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 291 through 300 of 588.00

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  MY DREAM COME TRUE - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MICHO - October 24 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS THE DREAM CAR!

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  Wolf in Sheeps clothing - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Andreas - September 23 - 9:10 pm

  Ive only had my Passat one month so I wont comment on reliability. This car has everything; power, style, innovative features, comfort, I could go on and on. I love the exhaust resonance when I start it up and the fact that you can open and close all windows with the key in the door and the rain sensing wipers and the headlight sprayers and the fastened down floormats and of course the tiptronic. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Not the same ol VW - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By macaddiict - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have driven Hondas, Toyotas, and a slew of different US cars over the last few years without really having a "favorite" that stuck out from the rest. I first test drove one because my son was working for the local VW shop and I felt compelled to support who was supporting him. I have never been more impressed with a car -- Dont buy a sedan without checking out the Passat -- Youll be sorry you did! I recommend test driving a Passat right after driving another vehicle youre interested in so you can have them both fresh on your mind. The handling and steering alone will have you sold! VW does it right.

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  Love to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Erin - September 9 - 4:06 pm

  I Havent had this car long but I love it. It is very fun to drive. Good fuel economy for a V8. When driving in the mountains I get between 16-18 mpg and on the freeway 22-25 mpg. I live in the foothills and the power is great going up the hills. I bought the car with 64000 miles and the only problem was whoever owned it last didnt have the rear brakes replaced properly and it broke the rear springs. Not a big deal though. I had it fixed and it runs fine now. Car seats fit well in the back and I have more than enough room in the back to fit all the kids stuff (Pop-up crib, stroller ect)for a weekend trip. Great Car and I have no regrets purchasing it.

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  Fun to Drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By coachB2003 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  After the test drive I just had to have it.

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  GLS wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sevans - August 23 - 10:00 am

  First off, this is a great car to be in and to drive. Driving longer distances in my old car would exhaust me but the passat invigorates. I am quite happy with the car. Its sporty but sleek, and shows that only fools need to buy a SUV. Only one complaint, on rare occasion my directional indicator will rapidly flash so this is some electircal/mechanical problem.

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  Blend of value and compromise - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By - August 23 - 10:00 am

  In general the pros far outweigh the cons. For the price, I find the car to be a steal. The car is very sturdy. The quality of interior and exterior material is top notch. I purchased this car mainly because it has tons of safety features. For a family sedan, the 1.8T engine is adequate. Although the engine is a little noisy at lower revs, it is quite smooth at higher speeds. I feel that road noise is excessive. This may be attributed to the Continental tires. I highly recommend this car.

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  A 170 HP Economy Car - With 6 Airbags - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve Conslaw - August 10 - 5:06 pm

  If you are looking at a Passat - try the manual transmission. Big difference - no turbo lag - plenty of power - good mpg. We get 27-28 MPG with very few freeway miles. Note - thats as good as the Accord Hybrid for fewer $. The trip computer makes it easy to drive for MPG (like a PRIUS) if you want. If you get away from traffic 30+ MPG is possible. Still,the Turbo is always there if you want to kick it. Lots of room inside. The car has been reliable but a few things are a pain - suggested premium gas, though runs fine on midgrade. Weve had no sludge problem but VW says use synthetic oil = pricey. Wiper blades are hard to find. Warranty repair stress crack in windshield.

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  A4 1.8T Replacement - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By DHunter - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I searched long and hard and finally decided on the Passat. I liked the A4 1.8T Quattro styling better, but the performance of the Passat 6cyl was superior and features were much better for the price. I only wanted 4Wheel drive so that ruled out the Acura TL-S, but this car was a strong contender for price/performance. Last year body style for Acura TL is 03 though. Other new cars looked boring, too boxy, or too pricey (e.g. Honda, Maxima, BMW, Audi).

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  Wow!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By passatmo - July 30 - 10:00 am

  My wifes 92 Q-45s transmission went out. Had to get something else. Test drove 4-5 cars. Test drove a "demo" GLX and LOVED it. Brought it home yesterday. She let me drive it about 25 miles on the freeway while it was turning dark outside. It drove like a dream! Then I turned on the lights and the instrument panel lit up! WOW! Shifted to Tiptronic at 70 mph. Wife drove it to work today. I cant wait til she gets home so I can have another crack at it.