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 131 through 140 of 588.00

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  Quantum in a different world! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By TRH - October 2 - 10:00 am

  Excellent handling and road feel. Solid bodywork and trim. Involved in minor wreck with Toyota 4runner and Toyota mangled. Passat bruised but still driveable and operable. V-6 has more power than you can realistically use on US roads.

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  Oh yeah I love Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ohmaud - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent performance; true German engineering, hugs the road tight on curves when going fast, dual transmission (shift from auto to stick) is awesome fun!

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  This car always makes me smile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grammatarz - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The only unfortunate thing that I have found is that 2003 is the first year that they installed a plug in the back of the manifold. Unfortunately mine blew without warning after 4 months..this may be a chronic problem. Ultimately, the car gave me no warning that all of the oil was blowing out as I was driving. It should have given me a low oil pressure sign or something. Its something to look into.

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  very good, more stuff than you need! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By will - September 26 - 10:00 am

  very competent car. lots of fun! runs great, handles like on rails.

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  I really like this car. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jamesbim - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is really fun to drive with its tiptronic shifter. I especially appreciate the exterior design, because it says class. I love driving it.

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  Here I Come! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bea - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Handles smooth. Warm seats for cold winter days. Plenty of cargo space with the wagon. A joy to drive, plus practical.

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  A good solid car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By nnsrchof - September 26 - 10:00 am

  My car experience has been a good one so far over the last 18 months. My only true regret is not buying the more upgraded version with a 6 cylinder, leather, etc. The turbo has more than enough hp on the highway but is a bit slow off the line. Gas mileage was a good trade though.

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  What a great car!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By simplysalsa - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Honda girl for years. Had 6 of them. Then I drove my Passat and it was love at first site. The car handles great and has a much heavier feel than my Hondas did. The Turbo feature is just the ticket for driving the hills of West Virgina. It accelerates smoothly.

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  vw passat glx 4MOTION - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Neil Austin - September 26 - 10:00 am

  A DREAM CAR...YOU CAANOT GO WRONG WITH THIS AUTOMOBILE.THE CRAFTSMENSHIP,PERFORMANCE,COMFORT LEVEL,RELIABILITY IS SECOND TO NONE. AS WE HAVE OWNED AMERICAN,JAPANESE ANDOTHER EUROPEAN CARS THIS AUTOMOBILE TAKES TOP HONORS. AMERICAN AUTOMOBILES ARE A JOKE...WE SAY THIS BECAUSE WE ARE AMERICAN AND HOPE SOMEDAY AMERICAN CAR BUILDERS WE AT LEAST EQUAL WHAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS PAINSTAKINLY DEVELOPED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS. yOU CAN TAKE THIS TO THE BANK AND WATCH IT GROW.JUST LOOK AT THE RESALE VALUE COMPARED TO OTHERS....GET THE PICTURE!!!!

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  Great on the road but poor from a start - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RichG - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great looking, fantastic out on the road, solid as a rock and just purrs at 80mph but the 2 second pause before the turbo kicks in when you step on the gas from a dead stop is one big negative. (you learn quickly not to pull out with oncoming traffic) Oh, a second negative, the engineer who figured that a rotary knob on the side to recline the drivers seat was a good idea needs to go back to design school, i.e. just reach behind you with your non dominant hand and rotate the knob while lifting your body weight from the seat ...yeah.