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 281 through 290 of 588.00-
Happy with my VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By DWP - January 24 - 10:00 am3 months so far and no problems. Really enjoy the way it drives and handles. Tiptronic is great! The safety record and features really give me peace of mind. Heard mixed reviews about Monsoon sound so bought a model without it and have no complaints, sound is excellent unless you have to have car shaking bass.
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Luxurious! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Cecee - December 6 - 10:00 amIve only had my Passat for two and a half weeks now, but I am in love! I got a great deal (thanks to Edmunds.com!) and Ive got a luxurious car! Outside, you cannot find a jazzier or sportier design on a sedan. Inside...from the moment you sit in the leather seats...well, its just wonderful! Go drive one! Youll see!
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Extremely enjoyable - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By guyrdo - December 5 - 9:36 pmI used to own Toyotas only because of their reliability. So I went out on a limb and bought the Passat. Three years later, I have no regrets. The car is beautifully engineered and drives like a dream.
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Loved it for 7 years - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By happy - December 4 - 10:00 amI bought the station wagon new. I previously owned an M3 BMW and this car has the road feel and gives me as much pleasure as the BMW. I have an antique shop and can load anything in the car; Hoosier, table and chairs, things that look impossible to fit even into an suv. The biggest problem with all VWs is the dealerships. The car is wonderful but my dealings with the dealership have been awful. The car has had no problems and I only see the dealer for routine maintenance. The men at the counter are friendly and pleasant but the job always takes twice as long as they say and seem pleased that they only charged an arm and a leg.
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Best vehicle I have owned! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Hawk12 - November 30 - 2:00 amAfter having a turbo golf for 1.5 years, we needed more room and got the Passat. Wow, night and day difference. I have had this now for about 1.5 years and 32000 miles and all I can say is that I have 0 issues with this car. No rattles, no squeaks, smooth ride, good power, great feel and stability. Having been in countless other cars over the years, I can say this is as good as it gets in this price range. Highly recommended!
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Ohhhh, Yeah! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By Morwal - November 27 - 12:06 pmMy husband and I bought this car used, sight unseen, with 11,600 miles on the odometer at the time. The color is Pacific Blue and it changes with the light conditions, sometimes showing a green beneath the blue. It is awesome! Driving this vehicle is extremely fun! Its casual around town and easy to open up on the highway. I travel about 500 miles each week, mostly highway (So Cal) and never have a problem getting around the traffic or through the hills. The gas mileage is impressive for an 8-cylinder, I avg. 21-22 mpg! And the brakes are great. I had to test them a few times (they work great)! It has had no problems to mention. The interior comforts including memory seats, stereo/CD, 6-disk CD player (in the trunk), cruise control, etc are great.
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Passat W8 - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By VW-Newbie - November 16 - 10:00 amWhen I began searching for a new vehicle I wasnt even aware that an "upscale" Passat was available. I had made a list of vehicles to test drive - the Audi A6 2.7T, Volvo S60 T5, Acura TL Type S, BMW 3 series and the Lincoln LS. Thankfully some people online informed me that an all-new VW was available with 8 cylinders AND all wheel drive. After one test drive I was sold! I still went out and test drove other vehicles, but none felt as "complete" as the W8. If you are looking for a car that combines performance, safety and a fun-to-drive spirit for under $40k then you owe it to yourself to test drive the VW Passat W8.
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nice car, most for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By JK - November 9 - 2:00 amworks as advertised. smooth, powerful and quiet. great highway cruiser, 24 mpg overall. heated seats are a treat.
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nice car, most for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By jk - November 9 - 2:00 amworks as advertised. smooth, powerful and quiet. great highway cruiser, 24 mpg overall. heated seats are a treat.
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Very good car for Money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
By HALUAV - November 4 - 2:00 amThe car has been a pure pleasure. It is fun to drive and the quality of the different components in and out are of very good quality. We looked at Audi and some of the other Luxury brands and found similar quality in the Passat for thousands less then the so called Luxury brands. Our only knock on the car up to this point is the small storage in the glove box and arm rest. Other than that it is a great car and I would recommend it.
