2003 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$22,325 to $39,275

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(34 reviews)
2003 Volkswagen Passat Preview summaryImage

Volkswagen widened its Passat lineup again in 2003 with the addition of the GL entry-level trim package. It joined the GLS, GLX, and W8 trim levels in the Passat lineup.

The Passat GL came with a 1.8-liter, 170-hp 4-cylinder engine, a five-speed manual overdrive transmission (a five-speed automatic was optional), and a stripped-down list of standard features that included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, and traction control.

The GLS trim package included the same features and added a sunroof and alloy wheels, among other equipment. It was available with either the 1.8-liter 4-cylinder or a 2.8-liter, 190-hp V6 engine.

The GLX, available only with the V6, added leather seats (powered in the front) to the list of standard features. And the Passat W8, introduced a year earlier, came with a 4.0-liter, 270-hp 8-cylinder engine and an extenstive list of standard features, including a five-speed automatic transmission with the Tiptronic manual shift feature (a six-speed automatic was available as an option) and a stability control system, as well as all the features included with the GLX and GLS.

Overall, drivers' opinions of the Passat seemed to have improved when compared to previous years, with many drivers recommending the car. Drivers especially liked the Passat's power, roominess, interior appointments, and even its price. Some drivers, however, still noted quality-control problems with the car.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2003 Volkswagen Passat

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User rating:
by Dumuzi S
Jun 27, 2022
In my opinion the best car ever made. Passats fit like a glove. Powerful and precise. Its was something youd want to own from new to maintain and keep running how you want it. I had two of these. The first was a manual V6. Very fast and I crashed. Saved out life. Incredible chassis. Handled better than most modern cars. I actually had a couple 2002 but theyre the same. The second was a ultra rare W8 4 motion. They stole it. Literally pride of my life. When people ask me what my favorite car was, I told them a Passat W8 manual 4 motion. Incredible, really. So stiff. Stiffest chassis in the world I think. Wonderful car. Wondering how they could have made it better? Made the W8 Reliable like my tdi mk6 golf. Thats how. And put boost to kt. But thats it. Jun 27, 2022
by Jordan S
Mar 14, 2022
Great value! The seller, Boris, was very patient and I never felt pressure to buy. I used to work in the car industry and this was a simple and easy interaction. Great car, great experience! Mar 14, 2022
by Anonymous
Jul 05, 2021
Great near luxury vehicle at a great price. Very safe. This is our second one. First one was totaled in a significant wreck and all occupants walked away unscathed.Jul 05, 2021

2003 Volkswagen Passat Pricing

Original MSRP
$22,325 to $39,275
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Monsoon · AM/FM radio

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel

Comfort Features

Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio

Drivetrain

Limited slip differential: center

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Rear Seats

Type: split-bench

Roof

Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather

Suspension

Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent

See all trims (12)