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 251 through 260 of 588.00-
The Good Life... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By glxpassat - December 24 - 2:00 amEdmunds.com is a great site, it has helped me a lot over the past few months with all the information provided. I just purchased a 2003 Passat (GLX sedan) and I really have no complaints about it. I love everything about this car, I feel blessed to be able to drive a car with such luxurious features. The only thing Im not too happy about is the gas mileage, its quite poor (avg 15mpg) and living in NY, gas prices have been known to climb over the $2.00 pg mark. On the other hand, Im driving a very nice car. I will be submitting another review in about six months, hopefully my views wont change much...
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One Month Old - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Mikehuntski - December 5 - 2:00 amSo far the have been no problems (however I have only had it a month). I looked at Audi A4 and A6, BMW 330xi. Looking for a car with AWD, you options are very limited. The W8 provides plenty of power and is very comfortable to drive. I love the fact that VW decided to keep the W8 identifiers to a minimum. At a glance no one can see a difference between the W8 and the other models . . . that is until you hit the gas. The Triptonic transmission really allows you to make the most out of the W8s 270 hps. The sports suspension package is great, you can really feel the car gripping the road.
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New Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By 760 Rod - November 18 - 10:00 amHave owned VW`s for over 30 years. The new Passat GLX wagon is really a fun car to drive, we get lots of people asking us what kind of wagon is it.Every one we talk to wants one now. Very fine fit and finish on the whole car.
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Lot of Miles - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By gary McGinn - November 16 - 5:30 amI do a lot of trips.... me and my dog... Never have had any major issues with my Passat. After reading all this stuff I probably would have been paranoid... yah small stuff...lights, door lock, etc. Only Lexus is bullet proof... but the Passats ride quality, and fuel economy overrides that. I get an honest 30 mpg when I cruise at 65 / 70 mph. And I am in the market now for 07 model. I really looked around, Edmunds.com and all that and considered a BMW, Audi, even a Lexus SUV, but will probably go with the Passat Wagon.
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W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By VWguy2003 - November 12 - 2:00 amWhat can I say, my previous car was a V6 GLX Passat and that car was almost perfect except that it didnt have enough power nor did I have the 4motion AWD. The W8 has abundant amount of power and the AWD system make this car stable as a rock in slippery conditions. I dont think I can go back to another 2WD vehicle again!
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Sweet ride, excellent value - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By swede - October 6 - 10:00 amWe compared the Honda Accord and the Nissan Altima before deciding on the Passat. In almost every aspect, the Passat beat out the other two. Comfort and safety ranked high on our list of priorities, but when you can get that AND the pleasure of driving a VW (which Honda and Nissan simply cannot copy), it was a simple choice. With 1.9% financing AND $1000 in loyalty bonus, PLUS a dealer incentive of $1500, the 2003 Passat is a fantastic value for the money. With all the standard features of the GLS, we feel like we just stole a luxury car... Put all those features in an Altima, and watch that low base price shoot through the roof.
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2003 VW PASSAT GLX SEDANS KICK ASS AT 150mph too - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By H. Woodruff - October 6 - 6:20 amIf youre looking for a car that has lots of acceleration, great braking, awesome handling, and loaded with 6 or more air bags, with a large trunk and seats that also fold down, this is the car for you. It loves rain storms, not sure about snow, i live in California. It gets great gas mileage 18 city and about 22 to 26mpg hwy depending if you drive the speed limit or not, i always obey the law. hahahaa. If you like driving to Las Vegas and end up with $18 to get home with, at 260 miles away from home, this is the car for you. It has a 5 speed automatic transmission that shifts so smooth you dont even feel it shift gears. It also has a manual shift that lets you shift it incase that corvette next to you (thinks) hes going to embarrass you in a race that he loses. The car is awesome, great looking, and knows how to handle business, my car has 122k miles and still runs and drives like its brand new. Buy the car...you wont be dissappointed, i have had many great offers over $5000 for it, no way im selling it though. VW kicked ass when they built this machine .
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a perfect - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By ssamaha - September 17 - 10:00 amI own a 2001 Volvo V70 Turbo wagon and its a great car, but for $10,000 less, this VW is even a better car. I couldnt believe how well equiped a $30,000 sedan can be. We even looked at the MB C240 and the Audi A4 and they were comprable but cost 5-10 Gs more! It drives like a true German car, and there is absolutely no torque steer like with my Volvo. It had superior build quality, and German design.
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As good as a VW gets. - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By gazoo - September 10 - 2:00 amThis is a complete german car that can compete with any other at a much lower price. It is a fully loaded sedan that still offers a fun ride. The 1.8T engine hadles like a good 4 cyl at low RPMs, but as soon as it gets close to 3000 RMP yo can feel the car pulling. Precise steering and good breaks. The only thing I would change are the tires, They a confortable set of Michellin, but they lack the grip when working the 1.8T
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Good, comfortable, fun car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By rarmor - July 29 - 2:00 amThis car is alot of fun to drive. It handles very well while delivering a comfortable ride. The heated seats/mirrors are great now that winter has arrived. There is plenty of room and the interior is very well designed. I have only owned the car for 4 months but it feels very solid and well-built. The gas mileage is only average, however.
