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 261 through 270 of 588.00

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  I WAS a diehard Volvo owner - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By jrbatchelder - July 19 - 10:00 am

  After driving Volvo cars for 20 years my wife insisted I test drive a Passat. After a ten minute drive I was sold on the VW Passat GL 1.8T 5 speed manual trans car we immediately purchased. This car exudes quality, stability and has wonderful road "feel".

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  Perfect - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By veroom - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Best car for the money.

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  Its ok with a W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By rough driver in MT - July 1 - 6:33 am

  Yea I read a lot of the complaints that these cars have but have you ever noticed that the complaints are only about the 1.8T? We have a 03 W8 passat and were the type that takes a car anywhere. Are passat goes through a lot of abuse because where we live has a lot of rough roads and unpredictable weather and it still runs ok. So if you are going to get one these cars get a W8 with 4motion because these cars are very heavy and do need the extra power and the 1.8T may do the job but stresses the engine to much causing parts to wear faster.

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  A Super Car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bjbird2 - June 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is really a kick to drive. I actually look foeward to my commute to and from work since I bought the Passat.

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  LOVE my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By SFM - June 21 - 6:56 pm

  Great car with great fuel economy. Whenever I am on the highway I get around 30 mpg. Mine has 95,000 on it right now and is still running great. The exterior is a little boring but greatly improved on in the new Passats. The body is very sturdy, I have backed into my garage door after slamming the gas and it barely has a scratch. Great for a first car or anyone who is on the road a lot.

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  Dameeches review - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dmitri Ivanov - May 31 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle is a great joy to drive. hld the road superbly. Steering is tight and direct make it feel as though you have total control over the car. The interior and exterior design is great but simply elegant w./ a sporty feel. Mechanically seems good - hope that the reliability is there, as it should be by all indications.

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  Cant go wrong with this car!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By csheehan - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This car walks talks and acts like one that is much more expensive. From the cool night-time lighting to all the thoughful touches, to the cool trip computer, to the steering wheel controls. Did I mention the leather - not like the cheap hides on a nissan/infiniti. This car is an Audi without the dual zone climate control and four rings. 1.8 w/ five speed is great, still breaking in but it can move the car with some authority, always asked if its a 6 cyl.

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  Diamond in the rough - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By kory_p - April 30 - 2:00 am

  It was only coincidence that I stumbled onto the volswagon dealership and found a true diamond in the rough. I was previously looking at a four door sedan and a sporty two door coupe from other car makers. Then I saw the passat GLS 1.8T and realized I could have the extra space and the sporty drive all in one.

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  It fits nicely into my garage - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr. Moos - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have now owned my 1.8T Passat for roughly 1 month and Im enjoying every minute of it. Ive heard about some of the problems with the coil and hope that since mine is 2003 it wont become an issue. Everyday I try and find excuses to take long drives in the mountains and on the hwy because it has great pickup for a 170 HP powerplant. When that turbo kicks in, I can really feel it. I recommend anyone thats looking for a new sedan to test drive the manual first then the automatic. They both have a nice feel.

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  Almost 100,000 and feels like new - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BillFromNY - April 16 - 6:13 pm

  We purchased this car new in 03 (03 Passat Wagon 5 MT, heated seats, monsoon sound), my wife drove it for 98,000 miles with minimal hassle. She replaced with an 08 Passat Sedan (6 MT not offered in 09). Car has been well maintained by dealer with mainly wear and tear items. Car is a blast to drive. Kind of a sleeper; five year old station wagon that can get up and move. You feel safe and sure footed in all weather and all road conditions. Mileage: I have been getting 26 to 27 in city driving (I do stomp on it a bit but coast steady when I can); I think on highway only trips it gets 32 or 33.