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 111 through 120 of 166.00

• 

  2005 Passat TDI GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Warrior23 - March 20 - 11:30 pm

  I had a Passat gas burner for 4 years in Germany and was really impressed with all aspects of the car. That experience led me to want a Passat here. I chose the TDI because of the fuel economy and expected long life of a diesel. Ive only had the car for a month but have really enjoyed the solid, quality feel when driving; reminds me of my former Passat. The only complaint is a very slight buzz heard sometimes, somewhere around the drivers side window post where the seatbelt enters. My first two tanks of fuel averaged 33mpg overall with about 60% highway/40% around town.

• 

  Completely Unreliable/Expensive Repairs - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By SW - March 12 - 8:50 am

  The Passat looks great, rides great, and is extremely comfortable - WHEN ITS NOT AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED! I have owned a passat for 6 months now, and I know the Service Manager at the local Volkswagen Dealership by name. In the past six months, my 2 year old car has had three separate repairs, all of which were under waranty, but would have been very costly otherwise. Now Im told I have to have my CV Axles replaced due to "normal wear and tear" (meaning not covered under the warranty). Total cost? OVER $1,500!! Once again, this car is two years old - which means that every two years Ill have to pay $1,500 for CV Axles, $75 each for headlights, plus all of the other repairs!

• 

  Love it! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tanya - March 9 - 7:26 am

  Love this car, sturdy, dependable, yet fun on the highway due to its turbo engine. I feel very safe in it.

• 

  I Love My Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tweetgurl - March 3 - 11:33 am

  I went from a Mitsubishi Lancer to a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. Every time I looked at a Passat on the road, I was envious. Finally, I bought a 2005 Passat that had been a dealer demo so it had less than 5,000 miles on it even though I bought it December 2005. I love my car! It takes some time getting used to, but I enjoy the experience. The ride is fairly smooth and I feel important driving this car. I checked out the 2006 Passat and was appalled at the price. I was able to buy my 05 Passat for thousands of dollars less than the current rate for a new 06 Passat. I dont like the new body style of the 06 Passat, though I do like the chrome in the front. Overall, Im satisfied with my purchase.

• 

  I just love VW Passat Wagons! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Kathleen - February 14 - 10:36 am

  Very pleased with long distance driving and riding in our Volkswagen Passat Wagon! The seats are very comfortable on the lower back. It has plenty of room for back seat passengers and lots of trunk space. It has a very quiet cabin and at 75 mph you feel as though youre going 45 mph. It also has a great stereo system. I love the heated front seats! City driving is equally pleasing. We had a 2002 Passat Wagon before getting a 2005. We love the product and will be getting a 2008 in the future! Go and get it....you wont be disappointed. It has a nice solid design and well made construction! I love those German cars, they have great craftmanship!

• 

  36 miles per gallon in the city - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sam - January 16 - 9:36 am

  Ive never driven a diesel powered automobile before, but after a few months of driving my Passat TDI I have to say "I love it." Most if not all of the reviews I read before I purchased the car have been very accurate. Although Im paying a premium for diesel fuel ($2.20 per gal.) its nice to know Im averaging a little over 36 miles to the gallon (36.4 in the city). I cant think of anything bad to say about the car...the engine is a little bit louder in idle and not every gas station carries diesel fuel. Other than that...the car is wonderful!

• 

  love mpg, hate electronic issues - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By CAgirl - January 5 - 2:33 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and I have had some issues with the dash mpg display, when the car is hot its half faded, the light doesnt come on when I open the door - I have to wack it to get it on and the lights for the temp controls dont come on anymore. I have taken it in to complain about it but each time the techs tell me it was working fine for them,fog lights and headlights burnout fast. I do love the fuel efficiency, I average 37 mpg on the freeway which is great on the wallet. Leather seats little uncomfortable during a long drive. My daughter kicked off the ashtray and elec plug cover with her legs due to center carseat position. I think this will be my last passat.

• 

  2005 TDI Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By rw - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Up to 2009 car was great. Volkswagon decided to recall att TDI models for a R8 recall for the glow plugs. Being on top of recalls brought car in for recall and had it done in the spring time period. Well summer went by and winter was setting in (getting colder) my wife started complaining that the car was hard to start sometimes. I of course egnored it till I drove it. Well the problems with the dealership and Volkswagon began. Called Volkswagon direct and knotified them of a possible problem with thier recall. Brought it in and more than 6 months later. I got my car back with original plugs and waiting for volkswagon to find a glow plug that will replace problem plugs. Good luck to tdi owne

• 

  Turbocharger Intermittent - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Longfellow - September 21 - 5:36 pm

  To start off with, I like the styling of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI. I also enjoy the TDIs fuel economy. However, the Turbocharger stops working intermittently. I have had the car back to two different dealerships on five separate occasions to repair of the turbocharger. The cruise control disengages intermittently, as do the daytime running lights. I too, have experienced the inability to remove the ignition key from its slot on the steering column several times. I still do not know why that has happened. The front seats bottoms are a bit short in length and there is not much padding under the leather. You can feel the closed cell polyurethane foam that lines the seat bottom upon ingress and egress.

• 

  Good car with some problems - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian00074 - September 15 - 11:30 am

  This is an excellent riding vehicle with decent power and good looks. The data display and heated seats are great features. I had two strange things happen with this car. First was minor. The chrome strip along the rear door pulled away somehow and took paint off the front door the next time I opened it. It happened on a very very cold day and I suspect some water froze behind it. The second thing was much more serious. I got home one night and tried to back into my spot but the car would not move. Turned out that I needed a whole new transmission, which Kelly VW replaced with no hassle. Its running well but making a strange noise after rolling a few feet. Im taking it back again.