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 1 through 10 of 588.00

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  VW Pasat Wagon - Is a great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RickF - December 13 - 2:03 am

  I purchased a 2003 VW Passat Wagon with 38,000 in Jan 2006 for $12.9K and drove the car for 4+ years with never a problem. Sure I had to replace the usual stuff Brakes, Tires and the battery, but all in all the 03 Passat was the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. I just purchased a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDI to replace it, and I hope it is just as good. I see concerns that VW repairs are expensive, but not really much more than anything else. Find a good local VW Mech, stay away from the dealership 4 repairs, $100 per hour labor can add up fast. Also, if you cannot change the headlamp on one of these cars (others complaining), you have no business under the hood, it is a 2 min job.

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  I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Industree Wiz - November 28 - 10:00 am

  For a 1.8L, ride is similar to a 3 series Bimmer. Cornering, braking, comfort and acceleration are oustanding. Electronic monitoring and control system do work. Controls are adequate (could be better). Excess heat in cabin forces a/c use in the summertime, useful at wintertime. Interior would be better if provision were made for storage of CDs, MDs and audiotapes. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to enjoy German engineering in this nifty well-equipped package.

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  Great Wagon can compete with the best - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By frederik - November 28 - 8:03 am

  Was looking for a wagon and found it in the Passat. The interest rate and the fact it was a CPO was another great decision. Despite some different opinions on the 2002 models, I believe this is a solid car. I could not get the diesel wagon may be next time premium model will do :).

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  Awsome - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg DiCesare - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I put on 1,500 kms per week and this vehicle now has close to 17,000 kms. Trouble free and the 4Motion, especially here in Canada really comes in handy. -20 celcius this morning, just get in, start and go. The heated hides are a nice touch as well. I love this car...way more than the 02 Maxima I had previous.

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  Best Value on Market - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Luigidk - October 23 - 10:00 am

  We drove Camrys, Accords, Solaras, Saturns, Volvos, BMWs and just on a whim decided to drive the Passat. No other car for the money touches this car. Why anyone would touch an SUV over a Passat wagon is tough to imagine. Safety, performance, fun, economics, storage space, handling, not one of these features comes second to any SUV out there. Dont bother with the V6 or W8 - the V6 only offers 20 more HP and worse economy - why spend the money? If you want the W8 - you are looking for performance - get a vette! If you drive this car and appreciate car value at all - it will be a done deal...

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  best sedan around - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jolene riley - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I think this is the best car there is to drive. It has all the comfort you need in a car. Excellent safety features.

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JOY PERINO - October 16 - 10:00 am

  MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE SO FAR HAS BEEN GREAT. I OWN THE CAR FOR A YEAR AND SO FAR I HAVE 18,000 MILES ON IT. OVER THE SUMMER I TOOK MY FIRST ROAD TRIP WITH IT AND I MUST SAY THE RIDE WAS AMAZING. VERY SMOOTH, QUITE, RELAXING RIDE.

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  Who is your Daddy? - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By mjc1106 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The passat GLX is sweet! I have only had the car for a month but every time I get in the drivers seat I get excited to be driving my new car again! The ride is tight! Get the V6, makes it more fun, everything is better with more POWER!

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  VW Passat review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mike Bickers - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my 2003 Passat. I considered the usual competition including the Camry and the Accord, but both were typical Japanese plastic and lacked any distinctive features. The Passat is really a European car (the only one of the VWs actually made in Germany, not Brazil, Mexico, or Hungrary. The Passat has exceed my expectations in all areas from performance to gas mileage. It was an excellent choice.

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  Worth a little extra $$. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By FieldingMelish - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I only considered 2 models, the Passat and the Nissan Altima. The quality of the Passats interior and the handling was so much better than the Altima. A great car.