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 31 through 40 of 588.00

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  VW Fan - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hank Kingsley - June 22 - 10:00 am

  In June I traded in my 2000 Passat for the 03. Very similar in ride and comfort, with a little more pep from the turbo, and some nice interior & styling improvements. The longer warranty is also welcome.

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  Least reliable car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Derwinator - June 21 - 6:56 am

  Everything youve read about the Passat is true - they are great to drive, look awesome, and have excellent fit and finish. Have really enjoying DRIVING this car, but cant say the same for my experience with its reliability. Hands down the most expensive and problematic car Ive ever owned. If it wasnt in the shop for a $85 oil change (synthetic required by VW) it was in for a service recall or a problem like water leaking into the passenger side for the 4th time. Finally, the water pump failed at 78K mile destroying the timing belt and engine in the process. Ive had enough and this car was sold as soon as I got it back from the repair shop. Im in a Honda again and happy.

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  Expect Improvement Once Broken In - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Artback - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Had some intial trouble with the CD player which was replaced under warranty. In this same service call, the dealer replaced the ignition coils (note well known problem in 2003). 0-60 time has improved from 7.4 secs to 6.7 secs (vs. new) at 5,000 miles. This car is great on the highway, and during Chicagos 1st serious snowfall of the year, I have discovered what this car is all about. 2 tons on 4 wheels with 8 cylinder power and a Quattro system is close to automotive Heaven. There are few performance sedans (i.e. Subaru WRX STi here) that move as sure- footedly in the snow. ESC stability control is a real bonus.

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  High Maintenance - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fuller - April 15 - 12:33 pm

  I really liked the look of the Passat. It drives well, handles good, and gets pretty good gas mileage (24 on average). The brake system is terrible. I have had to have the rotors and the brakes changed every year and most of my daily drive is highway. You have to go to the dealership for every thing (head light replacements, wiper blades, etc.). Ive had to take it to the dealer at least 5 times for recalls. The kicker is the car requires high octane gas. It wont perform well on regular gas.

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  Great Middle of the Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By newPassatOwner - April 8 - 2:00 am

  The GLX is smooth but a little underpowered, very stable but a little soft with just a bit too much body lean to feel like a true sports sedan. The interior feels like a car $10K more expensive, although the power-heated- leather-memory seats could be a little more supportive laterally. The V6 is so quiet and the power band so even that the TipTronic is virtually useless...its very hard to "feel" the engine. VWs giving you a lot for your money with this car. The traction control prevented me from climbing a steep, snow-covered driveway...had to turn it off finally, but normally you dont notice.

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  $4000 in repairs in less than a year! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By katie - April 2 - 12:00 pm

  I bought this at 59,000. Two weeks later it went in the shop. 6 of the 8 ignition coils went bad $620(there was a recall on this so if they need repaired again VW will not pay 4 it). Intake bad, fuel sensor bad, coolant sensor bad. Total that time $1,890.00. Before I bought the car Lithia put $500.00 in what they called basic repairs, 2 weeks ago I put $900 in electrical probs and 2day my valve gaskets blew out of no where (they are new btw) $1,192.00 for those to be replaced. Front light went out and thats $500.00 2 repair bc they have 2 take the front panel off! Oh and the car is now stated to be worth $8,000.00. So in reality I have thus paid $12,982 for a car worth $8 grand

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  Good, But ! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By chigue - March 9 - 10:00 am

  My second GLX Wagon . Had an 01 to trade in at 24000 miles. Overall I like the styling better on the 03, wish they had avoided the chrome trim tacked on over and in the car, that in my opinion cheapens the look esp on the dash. The wheels are easier to clean at least. Its a nice car to drive with a good solid feel to it. Needs more power though especially considering the poor fuel economy. Which is the worst thing about this car .It has terrible fuel economy considerably worse than my 01 which in itself was alot worse than my prior car a Saab 9000. I feel a car this expensive and of this quality should have decent fuel economy. It does not!

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  love the 2003 b5 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grad - February 14 - 10:00 am

  i love the 2003 b5, great vehicle. had the two recalls- engine coil packs and the rear wheel well. otherwise, i find that the car handles well, accel. decently, the manual helps out the 1.8t. good mileage.

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  cool car dude - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mtbstevo - December 19 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had this car for a year, and I still get compliments. This car feels like luxury (even though it has cloth seats) is a pleasure to drive. I drove it almost 800 miles in one day, and the miles just flew by (averaged over 80mph no problem). Had a head gasket leak, but VW replaced it no questions. Its been running pretty strong otherwise, although the electronic ignition hesitates in cold temps (<40). The car is very responsive on the highway and almost has that "driving on rails" german feel to it, and the cabin is very quiet (not quite Lexus quiet but close). A little bigger than the A4 but a fraction of the price. Was trying to hold out for new Legacy but no regrets with the VW.

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  Nice Car, but - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW_in_ny - November 28 - 12:43 am

  Still a nice car after 2 yrs and 40,000 miles. Car brought in for 40,000 mile service, rear break pads were worn and I was shocked to find pads and rotors need to be replaced as same time. Im used to honda & toyota & subaru where the front breaks do the work (and need service) and the rear breaks can be pretty much ignored.