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 1 through 10 of 588.00

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  Love my VW!!! - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By grassyknollgunman13 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T 5speed is great. Not too expensive, and a great car. Rides nice, got some power and a great soundsystem. (Monsoon) The only 2 things Im not crazy about are the placement and design of the sideview mirror control, (knob on the door panel)and the front seat center arm rest. Its nice that it slides forward to be adjustable but w/ a manual tranny, it moves too much while shifting. Other than that, I would highly recomend this car.

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  VW Pasat Wagon - Is a great Car - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By RickF - December 13 - 2:03 am

  I purchased a 2003 VW Passat Wagon with 38,000 in Jan 2006 for $12.9K and drove the car for 4+ years with never a problem. Sure I had to replace the usual stuff Brakes, Tires and the battery, but all in all the 03 Passat was the best, most reliable car I have ever owned. I just purchased a 2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDI to replace it, and I hope it is just as good. I see concerns that VW repairs are expensive, but not really much more than anything else. Find a good local VW Mech, stay away from the dealership 4 repairs, $100 per hour labor can add up fast. Also, if you cannot change the headlamp on one of these cars (others complaining), you have no business under the hood, it is a 2 min job.

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  bought new, owned for 6 years, 100k mile - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By gphin305 - December 8 - 2:26 pm

  Bought car new in 2002 and just turned 100k miles. Problems...coil packs replaced by dealer when new...no charge. Cars manufactured prior to 7/02 had defects which VW took care of under warranty. Had engine sludge problem at 82k miles which vw fixed for free although technically out of warranty...changed to synthetic oil. car has had regular maintenance by VW dealer which provides excellent service. Car has experienced some minor issues (emergency flasher replaced, headlights burned out, etc.) but overall has been very reliable....no major engine or transmission issues. Very fun to drive, excellent ride on highway, solid German engineering. Bought new 08 last year....10k miles no problems.

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  Great Car - Poor Gas Mileage - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By hzolla - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my Passat for 6 months now and really enjoy it. The Passat is quiet and has adequate pick up. I have experienced no quality or mechanical problems at all. I test drove the Volvo V70 and Audi A6 & A4 wagon and it was clear to me then, as it is now, that the best value amongst these is the VW. My only complaint is below - Gas Mileage.

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  Fun to drive but too many problems - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By adam - December 2 - 10:10 pm

  Car has been sent back to dealer six times for different repairs. After driving 3,000 miles, car was broken down on busy street. Every December, when weather gets cold, the malfunction light was on since purge valve was broken. Last year, trunk wont latch. Last month, a engine pipe was broken. Now, when applying brake, a lot noise from passenger side dash board. From begining, Driver seat lowers on itself after driving 300 miles in about a week. Dealer installed new seat but new seat has same problem. Now, vw and dealer reject to do anything since they dont know how fix. One of technicians in the dealership said that his 2004 Jetta has same seat problem.

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  New GLX wagon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By awm34 - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I leased an Audi A4 Avant for five years before replacing it with the Passat GLX wagon. Saved mucho dinero by discovering that the cargo & passenger capacity of the Passat was equal to the A6 that my wife coveted. New features also nice: in-dash CD, heated mirrors, HomeLink (not working yet for me).

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  I WOULD BUY IT AGAIN - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Industree Wiz - November 28 - 10:00 am

  For a 1.8L, ride is similar to a 3 series Bimmer. Cornering, braking, comfort and acceleration are oustanding. Electronic monitoring and control system do work. Controls are adequate (could be better). Excess heat in cabin forces a/c use in the summertime, useful at wintertime. Interior would be better if provision were made for storage of CDs, MDs and audiotapes. Otherwise, it is a pleasure to enjoy German engineering in this nifty well-equipped package.

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  Great Wagon can compete with the best - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By frederik - November 28 - 8:03 am

  Was looking for a wagon and found it in the Passat. The interest rate and the fact it was a CPO was another great decision. Despite some different opinions on the 2002 models, I believe this is a solid car. I could not get the diesel wagon may be next time premium model will do :).

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  Passats are Lemons - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By tallbrunette - November 28 - 4:03 am

  Please check out Consumer Reports before buying a used or new Passat. In May I had to put in a new battery, I was told by VW that it had to be replaced. A month later or less I had left it in the airport and the battery was dead again. I was told by VW ALL car batteries need to be jumped if left for 3-4 days (I am not lying). I had to bring the car back five times before it was corrected. I cant tell you the time, money and frustration and most of all stress this has caused me. I have owned three Volvos and have NEVER had such problems. I also had to put in new brakes within 20,000 miles. Go for the proven cars - Toyota and Honda. This car is planned to be obsolute at 50,000 miles.

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  lemon - 2003 Volkswagen Passat
  By Greg - November 16 - 7:43 pm

  Ignition coils go bad between 50-75 K miles. Major design flaw. VW will not claim responsibility for this issue as I have contacted them. I dont mind 3 or 4 recalls and countless other items that had to be replaced during the warranty, but it is unfair for the owner to pay for ignition coil replacement, which seems to be a common issue with this engine. Ask any VW owner or dealer.