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 41 through 50 of 588.00

• 

  Good Solid Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Hawk - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I brought my passat in 2003 new. We are know in 2010 and I have not had any problems that I am surprised about. I drive my car on a daily basis. I currently have 97,500 miles on my car, and plan on changing the timing belt at 105,000 to drive the car another 100,000 miles. I plan on replacing the shocks and springs with Eibach brands and I plan on finding some factory 17 inch vw wheels to place on my car. I dont plan on buying a car anytime soon. This car has treated me very well.

• 

  Best Looking Wagon on the Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By FoHGoR - November 1 - 10:00 am

  We love our Wagon. Its a great value with a ton of safety and standard features for less than $25K. The 1.8t has plenty of pull through most the gears-especially while using the tiptronic feature (Then you can add a chip for even more power). Theres plenty of room for a couple who are just starting a family. The perfect car for those of us who dont want a minivan nor an SUV.

• 

  Stay away - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By cuse311 - August 23 - 10:06 pm

  Ive had this car for almost 6 years now and while it was fun during the warranty period, lately it has been a real drain on my finances to keep it running. Problem after problem keeps showing up from sensors, coils, thermostat. If you like to be punished then go out and buy one, otherwise stay away. This car is very unreliable and very, very expensive to fix.

• 

  VOLKSWAGEN: No longer for the "VOLKS" - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mcVT - August 11 - 9:16 pm

  After about five weeks, the transmission in my 2003 Volkswagen Passat failed (fortunately the warranty covered it, at no cost to us). Throughout the time that we have owned this car, we have had it in the shop for warranty issues more often than we like. There is always for some molding or other annoying piece that really has no business failing off. Despite the legendary quality of German engineering, little problems with this car have been getting to us, like the windows freeze shut at the slightest hint of ice and you cant open the rear hatch without unlocking it. It has been difficult as a family vehicle, particularly with two young kids and a dog. It is just too small for our family. Other than that, it has been a great car.

• 

  Reliability - Long Term in Question. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chicago M - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Two topis of concern are the paint finish and the transmission. To start off,the paint has oxidized in some places and scratches too easily. The other more troubling area is the transmission which has just been replaced by VW. The question I have is this car a lemon or what else is going to go wrong. This car is too new for this kind of trouble to happen.

• 

  Such A Shame... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobignacio - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Ride, comfort and interior is exceptional. Over the past year, however, weve had it in the shop several times...engine coils. An engine coil seems to go bad and the "Emissions" light will go on. We also had to have the drivers side seat belt replaced (it wouldnt release after button pressed). Now, there is a burnt rubber smell coming from under the hood and it is very noticeable when the heater is on...it is going back to the shop. We love this car soo much, however, the constant problems have persuaded us to replace it...Such a shame. Oh yeah...the Emissions light came on again today (1/28/03).

• 

  reliability an issue - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By willis - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Has anyone else had problems with the radio, ignition coils and then the recall for the right tire well/gas tank "explosion risk"? It looks great - when it is not in the shop.

• 

  My 2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brueggemann - June 24 - 9:25 pm

  This is the 2nd 2003 Passt weve owned. My niece had a 2003 also and told me that they had to replace the motor once, and the turbo charger once, and recommended I dont get one. During the 2 years with our first Passat, we had it in the shop 6 times for engine lights. Finally they said it was caused by the turbo charger & wanted $4,300. We could afford the repair & traded it on another 2003 with lower mileage & extended warranty. Weve had the this second car for 3 years & the engine light has come on 9 different times. Sun roof opens on its own and the rear windows fall out of the tracks. The car is in the shop now for it 2nd new turbo booster and guess what? No more warranty. GRRRR

• 

  Great German Marvel - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jey - June 14 - 2:00 am

  Except for some reliability issues and improperly trained technicians at services, this is a great car. VW must ratify these issues before they become out of hand.

• 

  Fun to drive, when its not in the shop. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dr.Go - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this car, like the style, but am frustrated with the many repairs needed in the first six months of ownership. Needed to replace an interior door panel (defective), the windshield (distortion), repair a vibration noise in the ceiling, and replace the gas tank (this took 4 attempts to fix!). Very poor quality control, resulting in 7 days in the shop in four months. Dealer has been very helpful, but still not the carefree ownership I had hoped for.