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

• 

  Fun to drive but too many problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By adam - December 2 - 10:10 pm

  Car has been sent back to dealer six times for different repairs. After driving 3,000 miles, car was broken down on busy street. Every December, when weather gets cold, the malfunction light was on since purge valve was broken. Last year, trunk wont latch. Last month, a engine pipe was broken. Now, when applying brake, a lot noise from passenger side dash board. From begining, Driver seat lowers on itself after driving 300 miles in about a week. Dealer installed new seat but new seat has same problem. Now, vw and dealer reject to do anything since they dont know how fix. One of technicians in the dealership said that his 2004 Jetta has same seat problem.

• 

  Passats are Lemons - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallbrunette - November 28 - 4:03 am

  Please check out Consumer Reports before buying a used or new Passat. In May I had to put in a new battery, I was told by VW that it had to be replaced. A month later or less I had left it in the airport and the battery was dead again. I was told by VW ALL car batteries need to be jumped if left for 3-4 days (I am not lying). I had to bring the car back five times before it was corrected. I cant tell you the time, money and frustration and most of all stress this has caused me. I have owned three Volvos and have NEVER had such problems. I also had to put in new brakes within 20,000 miles. Go for the proven cars - Toyota and Honda. This car is planned to be obsolute at 50,000 miles.

• 

  lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg - November 16 - 7:43 pm

  Ignition coils go bad between 50-75 K miles. Major design flaw. VW will not claim responsibility for this issue as I have contacted them. I dont mind 3 or 4 recalls and countless other items that had to be replaced during the warranty, but it is unfair for the owner to pay for ignition coil replacement, which seems to be a common issue with this engine. Ask any VW owner or dealer.

• 

  Do not buy a VW! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sorry I bought - August 24 - 8:20 pm

  Two words...oil sludge. All VWs of this engine type (and the V6 Ive heard) have several fundamental problems that VW is unwilling to address. Poorly engineered product. Go with a Japanese competitor.

• 

  Avoid this car like the plague - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nakie - August 13 - 2:50 pm

  This is the most unreliable Ive ever owned. This model is total rubbish and should have had recalls on the engine and all the hoses attached. It is the ultimate in cheap manufacturing. I have replaced the transmission all hoses and connections below the engine(plastic fittings that all cracked) the dip stick holder(plastic) that came out in multiple pieces when checking the oil the engine that froze and died when the oil strainer became clogged with sludge( the red light came on telling me to stop but by the time I could get off the road the engine was starved of oil and had to be replaced

• 

  Run away fast! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By wolfman333 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Sexy car inside and out. Drives nicely on the freeway. Mine has some really bad rattles that the dealership cant seem to fix and I may have to get an attorney to get VW to do anything about it. Climatronic is the most illogical and difficult to use heating/air conditioning system Ive ever encountered. If youre living in ignorant bliss buy this car. If real quality matters run away fast.

• 

  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

• 

  Avoid the turbo without a thorough inspection - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By checkengine88 - May 25 - 4:51 am

  Bought it used from an as is dealer. Trunk only opened with a key and the coolant looked a little funny, but I talked him down and thought I was getting a good deal even after I had to sink some money into it. $1900 later I gave up. The car kept over heating as engine oil was getting into the coolant system. Had the engine oil cooler, water pump, belts and thermostat replaced and it overheated again. I had to call it when they said the next step was to replace the turbo and if that didnt work, the head gaskets. Oh and the electrical module under the seat was faulty causing the trunk problems. Please take it to a dealer for an inspection before you buy it used. Had it for a month

• 

  What a Mistake! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Karen - October 4 - 10:40 am

  When I purchased this car new in 2003, it was my first experience with a Volkswagon. I now now it will be my last. The first month the starter went and I was without a car for days. I unfortunately continued to bring the car to the dealership and never got out of there under $1000, even for routine service. The recalls have been numerous, and my pants actually caught fire with the lovely heated seats prior to the recall. I recently replaced an axle, and now I am told I may need a new transmission. I dont even have 80,000 mile yet. My back doors do not unlock, the handle came off the glovebox, the alarm no longer sounds when I leave the lights on, the sunroof gets stuck open, ....on and on..

• 

  Im stuck with a VW lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By edgar215 - September 29 - 12:50 am

  I purchased a nice 03 Passat with 65k miles last year for my daughters 1st car. Now, Im faced with buying a new engine because of sludging. I had never heard of this problem. Apparently, the engine is ruined and VW will not warranty it without all past service records. I am the 3rd or 4th owner so I dont have them. Ive owned over 25 cars in my 52 years and have never had a problem like this. I is going to cost me over $4,000 to fix it. I will NEVER own another VW!