Overview & Reviews

The top-of-the-line W8 model has been discontinued. The GLX loses its standard telematics system. New 16-inch "Rockstar" alloy wheels are standard on the GLS (in place of the former 15s), and new 17-inch "Bistar" alloys are optional on the GLS and GLX.

• Better handling dynamics than most sedans in its class, excellent value in GL or GLS trim, roomy interior with upscale feel, outstanding build and materials quality, available all-wheel drive, unique diesel engine option.

• Upper-level models are expensive compared to Japanese rivals, less rear-seat room and storage than competitors, V6 is down on power.

User Reviews:

Showing 91 through 100 of 166.00

• 

  Great Car But..... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jtmma - January 13 - 8:11 am

  Purchased this car in 2010 with 67,000KM from VW as a pre-owned certified vehicle with a 40,000KM or 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. It has been exceptional for me during this time. I am now at 200,000KM and have serviced it regularly as required. I still enjoy the drive as I commute up to 2-3 hours daily doing sales. However, just had a major recent issue. My transmission quit completely out of nowhere. It is a self sealed unit and very difficult to service, nor does it say it requires any routine maintenance. This is a $4500 issue to get a factory repaired/replaced transmission from VW. Luckily I had a friend who rebuilt and swapped it for considerably less.

• 

  Pass Em - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Ted - December 20 - 12:50 pm

  I love to step on the gas (fuel) pedal and feel the smooth, rapid acceleration. This car will run. Its handling is superb. It is a very safe car. It gets about 30-32 mpg at 8 0mph with the a/c on. It has a huge trunk. It hauls five adults with ease and has no difficulty handling or accelerating with a load. It does have a slight vibration at idle from the motor, but no one complains. Most are surprised when they find out its a diesel. This is my second VW diesel. The first was a Golf TDI which got totaled. We were sandwiched in a wreck, drove the car home five miles, and were surprised when the insurance company totaled. it. My wife wanted a trunk, so we got the Passat. It is a good car.

• 

  Almost 600 Miles on one Tank! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lou - December 19 - 12:33 pm

  The Volkwagon Passat Wagon TDI is just the best car I have ever owned. I get almost 600 miles on one tank of gas driving at 85 mph!

• 

  Maybe I should have let it burn. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By New Milford - November 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought the car as a leftover. Within 2000 miles coil pack burned out. Fire self-extinguished. 3 out of 4 Continental tires had tread separation. Transmission failed at 64,000. (VW ate approx $4,000.00 of cost, we paid about $1,000.00) The car is extremely expensive to maintain. New timing belt, waterpump, belt tensioner, thermostat. Cost: over $1100.00.

• 

  There is a reason for the short warranty - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bill - November 7 - 5:20 am

  I purchased 2 used VW prior. No issues with them. Finally got my brand new wagon. Love the performance and style. Hate all the issues. I am selling it and not sure what the replacement will be. I have spent more money out of pocket in 4 years on this car than my 10 year old Ford Taurus... by a lot. If VW extended its warranty greater than 36 months, the company would go under with the extra cost. I have contacted VW of America several times and my complaints fell on deaf ears. If you are reviewing for potentially buying a VW, dont buy one.

• 

  2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By skip - October 19 - 11:43 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat has a great ride. We have the 4Motion GLS model and we are pleased with the whole car, but wish the gas milage was better than 27 to 28 miles to gallon highway, but for an all wheel drive its fair on gas.

• 

  Bad Decision - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By K Wirth - October 14 - 5:03 pm

  I bought my VW Passat in August and it has been in the shop more than on the road. I have taken the car to all the VW dealerships in my area for repairs hoping that the service center was to blame for the poor quality. The low quality and poor reliability of the Passat have been more than disappointing. Especially when you consider the higher price of the Passat compared to the other vehicles in its class. VWoA has been difficult to work with.

• 

  Great Car For the Money - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael B. - October 10 - 11:06 am

  Looked at a lot of other cars in its class and the Passat felt the most substantial, heavy and comes witha lot of standard features. The only other cars that were competition were the A4 and the Acura TSX. The Passat was less and drives just as well as the A4 and tighter then the Acura.

• 

  Shopped Around a lot to Find Value - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rebecca Ann - September 22 - 2:03 pm

  I shopped around quite a bit before deciding on a VW Passat. I compared this car to Swedens Volvo S60 and the Lincoln LS, both of which are V6 or straight 5-cylinder engines. I was sceptical about the 4-cylinder 1.8T engine in the Passat, however this German built vehicle really shines when you consider the packages and the performance. It is a solid car with great space in the backseat. The standard side curtain airbags and safety went toe toe to toe with Volvo. The S60 had a lot of play in the wheel (boat feeling) and the Lincoln didnt impress me when the dealer couldnt shut the hood when showing me the car. It makes you wonder what else in the car is not quite lined up. The Passat won.

• 

  no longer a vw lifer - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By nyc owner - September 8 - 9:40 am

  Had VWs since I was 16 and loved them all. Grew up, made some money, and went upscale. I loved this car a lot when I bought it. Its no tin can, its a solid car (reminded me of a Mercedes) with a smooth ride. So why did they cheap out on the interior with all the plastic? Then there was the overall durability. Seems that the car cant handle its own weight, and the NYC streets killed the tires and axles. Also, the engine strained to get the behemoth moving, and I learned fast that it did not stop on a dime like a Jetta. Then, the problems. Annoying rattle in dash that VW refused to fix after 3rd attempt, Then the cars 4 faulty ignition coils, ea caused separate trips to dealer