Standout Trims
2003 HIGHLIGHTS
Full History Report
Buying a 2003 Volkswagen Passat?
7 recalls have been issued for this model year. Check its history before you buy.
A vehicle history report shows accidents, ownership history, and service records.
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Trim Levels
ALL 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TRIMS
| Trim | Body | Engine | MPG | HP | Seats | MSRP | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLTop Rated | Sedan | 1.8L | 23 | 170 | 5 | $21,750 | MyCar Score™59.1 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS 1.8T | Sedan | 1.8L | 23 | 170 | 5 | $22,885 | MyCar Score™58.9 | Look Up VIN |
| GL | Wagon | 1.8L | 23 | 170 | 5 | $22,550 | MyCar Score™58.8 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS 1.8T | Wagon | 1.8L | 23 | 170 | 5 | $23,685 | MyCar Score™58.6 | Look Up VIN |
| GL | Sedan | 1.8L | 22 | 170 | 5 | $22,825 | MyCar Score™58.5 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS 1.8T | Sedan | 1.8L | 22 | 170 | 5 | $23,960 | MyCar Score™58.3 | Look Up VIN |
| GL | Wagon | 1.8L | 22 | 170 | 5 | $23,625 | MyCar Score™58.3 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS 1.8T | Wagon | 1.8L | 22 | 170 | 5 | $24,760 | MyCar Score™58.1 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS V6 | Sedan | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $25,385 | MyCar Score™58 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS V6 | Wagon | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $26,185 | MyCar Score™57.8 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS V6 | Sedan | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $26,460 | MyCar Score™57.7 | Look Up VIN |
| GLS V6 | Wagon | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $27,260 | MyCar Score™57.5 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX | Sedan | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $28,750 | MyCar Score™57.4 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX | Wagon | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $29,550 | MyCar Score™57.2 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX | Sedan | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $29,825 | MyCar Score™57.1 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX | Wagon | 2.8L | 20 | 190 | 5 | $30,625 | MyCar Score™56.9 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX 4Motion | Sedan | 2.8L | 19 | 190 | 5 | $31,575 | MyCar Score™56.4 | Look Up VIN |
| W8 4Motion | Sedan | 4L | 18 | 270 | 5 | $37,900 | MyCar Score™56.3 | Look Up VIN |
| GLX 4Motion | Wagon | 2.8L | 19 | 190 | 5 | $32,375 | MyCar Score™56.2 | Look Up VIN |
| W8 4Motion | Sedan | 4L | 18 | 270 | 5 | $39,400 | MyCar Score™56.1 | Look Up VIN |
| W8 4Motion | Wagon | 4L | 18 | 270 | 5 | $38,700 | MyCar Score™56 | Look Up VIN |
| W8 4Motion | Wagon | 4L | 18 | 270 | 5 | $40,200 | MyCar Score™55.9 | Look Up VIN |
At a Glance
KEY SPECS
Body Type
Sedan, Wagon
MPG Range
18–23 MPG
HP Range
170–270 HP
Seating
Up to 5
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
Drive Type
front wheel drive
Dimensions & Comfort
SPACE & COMFORT
Based on the top-rated 2003 Passat trim.
Exterior Dimensions
Length
185.2 in
Width
68.7 in
Height
57.6 in
Wheelbase
106.4 in
Interior Dimensions
Front Headroom
39.7 in
Front Legroom
41.5 in
Rear Headroom
37.8 in
Rear Legroom
35.3 in
Cargo & Capacity
Cargo Space
15 cu ft
Max Cargo
15 cu ft
Curb Weight
3,212 lbs
Safety & Warranty
PROTECTION & COVERAGE
Safety Ratings
2003 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB
NHTSA Overall
Not tested by NHTSAFrontal Crash
Not tested by NHTSASide Crash
Not tested by NHTSASide Pole
Not tested by NHTSARollover
Not tested by NHTSAOpen Recalls
7 recalls
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program. nhtsa.gov/ratings
Warranty Coverage
Basic Coverage
4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain
5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Roadside Assistance
4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Family & Safety
IS THIS A GOOD FAMILY CAR?
Rear Seat Space
Rear headroom: 37.8″
Rear legroom: 35.3″
Car Seat Usability
Always have car seat installation checked by a certified technician. Find an inspection station near you →
LATCH System
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) is required on all US vehicles from 2003 onward.
✓ LATCH anchors required
Cargo & Stroller Space
15 cu ft
Fits most full-size strollers
Common Questions
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FAQ
How many recalls does a 2003 Volkswagen Passat have?▾
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Always verify current recall status at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is the fuel economy of a 2003 Volkswagen Passat?▾
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat gets 18–23 MPG combined depending on trim level and drivetrain configuration.
What is the best 2003 Volkswagen Passat trim to buy used?▾
Based on MyCar Score™ ratings, the GL trim scores highest at 59.1 out of 100, balancing value, fuel economy, and specifications.
Is the 2003 Volkswagen Passat a good used car?▾
The 2003 Volkswagen Passat has an average MyCar Score™ of 58 out of 100. MyCar Score™ weighs NHTSA safety ratings, recall history, fuel economy, and value. Compare trims carefully before purchasing.
How much does a 2003 Volkswagen Passat cost used?▾
New MSRP for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat ranged from $21,750 to $40,200. Used prices vary by mileage, trim, and condition — run a free VIN lookup to check a specific vehicle.
Other Passat Years
Other Volkswagen Models