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 71 through 80 of 588.00

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  Excellent purchase! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vampirecat019 - March 14 - 1:06 pm

  Ive had my Passat for two years now, and besides regular maintenance and a few repairs I could do myself (Aged plastic hoses, etc.) which ANY car would need replaced at 120,000 miles, it has been an excellent purchase! There are a lot of reviews on here saying the Passat is junk, but if you cant properly inspect a car to see if it has been maintained like any car should before you buy it, youre a moron, and have no right to slander a perfectly good car. After initial purchase with 110,000 miles, I changed the water pump and timing belt myself. Yes, I had to take off the front bumper. Boo Hoo! This is one of the EASIEST cars Ive ever owned to work on. Ive had an RX-7, Impreza, Accord.

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  2003 Passat GL - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By panderholm - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy this car. I had a 2000 Accord EX V6 A, and I simply like the Passat better. It handles great especially since Ive added 17 inch wheels and high performance tires -- like night and day. For a basic family sedan that looks sharp and drives well, the Passat is the way to go IMHO.

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  nice ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bobby43 - November 14 - 10:00 am

  this is my 1st vw & i like very much, it has nice ride and quite from inside.

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  repair bills 3 inches thick shameful - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ryan - October 25 - 7:06 pm

  This car is a joy to drive when the check engine light is not on. It has Great hwy mileage. As for the down side I paid 6700 for the car a year ago in very good shape still looks great but have replace over 3000 dollars worth of crap on the car in 5 different visits to the dealership. I got a stack of papers from the previous owners of every service visit and oil change so i thought i would be ok. I was wrong regardless of how well you take care of this car is just a nightmare in random repair bills.

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  W8 6M What Fun! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By zedbyers - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up my new W8 6M last weekend, and put 2500 miles on it already. What a fun car to drive!! Only complaints, no where to put CDs, seats should be a bit more comfortable, Recaro would be nice. This engine/tranny is a blast to drive. Cant wait to see a few mods come out for the car, and can only imagine what the Phaeton with a manual tranny would be like! Excellent experience with dealer. Will be back to by another VW when I get bored with this one (if that can happen). Cant beat the quality and amount of car you get for price paid when compared to MB, BMW, and Audi.

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  Good design, almost flawless exectution - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tboneharry - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a wonderful car and highly desirable. Fantastic interior design and execution makes me feel as though Im driving a much more expensive car. 4Motion system outstanding in poor weather conditions, but adds weight that hampers acceleration. Solidly built and extremely comfortable, with a great compromise between ride and handling characteristics. Overall, a much more appealing design than its chief competitors in the midsize family sedan category (Accord, Camry), which seem competent but utilitarian in comparison.

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  2003 PASSAT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ELAINE CESARETTI - September 26 - 10:00 am

  LOVE THE DESIGN AND INTERIOR LIGHTING. THE CAR HANDLES GREAT WITH THE TURBO. SUSPENSION A LITTLE TIGHT, COULD BE A SMOOTHER RIDE.

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  I love my passat! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By senators98 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a wonderful car. I was debating between the passat with 4 motion or the Honda Accord. Im so glad that I chose the passat. It has the smoothest ride, even over really bumpy roads. I get so many compliments from people who see my car. Its got a great luxurious interior with a drive similar to a mercedes benz, for less money. I have had wonderful experiences with this car. The only problems so far have been that the plastic covering the rear lights and reflectors are cracked. But, they are replacing them for me for no charge. The car does not have very good fuel efficiency, but the other features make up for it. So, no complaints by me.

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  Nice Ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By weauxd - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Very comfortable, plenty of room and very fun to drive. Gas mileage leaves room for improvement considering premium is recommended. Features of this car rock. Seat adjusters on GLS are archaic, no electronic adjustments there. Cruise control in awkward position.

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  Keeping the fingers crossed.... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By T Digs - September 3 - 10:00 am

  After owning Hondas and Yotas, I took a chance on the Passat. For the money, I beleive its one of the best looking cars on the road. It has performed up to my standards thus far and although it doesnt see much highway- its at its best there. The turbo lag is truly noticeable, but once you shift into second, the rocket boosters kick in. Noticeable exterior flaw that Ive noticed on mine and others is the fogging and subsequent BAD LOOKs of the chrome trim around the windows. Given the excuse as many have heard that it mustve been caused by a car wash. (guess I should just leave it dirty). Crossing my fingers it can deal with a long WI winter.