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 1 through 10 of 588.00-
Would not recommend this vehicle - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By deck3 - March 26 - 2:41 amMy 2003 Passat had 91,000 miles when the engine sludged; a known problem with this engine. This car has been more stress than the $14,000 purchase price. The original sludged engine had to be replaced with a new engine ($3,695), installed and the engine reset ($977 + $252), as well as the cost of a replacement car ($900). Stress and towing not included. VWs CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT regarding the Sludging of its Passat vehicles has been anything but easy. VW had multiple hoops to jump through. The Oil Sludge Settlement Administrator group had told me on more than one occasion that I would be "reimbursed 100% of the above expenses", but I just received a reimbursement check barely large enough to cover the cost of the engine ($3991.98). What a shame. This engine had problems, VW was aware of these problems, and VW was taken to court and made to reimburse those who purchased these problems. This company, Volkswagen, is not a reputable company to deal with based on my dealings with them. Both their product and business handlings have been of poor caliber. I would not recommend doing business with Volkswagen.
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Too many electrical problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By tavee88 - March 22 - 12:23 pmTo 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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Car showing pollution control problem - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Amar - November 1 - 10:00 amI bought this car brand new in May, 2003, Passat GL 4-dr.Drove nice for two days and then see a funny warning lite. I took it to the dealer and they say this is pollution control problem. This car is there for eight days now and the dealer cannot figure out what is the problem. They reap apart the brand new car and could not fix it. I dont know what to do. I have to see lawyear soon.
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Very disapointed VW Owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By K.Walsh - November 1 - 10:00 amWe bought this car (2002 VW Passat) based on great reviews. Unfortunately, we encountered coil problems, as did all 2002 Passat owners with the 1.8 Turbo. We remain very bitter and disapointed in the manner in which this problem was addressed. VW would only replace the faulty ignition coils as they failed. So for a four cylander car, that was four occassions for the car to completely lose power and break down. Dealing with VW was an aweful experience. Now, my cars rear breaks need replacing @ 15,000 miles and the radio does not work. Additionally, the rear cigarette lighter refuses to stay shut and now does not work altogether. Good luck.
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NEVER BUY A VW !!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By sk - September 30 - 12:13 amI bought vw passat 03 as certified used and had a very bad experience. The only reason I bought the car was because of its sexy interior and exterior(silver). Last 4 yrs, I had nothing but bad experience, done every service regularly, almost every time the vw dealer finds some problem costing anywhere from $300.00 to $1500.00 for that repair or this repair. I was driving probably about 50 miles a month as I had a Honda Civic. After about 3 yrs of use, I was worried and purchased a top vw platinum warranty, but the problems didnt stop nor was any part/problem covered by this worthless warranty - i paid about $2000 for this warranty. NEVER BUYING A VW AGAIN.
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OIL SLUDGE AT 120K! READ THE FORUMS - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By j1eis - August 1 - 10:46 amSure I took a risk buying this car used at 119,500 miles, but all the reviews online were pretty good for this car. 400 miles later I started having oil pressure lights and engine lights come on and when I googled the symptoms, I got all kinds of bad news about the car. Oil sludge is a problem and if its not fixed fast, the engine will need replacing. Im not even sure if there really is a fix for this problem. If you have this car, get it checked right away. These reviews make it look like a good car, but be careful and read the forums to see what will really happen if you purchase/own this car. 2002 also has this problem
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VW - Never Again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Millenium - November 12 - 8:16 amSince I purchased this car 6 years ago, it has been in for repair at least 4 to 10 times per year, every year (on top of the regular oil changes). Always some electrical problem or oil leak. In the first 3 months all four tires had to be replaced. While the people at the dealer were always friendly and cooperative, they were not forthcoming with detailed answers about any of the mechanical/electrical problems.
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Overall Problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By coder157 - September 23 - 5:30 amIve never owned a vehicle that has had this many recalls. Between the electrical heaters in the seats, the fuel system and now the right rear wheelhouse liner/shield. This is my second Passat, I never thought I would buy another car until this one. The quality put into VW Passats has really gone downhill.
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passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By marlene2 - January 27 - 11:28 amthe worst car nothing but trouble after 3 years
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Oh My God!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Not what I Planned - August 5 - 2:00 amTiming belt failure!! $5000 and none of it covered under warrantee!?!?!!? Just be wary a regular change at 60K cost almost $2000 and yes the car is not paid for yet!!!!!!!
