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

• 

  Love my VW!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grassyknollgunman13 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T 5speed is great. Not too expensive, and a great car. Rides nice, got some power and a great soundsystem. (Monsoon) The only 2 things Im not crazy about are the placement and design of the sideview mirror control, (knob on the door panel)and the front seat center arm rest. Its nice that it slides forward to be adjustable but w/ a manual tranny, it moves too much while shifting. Other than that, I would highly recomend this car.

• 

  bought new, owned for 6 years, 100k mile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - December 8 - 2:26 pm

  Bought car new in 2002 and just turned 100k miles. Problems...coil packs replaced by dealer when new...no charge. Cars manufactured prior to 7/02 had defects which VW took care of under warranty. Had engine sludge problem at 82k miles which vw fixed for free although technically out of warranty...changed to synthetic oil. car has had regular maintenance by VW dealer which provides excellent service. Car has experienced some minor issues (emergency flasher replaced, headlights burned out, etc.) but overall has been very reliable....no major engine or transmission issues. Very fun to drive, excellent ride on highway, solid German engineering. Bought new 08 last year....10k miles no problems.

• 

  Great Car - Poor Gas Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hzolla - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my Passat for 6 months now and really enjoy it. The Passat is quiet and has adequate pick up. I have experienced no quality or mechanical problems at all. I test drove the Volvo V70 and Audi A6 & A4 wagon and it was clear to me then, as it is now, that the best value amongst these is the VW. My only complaint is below - Gas Mileage.

• 

  New GLX wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By awm34 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased an Audi A4 Avant for five years before replacing it with the Passat GLX wagon. Saved mucho dinero by discovering that the cargo & passenger capacity of the Passat was equal to the A6 that my wife coveted. New features also nice: in-dash CD, heated mirrors, HomeLink (not working yet for me).

• 

  brakesease - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By HAROLD KFARE - October 16 - 10:00 am

  overall very pleased,especially with the service department with the dealer

• 

  Crappy transmission - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JaeP - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive had many VWs for over 12 yrs. 5 to be exact. This is a nice vehicle no doubt about it. It would be that much nicer if the transmission had a better brain or some adjustment possibilities. Dealer couldnt do anything. Id like to buy a W8 Wagon and would like the Auto but not until they improve the tranny. Id stick to manual.

• 

  2003 GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kevin223 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I are extremely happy with this vehicle, although not with the dealer. Overall this car does get average gas mileage, it just has a small tank. This is the only complaint I have with this vehicle.

• 

  Can the Car Last Five Years? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By leibo52 - September 1 - 12:36 pm

  I was so happy with the car until June 2006 when the turbo went while driving, this just 1,000 miles after the 60,000 mile checkup at the dealership? Coincidence or engine design of the car? Does someone call and ask you how much do you love your car? Implying it is too costly to repair a car like this. Thank goodness I bought the extended warranty from outside (Continental) they covered most of the expenses except for full labor ($105+) here in NY they only cover up to $75 per hour the job took almost 10 days.

• 

  A Very Good Car - Update - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mark-- Boston - July 27 - 6:30 pm

  Now > 4 years into ownership and at 108,000 miles, I thought Id update my review. I still like this car a lot. It remains reasonably reliable with only fair fuel economy ( although Ive been getting 24-25 MPG on the highway lately). Cost of maintenance has been relatively high, but I do drive a lot, so I feel it has been quite acceptable. Engine (V6) is running smooth and not burning oil. Im thinking of driving it until 200K or until the cost of repairs gets too high (Ive done the TB and WP at 85K). Im still overall satisfied with the car and service Ive been getting. Ive had two electrical problems. Fuel pump died at 60K (recall) and drivers seat heater died (expensive, but needed fix).

• 

  GLX Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nuffsaid - June 21 - 2:00 am

  We were going to purchase another Volvo wagon but liked the Passat better. Handling, turning radius, fit and finish are superior. Just hope that it is as reliable as our Volvo. So far, having some electrical gremlins but nothing major. MPG could be better, especially using premium gas. I would recommend anyone buying a car to go to FightingChance.com and use the fax attack method. I got my car for $199 over invoice and it was a breeze.