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 271 through 280 of 588.00

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  Overall a great car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rich in Jax - March 30 - 10:00 am

  After studying this and other publications, we came to the decision that the Passat was the car for us. We choose the GLS 1.8 for its fuel economy and added the Luxury Package. The side curatin airbags and traction control weighed heavily in the protection of our children. We have had two fit and finish errors. First of all the child lockout for the power windows didnt depress. Secondly, the dashboard had two small indentations where the dash cover wasnt properly adhered to the underlayment. Both were fixed without any trouble. We absolutely love the car and are looking foward to remaining VW customers.

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  2003 GLX with Tiptronic - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MPZMBA - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Having been a sports car owner for several years (Porsche, S-2000, and Corvette), the move to a sedan was a major shock. Not wanting to blowup the bank account, I narrowed my choices to the GLX, an Accord V-6, Maxima, and G- 35 Infiniti. Well the G-35 was almost immediately eliminated, due to the fact that Im moving from So. Fla to CT (rear wheel drive). I tested the others mentioned--BORING!!! When I got to the Passat, my eyes lit up. Nice looking car, German engineering, and a decent price tag.

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  outstanding - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael De La Rosa - March 23 - 2:00 am

  my experience with the passat was a great experience. getting in i felt i was in total control and at the same time felt so comfortable and safe. a car i would never get tired of driving.

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  very nice - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By durinsbane - March 17 - 2:00 am

  What can I say, this is one wonderful car. The road noise is next to nothing, it goes great in the snow, the ride is ultra smooth. This car has the feel of any top notch luxury car. The only grip is the fuel economy. I get about 22 miles per gallon average, wish it were better.

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  Passat 4motion 6cyl - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By allnode - March 17 - 2:00 am

  We only have the car for a week. Put in about a couple of hundred miles. So not sure yet about long term reliability. So far, we love its handling and its 4motion traction. Love its ability to take sharp corner and also great accelaration.

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  Beautiful German Engineering with STYLE! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dan "the Man" Ruskie - March 12 - 10:00 am

  Dont think twice about buying this car. BUY IT NOW!...before the prices go up. Talk about beautiful engineering. Solid feel, quite, and fast as hell. Handles great. Everything about this car exudes quality. Just compare it with the Japanese stuff, you will quickly see there is no comparison. The style is classy, receiving complements from everyone. Before you buy an Asian manufactured car, check out the Passat. You will be so thankful you did!

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  2003 Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By BillG - March 12 - 10:00 am

  My experience has been positive overall, although when I picked up the car one of the speakers was fuzzy & one front tire was not properly balanced. The dealer flatly refused to fix the problems. Im leasing, so I did not escalate the problem to VW of America. This is my second leased Passat and I love it, but would NOT buy it.

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  Awsome... - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By passat03 - February 3 - 2:00 am

  1.8T engine which provides plenty of power for everyday driving, combines with classy exterior/interior design and quiet, supple ride... 4 months driving this car and still in love with it. The honeymoon aint over yet.

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  Still happy one year later - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By clekezarke2 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We picked up our wagon last June and have been very happy with it since then. It is a solid drive and much more fun to piot than a station wagon ought to be. I dont regret replacing my Trailblazer with this car one bit. It has better handling, braking, responsiveness, and gas mileage than the Chevy did, and that was the older model. I found the newer Chevy to be sloppier in these categories. We have had no problems with the vehicle other than a recall for a problem that would probably never happen.

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  Gentlemen only, please - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sir Henry - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The wagon is ideal for both city and country. It parks easily, and looks great. With the V6 it has a smooth acceleration, and manouvers quickly in tight situations. It has an understated and unpretensious appeal, with surprising luxery and comfort. I personally like the feeling of superior workmanship, and distinctly german attitude.