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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  Get it fixed right - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert in Alhambra - June 14 - 11:10 am

  First, I can not understand why there are so many parts within the wheel bearing. That aside, my car has been a very reliable car. After 120k miles, I have replaced all of the ignition coils, spark plugs, struts, and a few other items. The importance of a reliable mechanic can not be made enough. The dealerships work - all of it ever made - had to be redone. No kidding. After I started going to an honest mechanic, someone who told me about certain gas stations, rather than replacing something that didnt need fixing, life was better.

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  Fun Car w/Flaws - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Moniquer - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just finished first months lease on my new 2003 Passat and I must say I have mixed feelings regarding the car. Its a great driving car whos engine might be a might small for the transmission its mated to. The car has a rich European style interior with infinitely adjustable front seats providing superior comfort.

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  oil sludge buildup - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By satisfied tm - June 6 - 1:00 pm

  I have only a few problems with this car. Currently have 24k miles. Ive heard from other Passat owners after 44k mi. "the sludge" can occur. VW sent out a letter about this problem. Use synthetic oil. The turbo produces excessive heat. Brake light switch replacement and MIL light which required a sensor replacement, are the only problems Ive encountered.

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  CV Boots and Axles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Miami, Florida - June 4 - 10:26 am

  Three years old with 22,000 total miles. Vehicle driven less than 3 miles to work and back 5x a week. Personal use only. Overall, happy with styling and performance, features. Highway mpg is 30 plus with air on. Original Continental tires had to be replaced at 19,000 miles. CV boots outer and inner and both front axles replaced at 21,900 miles by dealer with free parts but we paid labor of $195.00. After 4 new tires, balance and wheel alignment at 19,000 miles, vehicle continues to pull right. Dealer says its normal. Rear brakes needed and done when boots/axles replaced. Rotors cant be turned because VW does not manufacture with enough tolerance to permit it.

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  2003 GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vam - May 22 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive but Lots of road noise. Comfort is excellent. Bad Triptonic future

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  Great family sedan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ericba13 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a very solid car. I have the AWD version, which is slow, even with the V6, but a great handler a very luxurious. That said, the AWD is an incredible safety feature in rain, snow, and around corners and it makes for a very safe car. (In fact, all of my cars will be AWD from now on). If you can sacrifice some power, this is the best midsize car on the market.

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  Nice car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Badoodie - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall I really like this car. A bit smaller than my previous Mazda but much more fun to drive. Nice leather interior. Most importantly, my mechanic and my car insurance guy both gave it very enthusiastic thumbs up!

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  03 VW Passat GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By A-Mac - March 28 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed my 03 Passat that I bought 4 months ago. There are some things that I would change about it, tho. It requires premium unleaded gasoline which can quickly add up over time. Plus, it really uses quite a bit of gas. The tires that came on it (Continental Conti-Touring) are really bad tires. They ride very rough. I cant wait until I have to buy a new set so I can get some Michelins. All in all, its a really great car and if youre considering this class of vehicle, you shouldnt buy without driving the Passat.

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  Be forewarned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Former owner - February 13 - 6:40 pm

  If you are reading this you are probably thinking about purchasing a used Passat. If you do, chances are good you will regret it. I owned one for 4 years and never got any satisfaction, and got a lot of mediocre to poor service from VW. My Passat had brake issues. First replaced at 10k (all), then 17k (rear) 25k (rear) 29k (front) and when I ditched it at 33k, the rear needed replacing again, VW said was normal. I had a hesitation problem which I pointed out to them from 7000 miles, and every other time that I brought it in, they could never replicate the problem, but it was dangerous- not normal turbo lag. Lots of other issues and little satisfaction. Look up engine sludge issues on internet.

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  Pretty Good. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Cali to Mass - January 19 - 1:46 pm

  As my first real car, I lived in Orange County and bought it @ 66,000 miles Certified. Two car accidents. One cross country trip from California to Boston. One winter later it has 105,000 miles on it! GULP! But its fared pretty well. Ive had a few minor electrical issues, and an engine leak but after the terrible VW Customer service honored everything it was alright. After putting over 105k miles on a 5 year old car it still coasts the highways SO SMOOOOTHLY. I need brakes done shortly, first time since 66,000 miles. Just got my timing belt done and ready for more. Good Car considering everything Ive done to the poor thing.