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 241 through 250 of 588.00

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  My first German car... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mongo - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I picked up the Passat because of how comfortable it is, and Ive been suitably impressed by every dimension of this car. I love the way it drives, the way its built, and all of the amenities included in the base price.

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  Wish I had the autobahn - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ad_roper - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Sweet car to drive, absolutely delighted I purchased the passat GLX. I considered the Mazda6, and Altima and after a rigorous test drive the Altima was out of contention. Both the Mazda6 and Passat were delightful on the course but the feel of the VW was better. The standard safety features eliminated the mazda. Highlights: Cruising at 120 using a BMW as a very fast rabbit while having a casual conversation with my daughter without realizing how fast we were flying. I let the rabbit go - there was more play to be had if I desired. Stopping on a dime after traffic came to a dead halt without the slightest hint of danger.

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  2003 GLX great car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Passatman - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Impressive car to drive, smooth, quiet and fast. Lots of very nice touches. Better than the Jaguars, lincolns, and other expensive cars I test drove. Love the layout inside the car, love the firm but smooth ride, the silky smooth v6 and auto trans are tops. Loads of nice options on the GLX.

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  So Far So Good - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By JS/SJ - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought car in 2/03; a month ago drove from Chicago to Glacier Natl Pk & back. Drove like a dream at ALL speeds. 8,500 now on odometer. Only prob so far: warped brk rotor, which dlr replaced for free. Just received a letter from VW stating that they are "replacing all ignition coils in cars potentially affected whether a malfunction has occurred or not" YAAY

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  My favorite car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Goffs - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Was actually looking at the Accord Coupe and Toyota Solara in a V6. Somehow ended up at a VW dealer. Needless to say, I ended up with a Passat GLS 1.8T with the 5-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Never thought I would buy a VW, but I am sure glad I did.

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  A Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By PassatLover2003 - January 16 - 2:00 am

  The car drives better than I ever expected it to. The 4 cylinder gets very good milage (up to 30 mpg) and still has unbelievable pep. Passing on the freeway is almost too easy. Its basically an Audi A4 at a great price

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  My first fun VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff Ogden - January 11 - 10:00 am

  After owning FOUR Honda Accords, I decided to go for more. Great styling, handles like a BMW, excellent features like 200 watt Monsoon sound system, power seats with memory and great moonroof. NOT as quick as the V6 Accord, but traction control and handling are superior. Nicely styled too.

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  Great car but...... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Axis - December 24 - 2:00 am

  To date I have put on 11,000 miles. Great features and style for the price, I also like the size when compared to 325 & A4. This car could use more grunt in the V-6, especially off the line. My only word of advice is to make sure that you have more than one dealer in your area to service the car. I noticed the car vibrating (at 7,500 miles) when braking from 60 mph and the first dealer I took it to stated that they couldnt reproduce the shaking, a bunch of bs. I took it to another dealer and they were able to notice and promptly changed the rear brake rotors free of charge, problem solved.

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  Love our family wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By lovemywagon - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchasing the Volkswagon Passat Wagon was a compromise between me and my husband. We previously owned an SUV which I hated from day one. I wanted a comfortable sedan. He thought we needed more space. We were also in the market for a new car for him. He got the sedan at the same time. We love them both. There are a couple of pet peeves I have about the vehicle - the blinker doesnt shut off until the steering wheel is almost in a straigt position and I find the windshield wiper controls hard to maneuver - but minor details compared to everything else. The back seat is also a bit tight with two car seats back there.

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  Alternative to a gas hungry SUV - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Germans do it best - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This es a good looking well built vehicle with a lot more space than a sedan to haul things. It handles road iregularities and conors very well. You really feel like you are driving something that is going to last a long time when you are behind the wheel. The 4 cylinder Turbo engine coupled with the 5 speed automatic does a good job of moving along in any kind of traffic. Turbo lag is not really a problem and you can enter a freeway on ramp with confidence. Styling is very good from any angle, but especially from the rear. The taillights are not only attractive but very visable to drivers approaching from the rear.