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 81 through 90 of 588.00

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  Pleased with the 2003 Passat and Oakvill - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bruces Baby - August 26 - 4:03 am

  As a 16 year owner of the 1st model year of the VW Jetta, I answered the call for drivers wanted in 2007. My used 2003 Passat is truly a joy to drive. I faithfully change oil out @ 8K with Castrol Synthetic 5 w 40 and look forward to enjoyable years of driving. Purchased in 2007 with ~ 83 K I have now in 01/09 133 K with only a transaxle boot replacement

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kalamazoo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Pleasing performance, fine fit and finish, quietness, excellent sound system, features, features, features -- still finding new features.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Comfy!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JCLMD03 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a nice Car! I like it. Its Comfy and Solid. Im having so much fun driving my Passat. The feeling of Luxury in affordable and reasonable price.

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  Solid, Comfortable & Fun to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JAS3rd - August 10 - 10:00 am

  My Passat is quiet and nimble and yet it "rides heavy" on the highway. When I looked at the Audi A4 and BMW 3 series I realized that would get much more creature comfort for less money and still have a car that is a joy to drive. If you want significantly more sportiness you have to go for the BMW 330 or the A4 3.0 (more $$$). The Accord seemed tinny & the Camary is as plain as a soda cracker (by the way... whats up with the funky exhaust pipe hanging so low under the Camary??? its ugly and odd.

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  I luv driving this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill in Madison - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I now search out the "Rustic Roads" (an actual state designation in Wisconsin), in order to push this car a little closer to its edge. Cornering at high speeds is like riding on rails, and I enjoy leaving the wannabes way back after corners, only to have them zoom up on the straight. Then at the next corner... The foldback mirrors are great fun, and Ive used them while driving onto a ferry boat in the Apostle Islands. I REALLY love driving this car! Only possible negative is the mileage, but unless I start driving like Im from Minnesota, I cant expect good fuel mileage. ;-)

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  Will never own another car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JackieB8985 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Just bought my GLS wagon last week. I love it!!! Very comfortable, safe, stylish, affordable, just an overall great purchase. This is my first non- american car, and Im glad I made the decision.

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  put the honda and toyota rumors to rest - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By winkster24 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  i was totally fixed on my moms accord and her old camry, but this car puts them in the dust. buttery smooth describes everything about the car, and the styling is simply brilliant.

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  Funnest car Ive owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By not all bad reviews - June 26 - 12:03 pm

  Bought it in 04 with 20,000 miles and now have 145,000 miles on it. Had to replace the coils and brake light switch. Had my own mechanic do the work and got reimbursed most$ because of recalls. Fun to drive. Had a water issue but fixed it myself. If I had mechanic fix it would have gotten reimbursed due to recall. Only issue I have is the headlights are wired backwards so the main lights are on all the time. Also have a heated seat issue but beyond that I love the car. Parts are pricey and the dealers dont have a clue. But have not had the issues these posters have had. Anyone whos borrowed my car liked driving it.