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 121 through 130 of 166.00

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  Car is unreliable, CS is pathetic - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By mminch - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Have had the car three years. The first winter we had it, it did not start on 2 occasions. Both times the dealer did tow it, but could find nothing wrong. We were told misfires. On two other occasions the engine light when on, we took it in, and they told us misfires again. The battery also failed, but the dealer replaced it. The warranty recently expired and the engine light has come on, the repairs have run about $500. In total the engine light has come on at least 6 times in less then 60,000 miles. Very safe car when it starts, very unreliable. Our local dealer takes no accountability, their favorite sayings are "Im sorry" and "I dont know" when I ask what I can do.

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  German quality is gone for good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By sayNOtoVW - August 6 - 2:13 am

  Was fun in the beginning. Now that the sludge problem (well known by VW, but denied - google the internet) has manifested itself the car is only driven when i know someone can come pick me up when it breaks down. After $7000 in engine repairs (all routine maintenance done on schedule by VW dealers) the car is running again but it took three trips back to the dealer to get everything fixed. "Sorry", "out of warranty", "havent seen this problem in the 2005s are just a few of the things said by VW America and dealer. Ill never buy VW and would not recommend to anyone.

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  TDi 2005 Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By John batt - August 5 - 2:14 am

  Best used car I have ever owned. Had it for over six years now I just had my first problem and its the AC. Hoping its just freon. I was looking into perhaps buying a new TDI wagon and they are smaller. Love my 05. Great power, smooth handling, keeps up with anything on the road. Rear seat room is far greater than the Jetta or Golf wagon.

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  My 1st VW But not my Last - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By tomk - August 2 - 8:56 am

  I was looking for a nice car with good MPG. The Passat fits that bill to a tee, I travel 70 a day to go work and this car has been great for that use. Lots of confort good MPG and it gets going down the road when you kick in the tubro. It appears to wear also but I have only owned it about 8 months.

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  Fun, fast but thirsty - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By john - August 1 - 6:13 pm

  Great car, love the 4 wheel motion in the snow. Great pick up, but plan on only getting about 300 miles to the tank. You also need to use the 93 octane gas in the turbo version. Overall nice car.

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  Fine, Fine Automobile. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Goodman - July 27 - 11:56 am

  I am startled by reports about the Audi A6 wagon being the superior machine to the Passat Wagon. In fact, the entire VW Passat wagon, except for the cast iron engine block and lovely design is not similar to, but actually identical in every respect to the Audi. The Audi service manager told me that. So take a tip and think of the Passat to save yourself thousands of dollars.

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  Excellent Value - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By peony - June 4 - 12:16 pm

  So far so good! My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion has very nice handling for a non-sport wagon and is much quieter than my old Subaru Outback. It also has a smoother ride and a way higher level of interior comfort.

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  We Need More Diesels! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Drew - May 24 - 10:30 pm

  I was on the fence over which car to buy, the Camry, Accord, or the Passat. Diesel engine is what sold me, and the wagon option. This car will eventually go to one of my kids when they go to college; I expect it to run that long! Great highway car, will “get-up-‘n-go” and not hurt you at the pump over driving it hard. Dealers are offering KILLER deals right now.

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  tdi diesel - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jobyr8 - April 26 - 12:16 pm

  presently suprised about the pickup and speed of the diesel...getting greater than 30mpg. excellent car with a huge trunk and fun to drive...

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  Really Durable with V6 and manual. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWall the time - April 20 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Passat; 1999 V6 5-speed Sedan was amazing for 10 years and 140k miles. Despite hard use, reliability was excellent(6,000+ revs common; 50/50 highway/backroads; fast cornering; some rough roads; stored for long periods). The timing belt was expensive, replaced radiator at the same time since front of the car has to be dismantled. Also had to replace control arms/bushings and CV joints. Valve cover gasket prone to leaking. Cracked oil pan 2x on steep driveways/bumps (likely somewhat my fault due to 1/2-inch lower European suspension springs). AC conked out in year 9. Still has original clutch. My other cars are BMW M3s which I race - but cant sell VW, I like it too much!