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 81 through 90 of 588.00

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  Great, except for seat comfort! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By heathera - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Great car!

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  Stylish and Practical - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By 4petite - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Up to 1200 miles and having fun. Minor little transmission problem that fixed itself. This is my first German car so Im a little worried about reliability, but it sure is more fun than my Toyota. Great safety features for the price.

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  A nice car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By TommyK - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Good car for the money. Nice build quality with spacious interior. Coming off an A4 I find the handling a bit lacking in corners but the ride quality is better. Would have bought another Audi but with the Passat sharing so many components it wasnt worth the extra eight grand. Only major concern; the auto isnt matched well to the engine, use of the tipronic is a must.

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  Major satisfaction - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By J.R. Belfast ,Maine - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive been totally excited about the 2003 Passat glx 5 speed manual I purchased in October of 2002. Ive driven 11,000 miles so far and get just as much satisfaction from this car as I got from my last 2 cars (1997 bmw 540, 1999 benz e430, both automatics)at about half the cost. Ive had oil service twice so far and no other reasons whatsoever to visit the service department. With all the bells and whistles and the quintessential german car driving experience, I made a very good decision.

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  Bad Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By brett - July 29 - 12:46 am

  The 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX is a wonderful car, I loved it, it had many great features, was comfortable, and had great style. It was just what I wanted, but after two years, it had so many problems that I had to get rid of it. The last straw was the fuel pump wearing out at 27,000 miles. I had water leaks inside the car ruining the computers under the rugs, constant check engine lights, etc. VW makes wonderful cars made out of junk east German parts that fail.

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  Good, practical car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jay - June 25 - 12:53 am

  Overall Passat is a very good and practical car, did not have any major problems, pleasure to drive, excellent trunk space (as a wagon). Interior is nice, quality of radio sound is good.

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  This car is a piece of JUNK!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DosGattos - June 10 - 2:26 am

  This car is a piece of junk. At first it was great to drive and I had no problems. Once the check engine light came on in 2008 I have had nothing but problems. I cant count on one hand the times the coils have been changed. The sunroof opens on its own, speakers are intermittent, doors wont lock, lights burn out, brakes wear quickly,etc.. Right now it is sitting in my driveway because the engine light is on again (2nd time in 3 months) and it shakes horribly and smokes. Dont buy this car!!

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  13 Months & 20,000 miles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By socalkid - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had the 1.8T GLS automatic for 13 months and 20,000. My biggest concern was/is reliability. Up to present, the only realiability issue involves the driver side head light burning out on 2 seperate occasions. Dealership claims to not finding anything wrong. Well see. Love the car. Its looks, drivablity and fit and finish are first rate but I doubt it will ever outlive our Nissans reliability. My suggestion, if looks, style, sportiness and fit/finish are what youre looking for, get the Passat. If you plan on keeping the car for over 5 years, get a Toyota, Honda or Nissan.

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  V6 4Motion great buy, but underpowered - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel - April 23 - 6:26 pm

  Purchased the vehicle with approx 80k miles. Loaded, flagship model in the lineup, everything electric/mechanical still works fine. This car is a tank -- very heavy, very "safe" feeling. V6 feels underpowered. Shouldve bought the V8. However, 4motion has saved my life twice. No hesitance to load my family (with newborn) into car.

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  Still some imperfections! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RTC - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I ditched by 00 Jetta to trade in for a 02 Passat, hoping the car would feel solid like the Camrys and Accords. The steering column still rattles over road bumps and when its cold outside. Its very annoying and embarrassing when I have buddies riding with me. Tried to get it fixed by bringing the car back to the dealer but was told nothing could be done! Shame on VW!