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 21 through 30 of 588.00-
Great Car while it is working... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By iamddn - July 19 - 2:00 amI used to love my Passat. It is great fun to drive and roomy, while feeling extremely safe. Then, I recently started having electrical problems on my 5-month old car. I cannot get through to anyone at any local VW service shops. I repeatedly call but can never reach any person. As directed, I leave voice messages, and despite the receptionists promises to have someone return my call shortly, no response at all. Ever. Do you research and you will find that VWs owners repeatedly have the same two complaints: electrical problems and poor service. Both these problems have existed for years and do not seem to be changing. I wont buy another VW.
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A Passat Lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By jdsj691 - January 13 - 10:00 amI went back to VW after years of trying other vehicles. The reason I went back was because in the 1980s I had a Jetta GL that I put 125,000 miles on and had no issues whatsoever, except for the usual maintenance, etc.. The Passat I bought was not the same quality at all. This past year I had it in the garage for a total of 2 months for an electrical defect that costs me $500 dollars to fix even with the extended warranty. The frustrating factor is that its STILL not fixed. So I am limiting my driving to around town until the lease is up in the next 6 months. I wont be buying another VW in my lifetime!!
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CUSTOMERS BEWARE!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Lava - September 18 - 2:00 amI did all my homework before I bought this car and also read message boards to make sure I did not miss anything, well I did. Everyone who has great reviews has relatively few miles on their car (<10,000). Ive had nothing but ignition coil problems with this vehicle. It seems that all 1.8T engines in VW and Audi have this problem and nothing has been done to fix it. They just repair it which typically takes 2-3 weeks and tell you that "theres a 90% chance the others will go." On top of that the computer board malfunctions and causes check engine light to come on. DONT let the exterior and interior attractive design fool you.
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Warning!!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Upset2 - August 5 - 2:00 amIf you purchase a 1.8 beware you are looking at a hefty timimg belt replacement that even if it fails VW will not back you and you will pay 5K for repairs!! Ask the sales person before you buy!
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Dont buy this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Dont buy this car - July 28 - 12:56 amI will never buy a VW again, after my troubles with this car. It seems like every oil change finds at least $200 of additional repairs that are needed. Two cv boots went bad early on. Problems with heated seats, side mirrors, stereo knob, ashtray near back floor, brakes, rotors, temperature sender, etc, etc, etc. I had always owned Hondas and wanted a change. I am tired of the expenses associated with owning a Passat and will be trading in for a Honda soon. I had Hondas that needed less repairs during 10 years of ownership than this car needed in the first 3 years of ownership!! Crazy - considering this car is supposed to last forever and be so great. I dont believe it any more!!
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Awesome car with VW problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By ChrisB - January 31 - 10:00 amThis is my second Passat. I love the styling and the ride. With all VWs get used to continuous electrical problems and weak air conditioners. Headlights will start cutting out, blinkers not work, etc... (not covered under warranty). I love the car but this will be my last passat due to constant nagging problems. My first Passat had an engine that would cut out at 65 MPH on the highway (VW did not think this was an issue).
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Dont Buy a VW w/ 1.8T engine - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By paugusta - January 16 - 8:16 pmThe Passat with a 1.8T engine is horrible! it has been in and out of the shop with many problems including the engine had to be replaced at 31,000 miles. VW North America would not stand by the product until a law suit was threatened. Bottom line... avoid the car. There is a reason why VW is rated next to last by JD Powers for customer satisfaction.
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Looks Good in the Shop - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By balewis - December 19 - 10:00 amIve had the car one year and already had to replace the starter. The A/C would not turn off. One recall repair. And several rattles in the dash. The VW charm is quickly wearing off. The VW Service is a nightmare.
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Thank god its gone - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Naomi - November 19 - 12:20 amWhen I bought the car it had all the features and performance I was looking for along with great all weather traction. That was the good news. Over 6 years it would spend 1-2 months in the shop every year. Electrical problems, replaced fuel senders x2, fuel tank, engine coils, torque converter, cv joints, numerous other recalls and finally the dreaded cam adjusters failed at 43k. Quoted repair cost $8500, and happens to just about every w8. A quick fix is to try an oil flush like k&w, but it is a ticking time bomb of whats going to fail next. Worst reliability I have ever seen, and this holds for other w8 owners I spoke too. We all traded ours in for a more reliable car (just not a VW).
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Impossible to fix - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Kenneth - October 15 - 8:20 amThis was a good basic car. However, all of the items meant to make this a luxury car did not work (auto-wipers, auto-AC, etc). I could only get parts at the dealer and only the dealer could work on it. But, even the dealer couldnt fix any of the problems. I sold it with all of the problems that supposedly had been repaired. I did not have a trip to the repair shop cost less than $2,000. From new to sold (including repair costs) I lost approx $30,000 owning this vehicle.
