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 221 through 230 of 588.00

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  Glued To The Road - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Willard - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I originally wanted an Audi A6 but one drive in the Passat and a look at the lower price there was no way that I could consider anything else. This car out shines anything from the asian manufacturers, not even close. No wonder consumer reports rated it the number one car in America. You must drive this car and experience the glued to the road feeling.

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  My new passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hfbouyett - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Great experience, great materials, lot of fun to drive.

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  Love every mile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Old guy - December 25 - 11:23 pm

  I have just started my 5th year with my Passat, and every time I get in the car it is a pleasure. Long trips are comfortable, gas mileage is great, up to 35 mpg on the interstate, and it is FUN to drive. No problems so far. Regular maintenance may be a little high, but I love the car. Two dislikes, low beam lights could really use improvement, and the windows fog up under certain weather conditions, and is difficult to defog. I am glad I bought the car, and would do it again.

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  2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tonyo33 - December 22 - 11:13 pm

  Had a cracked oil line that took 6 trips to the shop to repair. Was issued a loaner car every time, but since the dealership has been bought by Fred Beans service is awful. If I could do it over again, I would not have bought this car, due to the reliability factor. I have no other issues, but am worried aobut the longevity of the car.

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  W8 Underated Overachiever - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim Powers - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This car is exactly what I was looking for. A quality sedan with the power to pass easily on the highway and the handling necessary for City streets. Going around corners is fun and exiting in rain or sunshine. The car holds its line and it is nearly impossible to loose control with the all wheel 4Motion drive.The manual mode of this transmission allows the user to drive the car like a stick shift without the hassle of a clutch. The leather interior is comfortable and luxurious and with the Monsoon Stereo blaring and the sunroof open driving beachside down A1A is a gas.

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  People need to understand their cars better - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By vw2003b5 - November 5 - 2:11 am

  This is my second VW i got this one very used it had 160K and one thing i can say for sure is you have to make sure all your maintenance is done up to date. These cars are very sensitive to that. I do my repairs my self Synthetic oil MANN filter Premium Gas and good K&N air filter Im getting close to 30mpg on High way and 25.5 mpg in the city. Dealer is the last place i would go they are rip off specially Valley Motors in Hunt valley MD Changing oil and never touche filter or charging for service they dont do. Help your self and find a good small shop tech that knows VW and go to him he will keep you rolling for my repairs other than oil change I go to Izzy auto service in Reisterstown

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  Passat Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tgride87 - November 2 - 2:26 am

  I bought this car used and have since put over 50,000 miles on it without hardly having to put in any maintenance costs. It is really a great car - drives well, is comfortable, gets decent to good gas mileage and holds its value.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By danprrrrtrr - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Leased a 2000 before this 2003 and loved it. Most of this review will be to compare the two models (exact same). The handling, performance, price and amenities are, in that order, unmatched in other cars in the class. If you like to drive, the Passat is the one youll buy after test drives. That said, one beef I have with the 2003 is the softer ride. Its still neutral around curves (no over or under steer). The increased horsepower (150 to 170) is fairly noticable and appreciated but comes with an equally noticable drop in gas mileage (approx. 30 to 27 around town).

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  Good Value, Stylish Ride - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JJS - September 24 - 10:00 am

  Put 1,000 miles on the car in the first 2 months. Ride and style are great, no issues with reliability to date. The car is everything that I expected. I think that a few of the poor reviews out there might be accurate for those few that had real problems with their dealer, but most are from buyers that did zero research and thought that they were buying a Benz in VW skin for 30k. This the car is not, and many reviewers seem to take this mistake out on their review instead of themselves. This is however a great VW. If you know and like VW, and need an AWD wagon, you will be very happy with the Passat.

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  Excellent car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By desertracer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Had a 98 Golf GL and got the 2003 1.8T GLS with leather option on Sat. Its a nice car to drive. The manual transmission is reponsive. Gas milage is excellent. Features are great. Fresno Green exterior color is subtle.