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

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  Just a Comment - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Tuckett-Reddy - September 27 - 11:43 pm

  I originally leased my 2003 Passat and intended turning it back after the lease was up. The car was such a great car that I decided to purchase it. I have owned this vehicle for 5 years now and have only replaced wear and tear items, like brake pads, and tires. I recently replaced the timing belt which again was a scheduled maintenance item. The car has been a super car to own, reliable, fun to drive, comfortable and a overall feeling of safety. I intend to keep my Passat for another five years and would pass it down to a family member without hesitation.

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  Awesome car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gadgetgirl - September 21 - 10:00 am

  After doing a ton of research, I decided on the Passat, both for value and for style. This car is extremely fun to drive. The blue anthracite with black leather is a great color combo. This is my first new car and I couldnt be happier. I feel like Im driving a much more expensive car. Its so quiet inside with all the windows shut and the climate control running. The Passat is simply an awesome car. I highly recommend it.

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  2003 Wagon great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BillfromNY - September 13 - 7:06 pm

  2003 Passat GL Wagon, 5 sp MT. Heated seats and monsoon audio. Great car. My wife drove for 5 years 98,000 miles and we bought her a new 08 Passat sedan (arrest me red) with a 6 sp MT. This car is new to me since I only drove it a handful of times since 2003. Ride: Great Performance: Great Comfort: Great Safety: You feel very secure in a VW Reliability: Fine, we have a very good dealer near by that is a pleasure to deal with.

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  VW has really done it! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By iclyde - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My god how can they sell such a well equipped car for this price. My parent have an Audi A6 and almost cried when they heard how much I paid for my Passat.

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  Pleased with the 2003 Passat and Oakvill - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bruces Baby - August 26 - 4:03 am

  As a 16 year owner of the 1st model year of the VW Jetta, I answered the call for drivers wanted in 2007. My used 2003 Passat is truly a joy to drive. I faithfully change oil out @ 8K with Castrol Synthetic 5 w 40 and look forward to enjoyable years of driving. Purchased in 2007 with ~ 83 K I have now in 01/09 133 K with only a transaxle boot replacement

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kalamazoo - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Pleasing performance, fine fit and finish, quietness, excellent sound system, features, features, features -- still finding new features.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Completely satisfied and very impressed! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Davidm - August 20 - 2:00 am

  We didnt like any of the Hondas, Nissans, or Toyotas. They seemed to have such poor quality. Then we saw one of the Passat Wagons driving on the freeway. The new versions are so beautiful and practical. So we had to go check them out. We thought we couldnt afford a nice German car, but we were wrong! The hardest part was deciding if we wanted the 1.8T (turbo) engine, or the V6. They were both so quiet and powerful. In the end, our dealer made us a great deal on the Passat GLX wagon. The car is so quiet and luxurious, but also very sporty and fun to drive with the 5-speed.

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  Comfy!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JCLMD03 - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Wow! What a nice Car! I like it. Its Comfy and Solid. Im having so much fun driving my Passat. The feeling of Luxury in affordable and reasonable price.

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  I luv driving this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill in Madison - August 10 - 10:00 am

  I now search out the "Rustic Roads" (an actual state designation in Wisconsin), in order to push this car a little closer to its edge. Cornering at high speeds is like riding on rails, and I enjoy leaving the wannabes way back after corners, only to have them zoom up on the straight. Then at the next corner... The foldback mirrors are great fun, and Ive used them while driving onto a ferry boat in the Apostle Islands. I REALLY love driving this car! Only possible negative is the mileage, but unless I start driving like Im from Minnesota, I cant expect good fuel mileage. ;-)