My 2003 Volkswagen Passat GLS

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Here is my 2003 Passat.  My Jetta is still my playtoy.  The Passat is our "family car."  My wife is the primary driver of the Passat.  The only reason we chose a Passat over another Jetta is rear legroom.  Although the specs only show another few inches of rear legroom, the difference is remarkable!  I'm undecided on whether I'll keep this car long enough to trade it for an upcoming Passat TDI or turn it into a speed demon.  Therefore, I'm leaving it completely stock until I decide.  Currently, the Passat is the largest AFFORDABLE sedan offered by Volkswagen.  The Class D "Phaeton" is VW's flagship sedan; but it starts at $65,000 and guzzles fuel like an SUV.  Unlike the Mexican-built Jetta, Golf, and New Beetle, the Passat is actually imported from Emden, Germany.  Many would say this contributes to the Passat's flawless workmanship.  However, the Mexican cars are built exactly to German specs by German machines. Therefore, I tend to think the Passat is simply a better-designed car with more attention to detail.  Simply opening the doors and looking at the extra attention to weatherstripping, aerodynamics, and sheet metal tolerances will show you that more thought and detail went into the Passat's design.  The weatherstripping surrounding the engine bay pictured below keeps the engine compartment clean and dry.

The Passat is available with three engine choices:  1) the 1.8T, a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 170-hp, is standard; 2) the V6 (not to be confused with the VR6), which puts out 190-hp; and 3) the W8, which is an eight cylinder that puts out 275-hp.  The W8 is only available in an all-wheel drive Passat that costs nearly $40,000.  NO THANKS!  The V6 Passat costs about $2000 more than the 1.8T; but it only gets you an additional 20-hp.  Many VW enthusiasts believe the 1.8T is "detuned" by VW in order to keep V6 sales up.  Believing this, I chose the 1.8T.  By simply adding a $350 tuning chip, the 1.8T can generate 215-hp and 245-ft/lbs and still net over 30-mpg on the highway.  A larger turbo and injectors can get me to the 300-hp range.  This is more than the W8 and the vehicle's power-to-weight ratio is much lower, making the Passat GLS the potentially quicker car.  I intend to keep my Passat stock for quite some time.  Unless I decide to go with a TDI, I'll add a chip once the warranty's worth is gone.  I won't replace the turbo or injectors until the originals have worn.

     While my GLS is not a "luxury car," it is nicely equipped.  All 2000+ Volkswagens come with cool-blue dash lighting.  The difference was immediately noticeable, but easy on the eyes.  All Passats come with a multi-funcion computer.  These computers have dual displays for: 1) miles driven, 2) average speed, 3) instant miles per gallon, 4) average miles per gallon, and 5) miles left on remaining fuel.  All Passats come with power locks, power windows, power heated mirrors, cruise control, front, side, and curtain airbags, Immobilizer III security system (programmed lazer cut keys), and prewiring for CD changer.  My Passat has the Monsoon Sound System, featuring both CD and cassette players.  I'm a CD/MP3 kind of listener.   The cassette player is virtually worthless.  I like to use my laptop to play hours of MP3 music files on long road trips.  I'm pleased with the performance of THIS DEVICE, which transmits audio signals to my FM stereo.  Many audiophiles consider this method and Monsoon to be a waste of money.  While I don't think Monsoon is the BEST stereo out there, it DOES sound VERY good for a factory stereo.  

My Passat has a long time to go before replacing my Jetta as the house play toy.  Until then, it will be the family car, used for short drives and family outtings.  It's tough to say whether we'll use the Passat or the Jetta on long road trips.  The Passat is VERY comfortable.  But it's tough to forget the Jetta gets over 45-mpg during loaded touring.  Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions regarding my Passat.  I'm no Passat or 1.8T expert; but I'll be glad to share my ownership experiences with you. See you on the road... Scott

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