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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  Confused - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Confused - October 14 - 4:33 pm

  I bought my Passat in Italy through a company that sells US spec models directly to US civilian and military personnel. I drove it through the Alps, through Croatia, from Naples to Belgium and back at sustained speeds of 100 mph for a couple of hours at a time. Nothing broke, nothing fell off, nothing went wrong. It never needed a tow until the fuel pump went out at 55,000 miles, which the dealer in Aosta Italy replaced under warranty. I am not sure what people in the US do to their cars so they dont work right or if their expectations are totally misplaced. Ive had Jettas and Passats almost exclusively since 1984 and have never had major problems, and at 62K mi., no oil use!

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  LOVE IT - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWLOVER2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  AFTER TEST DRIVING ALL SIMILAR STYLES AND PRICE RANGES, THIS CAR WAS THE ABSOLUTE BEST FOR THE MONEY, IT HAS ALL THE EXTRAS. THE COMFORT & THE RIDE ARE INCREDIBLE. I TELL EVERYONE I KNOW

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  First VW and will not be last! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sigem - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I personally did not have enough moola to upgrade into the higher models, but needed more room than the Jetta. The Passat GL was the perfect car for me. It had everything I needed and even more! The power is kind of weak, but for the price and the budget I was completely satisfied. I was also comparing it against the new Honda Accord and Camry but those look boring! I also want to add that the dealership I would highly recommend you guys to goto Lithia Volkswagen in Concord and meet up with Hoang. The didnt pressure me into any other models, and were really nice. So if your in the Bay Area, California go take a look at these guys.

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  Winter fun in Style - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By loyalist - September 2 - 10:00 am

  I love the style of the automobile. It looks great inside and out. I sell real estate and wanted a car that would present a respectable and professional image, and impress but not intimidate my clients. This car shines in winter driving. One time, early on, driving on freezing rain I did a bit of a four wheel drift, but within a few days I became one with this car. I did not use studded tires this past winter- it did not need them. The stock Michelins are awesome all season tires- the car seems to stop and corner as well or better than my 1996 Passat GLX did this past winter with studs. This is a great car for our family.

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  Best Buy!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By AO Schwarz - August 1 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a couple of weeks since I passed over the new 2003 Accord in favor of a 2003 1.8T Passat. So far, I have absolutely no regrets. Inital quality and performance are outstanding and its a joy to look at inside and out. The German look and "feel" are evident throughout this vehicle. The manufacturer recommends premium gas, which does seem to be necessary. Two tank fulls of mid-grade have provided a measureable difference in performance. Oh, well...its worth the extra few bucks in gas! FYI - My car is Fresco Green, which looks hideous on the VW website, but stellar in person.

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  I love driving this car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By almica - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have purchased my Passat a month ago, and I just cannot stop admiring all of its wonderful features. I got leather package, Monsoon surround sound system, EPS extras and, of course, manual transmission. The handling of the car is breath taking. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who truly enjoys and appreciates driving a high quality vehicle.

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  German Quality at a Bargain - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ask - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Shotlisted the Honda Accord EX and the Passat 1.8T. The Passat was a hands down winner. The interior is well appointed. Good quality materials used. I got the luxury package and the leather seats are just great. Although the Honda has far greater horsepower, the Passat felt more solid on the drive and handling. Do not make your choice before driving this baby.

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  2003 vw passat gl turbo - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By AJMATTA - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive midsize sedan, confortably fits 4 or 5 adults. Great gas mileage, roomy interior, great looks and a lot less money than other in its class. The 1.8 turbo gives it great power, the high torque helps too. This is my 4th VW and recommend them everywhere I go.

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  Best Car Ive Owned Yet. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tommymercury - June 27 - 2:00 am

  So far, my Passat has been a joy to drive. Its dimensions are perfect; not too small and not too big. Although for my 63" frame, I could use just a little more room. I have had few minor annoyances: sporadic buzzing in dash; creaking suspension noise when exiting the vehicle (I only weigh 180 lbs.); squeaky brakes. Ive had two of these problems checked out by the dealership, but was not fixed right by the dealership. The brakes still squeak and the suspension still creaks. Im not too concerned with the buzzing in the dash, since its muted by the stereo. What a great bargain for a German car. Thanks VW for a job well done!

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  W8 Passat Review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Man - June 16 - 1:00 pm

  This car has given me nothing but joy since I bought it. The design is great and the comfort super. Also, for a V8 engine is is remarkably fuel effcient. They are hard to come by, but well worth the extra effort to find one.