2003 Volkswagen Passat: Road Test
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2003 Volkswagen Passat ▼
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- MSRP: $21,750 -$40,200
- Invoice: $19,790 -$36,706
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Our road test for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Volkswagen Passat help you decide if a 2003 Volkswagen Passat is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 5.2 |
Passat's 4 cyl is zippy enough with manual transmission--8.5 sec in our 0-60 mph tests--but feels underpowered with automatic. V6s are usefully quicker, but can feel a bit snoozy with automatic: Test front-drive GLX with automatic disappointed at 8.6 sec 0-60. 4Motion adds 200 lb, blunts midrange acceleration some. W8 has good power, but is no muscle car; test automatic sedan did 7.2 sec 0-60. We have not yet tested a manual version. In no application does Passat's automatic shift with smooth, fuss-free promptness, and in W8, it triggered odd lurching when coasting to a stop.
FUEL ECONOMY
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5.3 |
Test averages include 21 mpg with a manual-transmission 4-cyl sedan, 19.2-21.6 with automatic-transmission GLX versions, 17.8 with V6 4Motion wagon. W8 averaged 16.2 overall, and 22.4 in mostly highway driving. All Passats require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Impressive. Solid platform contributes to controlled, comfortable ride. Suspension firm, but easily smothers all but the worst bumps.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Confident cornering with moderate body lean, but just short of sport-sedan crisp even with AWD. Responsive steering, arrow-true straight stability. Antiskid system a safety plus. Emergency stops short and stable, but some test Passats suffered uneven modulation and poor pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.5 |
All engines smooth, generally subdued, pleasant to the ear. V6 and W8 impressively quiet even at high revs. Wind rush low, as is tire thrum except on very coarse pavement.
CONTROLS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.5 |
Audio unit handy and intuitive, but low-mounted climate controls a bit tricky to see and reach. Night lighting for most every switch and knob a plus. Ditto legible, well-placed gauges. Cabin materials and workmanship exude high quality; leather-trimmed models more elegant than some near-luxury-class cars.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.9 |
Basically fine, but 6-footers get only a half-inch of head clearance in sunroof models. Tilt/telescopic steering wheel and height-adjustable seats--with power and memory in GLX and W8--are appreciated. Visibility uncluttered in wagons, a bit less so aft in sedans.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.4 |
Leg room good for the class, head room and entry/exit more than passable. Bench seat nicely contoured but firm, and three adults feel crowded.
CARGO ROOM
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 4.7 |
Sedans have a roomy trunk with low liftover and large opening, but rear AWD hardware reduces volume by a healthy 5 cu ft. Wagons are useful load luggers with well-finished cargo bays.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6.2 |
Passats can be costly, but they match some near-luxury cars for quality, refinement, and features. The GLS and GLS V6 models are the line's best dollar buys. Tellingly, the newest Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry were designed with these VWs much in mind, but no rival midsize offers Passat's European flair, available AWD, or 8-cyl power.
Total Score
| GLS sdn, 4-cyl man. | GLS/GLX sdn, V6 auto. | GLX 4Motion wgn | W8 4Motion sdn, auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 64 | 67 | 63 | 56.1 |
Total Score: 65
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