2003 VW Passat Wagon reviews and buying guide.

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• 2003 VW Passat Guide

2003 VW Passat Wagon

The 2003 VW Passat wagon is the big brother of The Passat sedan, offering the same tested engineering principles, the same standard features list and the same model lineup as its smaller sibling. Like the sedan, The Passat wagon gets a new entry-level GL model for 2003. It joins the GLS, GLX and top-line W8 models in rounding out an impressive array of capable wagons designed with families in mind.

The Passat wagon has four doors and seats five. With a total cargo volume of 79.0 inches, there’s plenty of space for passengers and goods alike. Families should also take note of The Passat wagon’s safety features. Regardless of trim level, all wagons have dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights and an emergency inside trunk release.

Under the Hood

There are three engines that define the 2003 VW Passat wagon’s lineup, culminating in the W8 speedster. The first, on GL and GLS trims, is a 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model with 170 horsepower. The second, also offered with GLS models and GLX models, is a 2.8-liter V6 engine capable of 190 horsepower. At the top of the pack stands the W8, which can certainly get out of the blocks in a hurry. It has an engine composed of two V4 modules, resulting in a blistering 270 horsepower.

W8s are fitted with an adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission withTiptronic and automatic shift lock. All other models have 5-speed manual transmission, though 5-speed automatic is optional. VW’s advanced 4Motion all-wheel drive system is standard on W8s and available on automatic-transmission GLX models. Other Passat have front drive with standard traction control for great handling capability.

Standard Features, Options Packages and Style

Rear seat passengers of The Passat wagon are treated to 35.3 inches of legroom, while the front seat lets you stretch out a bit more with 39.7 inches of legroom. All 2003 Passat wagons are well appointed with standard features, starting with the new entry-level GL model. Air conditioning, power steering, cruise control, cloth upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats with lumbar adjustment, heated power mirrors, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, map lights, a trip computer, an outside-temperature indicator, an AM/FM/cassette/CD player, a digital clock, a tachometer and a rear defogger are just some of the standard features on GL models.GLXs and W8s add leather upholstery, heated front seats and walnut interior trim.

Of course, there is also an options list that fills out the selection process. As a family vehicle, the 2003 Passat wagon pretty much covers it all, from safety to performance, with style and comfort mixed in as well.