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 301 through 310 of 588.00

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  Best Car Owned to Date - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bkc_wlc - July 20 - 6:20 am

  The Passat has a great feel of the road with outstanding interior fit and finish. This car is quick, responsive, has great options and solid build quality. The 4-cyl. turbo cant be topped for the price. At $23,200 new at the end of 2002. This is they greatest car on the planet and I still love it at the end of 2006.

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  2003 Volkswagen Passat GLX - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Frank Mandras - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive test driven and researched Audi, BMW, Lexus, Acura and Volkswagen and found the best pricing and best value for the money in the Passat GLX Automatic.

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  Love my Passat - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Arlene - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 2002 VW Passat. Great handling and very quick. But I wouldnt trade it for another car in the world of its class!

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  Family Wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By bwc - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Chose this over SUV. Fine and practicle for our family. Handles great and very fun to drive. Lots of extras.

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  Great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By ChrisR - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Driving for three months and this car far exceeds my expectations. German engineering is far more exciting than Japanese reliability. The German build quality of this car is noncomparable to the previously built US & Mexico VWs (Rabbit/Jetta) There is always room for improvement, but they are minor in nature. This car has one small rattle that the monsoon stereo fixes.

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  Love That Passat! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Nancy H. - April 24 - 2:00 am

  This is one car that is full of nice surprises! I love all of its safety features, its solid ride, and the way it handles in snow. VW gave me the best loan rate around. Instead of a payment book, you receive a monthly bill so you wont forget. I have received so many compliments on this car. It takes premium gas, but all of its perks make this one fun car to own!

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  1.8Turbo Passat GLS - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Pastafarian - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a great family sedan -- room for 3 kids, comfortable, fun 5sp manual, and thrifty on gas (1.8T). Acceleration is adequate with the manual, but you wont win any races. Handling is decent on winding country roads, but you should opt for bigger wheels if you can.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By sig409 - April 4 - 2:00 am

  I tell my wife at least once a week, "I love this car" whether Im driving or riding. Since we brought our Passat home, it has been nothing but a joy to drive. Smooth handling, clean lines, stylish interior lighting, its a dream to drive. The 190hp is plenty. We came from a 160hp Prelude. The Passat still has quick acceleration and is much quieter. My wife says shes going to need a radar detector because it gets up to speed so quick. Haggle on the price. You can get the V6 for a little over their invoice, around $27,000. It will be well worth it. The dealers will get enough suckers to pay MSRP.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By eggheader - March 4 - 3:02 pm

  I bought new, now have over 230,000 miles. This is a fun car to drive, especially with the manual. Have not had any major mechanical issues. The paint and interior have held up very well. Only annoyance is that the headlights burn out more often than most, but are easy to replace. Keeping up with preventive maintenance and fixing small problems quickly are essential though! Parts are expensive, and I agree with other reviewers that dealer service departments are terrible- I found a great VW mechanic locally.

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  Great car, couple of issues - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Andy L - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable ride. Good mileage around 30mpg. Love the fresco green color. Two negatives about the car are: 1) delay in acceleration in 1st and 2nd gear, 2) poor visibility out the back window because of the head rests getting in the way.