems with their ignition coils. They are redesigning their ignition coils after too many of the Passats started giving problems. There is a backlog for these parts for a few frustrating weeks. If you are the next unlucky victim cross your fingers cos the wait can be painful.Does not have a good defroster. Can be painful in those foggy cold days.
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affordable luxury performance car... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By New_VW_Lover - November 20 - 2:00 amThe VW Passat feels like a luxury car and its really fun to drive. The 170HP/turbo engine accelerates well from stop or when passing. The car is feels solid and its very responsive and accommodating in turns. As a New England resident and former SUV owner, it performs well in the snow with its great tires and traction control. The interior controls are easy to use/access and well layed-out. This is a luxury performance car with all the bells & whistles and safety features without the ridiculous price tag. I love this car!
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silent beaut - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By happydub - October 21 - 2:00 amwhats not to like? classic subdued styling, the 1.8T engine, the 5-speed, and the interior comfort. I thought I wanted the V6 but after driving that and the 1.8 I went with the four; much better fuel economy than the V6 and just as much apparent power. good in snow despite the very average factory Conti tires. reliability might be a worry as its in the shop for a "check engine" light but thats it so far. avoid the tan interior if you care about how dirty itll get!
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German Beauty - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Genco - October 17 - 12:43 pmI have been driving this car for 2 years and i recommend it to anyone. I love its handling and cornering. Go 100mph and you wont even feel it !! Highway merging is no problem beacuse it has a great engine. The braking is good too.I had no major problems with it, just the regular oil change and afew trips to the vw dealership to change bulbs!
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Beautiful, but electronic nightmare - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By nolte14 - October 14 - 10:00 amAs a longtime Honda and Nissan owner, Im accustomed to hassle-free operation. Despite its good looks and fun to drive personality, my Passat has had the malfunction indicator lamp illuminate five times in two months and the Monsoon stereo stopped working! A review of VW forums shows Im not alone.
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Just a Comment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Robert Tuckett-Reddy - September 27 - 11:43 pmI originally leased my 2003 Passat and intended turning it back after the lease was up. The car was such a great car that I decided to purchase it. I have owned this vehicle for 5 years now and have only replaced wear and tear items, like brake pads, and tires. I recently replaced the timing belt which again was a scheduled maintenance item. The car has been a super car to own, reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and a overall feeling of safety. I intend to keep my Passat for another five years and would pass it down to a family member without hesitation.
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Awesome car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By gadgetgirl - September 21 - 10:00 amAfter doing a ton of research, I decided on the Passat, both for value and for style. This car is extremely fun to drive. The blue anthracite with black leather is a great color combo. This is my first new car and I couldnt be happier. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car. Its so quiet inside with all the windows shut and the climate control running. The Passat is simply an awesome car. I highly recommend it.
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2003 Wagon great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By BillfromNY - September 13 - 7:06 pm2003 Passat GL Wagon, 5 sp MT. Heated seats and monsoon audio. Great car. My wife drove for 5 years 98,000 miles and we bought her a new 08 Passat sedan (arrest me red) with a 6 sp MT. This car is new to me since I only drove it a handful of times since 2003. Ride: Great Performance: Great Comfort: Great Safety: You feel very secure in a VW Reliability: Fine, we have a very good dealer near by that is a pleasure to deal with.
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VW has really done it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By iclyde - September 2 - 10:00 amMy god how can they sell such a well equipped car for this price. My parent have an Audi A6 and almost cried when they heard how much I paid for my Passat.
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Avoid at all costs! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By JetsetTX - September 1 - 5:10 pmI loved my car when I first bought it. It is beautiful and the inerior is very well done and they use quality materials. Thats where the love story ends. When it was just over three years old the check engine light came on and it was the brake light switch, which was replaced under warranty. Not long after the car broke down on me on the way to work, it was the fuel pump, they replaced it. They had to replace something that was allowing fuel vapor into the cabin a few month later. The new fuel pump needed replacement within a year of the original being replaced. The clutch had to be replaced (out of warranty) at five years old. The thermostat was just replaced the CV boot 2 yrs ago.
