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 11 through 20 of 588.00

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By M Zolner - June 7 - 10:00 am

  This car requires a high degree of maintenance. I have had my 2002 Passat into the dealer twice within the past 6 months for engine issues. I have less than 30k miles on the car. I have spoken with 3 other Passat owners and they all have similar stories. I recommend that you buy this car if you have alot of extra money laying around to dump into maintenance fees.

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  Repairs equal purchase price - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hassef - July 5 - 10:57 am

  My brother bought this car for a little old lady 9 months ago for 5k. Haha, ya right. He has already spent 4k fixing it and his mechanic says the ball joints are going, onther 1k. What a lemon. I drove the car, it may or may not have been owned by a little old lady but it definitely drives like one. What a piece of junk.

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  Another Volkswagen Bust - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DDevi - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is possibly the worst car I have ever driven. At eight months old the vehicle needed a new transmission. Shortly thereafter I have had purge valve problems, a blown speaker, and at twenty two thousand miles the fuel pump went along with the rear brakes (rotors and pads). A completely unreliable vehicle. I will never look at another VW.

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  What a Mistake! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By shenry - April 6 - 10:00 am

  After doing alot of research and test driving I purchased this vehicle from Downtown Fine Cars in Toronto, Canada. What a terrible mistake. 8 months later the car doesnt start and had to be towed into the garage due to a broken fuel guage sender. The customer service was horrendous and they have failed to respond to a both a letter of complaint and a telephone call. Now, the roof trim is delaminating from around the roof rack. Do not purchase a VW!

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  Disappointed with 2003 VW Passat V6 AWD Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By pillar1 - December 28 - 1:43 am

  This review comes from a loyal VW owner, however, Ive been very disappointed with my 2003 VW Passat V6 AWD Wagon. It is a beautiful, comfortable car but its been in the shop way too much! My car has had the rotors replaced twice, a bad auto air conditioning fixed twice, and now a bad fuel pump. All of these problems are with a car with less than 35,000 miles. I was very pleased with my former cars a 95 VW Cabrio and 98 VW Passat, but I will look elsewhere for my next car.

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  Worst car I have ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By merry8 - November 21 - 3:55 pm

  Bought this car brand new off the lot, brakes squeeked from day 1, when I inquired with the dealer I was advised "all new cars brakes squeek". I took to an independent mechanic at 8k miles, the mechanic stated my brakes were completley failed, rusted. The mechanic told me the brakes were so bad I should stop driving asap, I had the car towed to the dealer. The dealer b.s.ed me and told me my brakes were fine, I believed them. They were not, at just over 12k miles, they were gone, dealer said brake warranty over at 12k, they strung me along until the warranty ran out. The dealer stated it was because i lived near the ocean, that is why my brakes failed!!Numerous other issues as well.

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  Wouldnt buy a VW again - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Eric Lederman - July 17 - 2:00 am

  too many problems....the first 6 months was good and then it all began. Ignition coils failed, Monsoon sterio stopped working, fog lights stopped working,trip computer works few days a month,cannot drive the car in rain or fog ,wipers dont work efficiently.DOnt buy a VW, if you are real crazy lease it

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  Disappointment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By greg woods - June 8 - 12:50 am

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  Disappointed with GLS Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jkilo - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Made a mistake purchasing this vehicle. Build quality and dealer service have been poor. Paint had numerous small blems. Rear hatch trim replaced twice. Roof line trim inserts bow up. Fully loaded highway ride not comfortable. 1.8T slow off the line - OK at speed. Fuel economy not great. Tip: on your test drive set tire pressure to mfg spec - this dealer sets them low to smooth out ride.