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 311 through 320 of 588.00

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  Great car if VW would allow it - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By MissnMyA4 - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The automatic transmission offered with the 1.8 is one of the worst cases of engine castration available. This engine needs a clutch to get anything but a lethargic launch. With the manual this is the best value and the most fun to drive combination of Passats. Too bad VW doesnt offer a sport package or the fantastic 4Motion with the 1.8. There are other manufacturers making forced induction cars with AWD, but if you value fit and finish, design, and a first class interior then you cant really beat the Passat. Dont tell VW, but it makes one of the best sleeper-tuner cars around. I wish they could get my dash to stop squeeking though. Do you hear me VW?

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  Wonderful solid agile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brandon - February 10 - 1:30 pm

  I bought mine sight unseen at auction. The battery was 100% dead, tires all 100% flat and radiator bone dry. I charged it up, aired the tires (patched 1 leak) and filled the radiator. This is an amazing car. Rides like a BMW M3 and hugs the road (even loose gravel, or snow covered roads) like an Audi A8. When you think the gas pedal is pushed all the way, push a little harder and the car goes into "shift down" mode and thats when the power kicks in.

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  Passat Wagon -- no compromises - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dermeister - January 21 - 10:00 am

  With a new baby on the way, I needed just a bit more room than my previous Passat 1.8T sedan. But I didnt want to compromise on performance, overall engineering, looks, or quality. Im very happy with my 02 Passat Wagon/Variant. It has willing performance, good low-end torque from the V6, very stable handling at low and high speeds, and great room thanks to the practical square wagon design. I chose a the buttery smooth 5-speed manual, but the 5-speed tiptronic is equally nice and pleasing. The wagon back actually adds a considerable amount of room, and also adds more rear headroom than the sedan.

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  BEST CAR OUT THERE! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By SUGAR - January 21 - 10:00 am

  THERE IS NO BETTER CAR ON THE MARKET FOR THIS PRICE AND QUALITY!

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  A lot of car for the money - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom Swennes - January 3 - 10:00 am

  We were so impressed with our 2000 Passat GLS sedan that when it came time to purchase a new car for my wife, the 03 Passat was at the top of our consideration list. After looking at a range of vehicles, including a number of SUVs, she decided on the 2003 Passat GLX V6. This vehicle offers an impressive list of luxury and convenience items, solid construction, and a high level of safety features. If you want the practicality of a wagon, but do not need the bulk of an SUV or minivan, you should look at the Passat.

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  Only 5,000 made - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Alan Parker - January 3 - 2:00 am

  On the fence between BMI 330i. Choose the W8 for horsepower, safety, style, comfort and price.

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  Amazing! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomg - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful car. Volkswagen pays great attention to detail. The interior design and comfort is top notch. The ride is smooth and refined. I wouldnt hesitate to buy anothe Volkswagen.

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  Beautifully designed to drive - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Robert Peterson - December 19 - 6:26 pm

  I love this car. It is comfortable, handles beautifully, and designed in such a thoughtful manner that the controls are intuitive. Despite a 6 cylinder engine and AWD I still average about 19-20 mpg around town. It goes where my 4 wheel drive truck wont go in the snow. The only downside is that the rear brakes wear rapidly and get replaced at 15-20K. Nevertheless, the other features more than compensate.

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  My Passat was a star - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By California Casey - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  My 2003 1.8T Passat GLS just passed 98,000 miles with hardly a hiccup...when it was smashed by a hit-and-run driver today. Im not sure Ill ever see it again, the damage was so severe. But my daughter and I came out without a scratch, though the front end is nearly demolished. This car was a bit pricey to repair, but there were few of those...oil changes, tuneups, a timing belt (at 90,000, dammit). But it was a joy to drive, I got 26 city, 31 highway with the 1.8 turbo and the German engineering was solid. I fear my car is gone, but if I were you, I would not hesitate to invest in a Passat again, despite higher-than-usual maintenance costs. Its a great car.

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  Pay the extra cash upgrade from Jetta! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By dandadtodandB - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I upgraded from the Jetta, because the 2002 was falling apart. I should have spent the 2k more and got the Passat from the start. The handling is great, the mileage is better than the Jetta, I get 22mpg city, 26mpg hwy. The car is have all the fun of the jetta, but with more power. Power is more than adequate. Taking some getting used to the 5 speed auto and turbo lag. Way underpriced for what you get.