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 141 through 150 of 166.00

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  Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Napp - September 23 - 1:16 pm

  The Passat diesel has two great qualities and one big poor one. The gas mileage is fantastic, 38 mpg town and 45 mpg or better highway. The performance is fantastic, it feels like a higher end car, more than what you pay for it. The seats are comfortable. However, the interior stinks! The finish on the handles, and all over, flaked in the first month of use. The interior is not just plastic but cheap plastic and things fall apart without much use. Without power seats the hand cranck brings down the appeal of this high perfomance car. The interior easily marks up and cannot be wiped down. The service has been very good, but theres not much they can do to fix the flaking.

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  a very fine automobile - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tenney - August 29 - 6:30 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is a high quality vehicle with the bonus of having very good mileage for a vehicle of its size. It has excellent handling. I would prefer a standard transmission, but the automatic is very flexible. The only thing I would change are the sunvisors, they do not provide enough side coverage. I have averaged 34 mpg in the first 9,000 miles in suburban driving and up to a whopping 41 mpg on long trips.

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  Audi A6 wagon lite - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lfbmdpc - August 1 - 3:06 am

  Ive owned a lot of Audis. every bit as good although less stylish. Fun to drive, but a gas hog (so far - 9-12 mpg around town), hopefully will improve with time and break-in. No problems so far except cannot get driver seat memory to work.

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  Sweet Ride - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mr. Driver - June 30 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car. I just picked up my third Passat in six years. The turbo engine works best with a manual transmission. The ride is smooth and dignified. This is a car that likes to be driven in the same way you should drink a good wine. The 05 model has more body roll than in past years. The tradeoff is a more forgiving ride over bumpy roads, potholes, etc. As for long term problems like "oil sludge", I can only say that VWs are popular with people who like to modify their engines. They turn a 170 horsepower engine into a 240 horsepower engine, dont bother to change their oil at the suggested intervals, and then cry with outrage when their engine goes bye bye...

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  My VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Betty - April 27 - 8:23 pm

  I have had problems with the skid plate on this car. Problems may have been related to excessive snow this winter. Board is flimsy and expensive to replace. Takes high test fuel which is very expensive. If something drops on floor and rolls under seat, very difficult to reach under the seat. Front bumper low to ground, can easily hit curb or snow bank and easily become damaged. Ride is very smooth. No major problems, just expensive to maintain. Had problem with headlights. During one year I replaced 3 headlights.

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  2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By dnichols - April 22 - 6:20 am

  The only negative about my 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8T 4Motion is that the engine is a little underpowered. However, that translates into better gas mileage than I had expected. All in all, this is a wonderful car and a great choice for the snowy roads in Vermont where I keep it.

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  Very Fine Automobile - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dennis J - April 20 - 12:12 am

  I bought my 2005 GLS TDI new after test driving a base gas model. At the time, the gas and diesel models were the same price, the diesel mileage was far superior, and the cost of diesel was quite a bit less than gasoline so this was a no-brainer. Now, diesel is often more expensive than gasoline, and sometimes even 15-20% more, so the diesel advantage is not what it once was. Still, I like being able to go almost 600 miles on a fillup, and I love the power, reliability and longevity of this engine. I have 175,000 miles on my Passat and have not had a single repair bill outside of scheduled maintenance. The most expensive maintenance is the timing belt replacement every 80-100K miles. The car has excellent pickup, not as peppy as the gasoline Passat, but much better than most cars that Ive driven, including V8s. The 10,000 mile interval for the synthetic oil change offsets the higher costs associated with changing the oil. This service, like most, is best performed by the owner, the dealer, or a shop specializing in German autos. Maintenance costs are slightly more expensive and servicing establishments more limited than Japanese, American, Korean or other cars, but the Passat spends very little time in the shop. I think that this has been an extremely economical car, but it drives as well or better than cars costing quite a bit more to purchase or maintain.

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  Great auto - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By James hansel - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  Great auto

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  Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tom - March 24 - 2:50 am

  This car is excellent. The quality, fit and attention to detail is great. The reliability is outstanding. Handling great. With 17" tires it sticks like glue to the corners. The car is leading edge producing 134 HP. It uses every bit of energy in the diesel fuel. Temper your MPG expectations, if based on these reviews. The EPA mileage rating is 27/38 and while some are stating solid numbers over 40, those come with caveats. For example, the quality of the diesel fuel. The west coast does not have the true high performance diesel like other areas. These high MPG are obtained on long highway runs. My personal best is 39 MPG. Average commute numbers are 32 MPG (30% city/70% highway).

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  Dealerships Ruin the Experience - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Sean Craft - February 28 - 4:33 pm

  OK, so these cars are loaded with equipment, ultra stylish, good looking and very eurochic. This being said, this is my second Passat and I am again having troubles with the service department and small reliability issues with a rattles and wind whistles. I will be taking it in for the third visit to fix the same issues soon and meeting with a company rep to file a case just in case I have to lemon law it. These cars have tons of style but I feel that for the price they should have had a smoother turbo with less lag (not a good choice if you do a lot of city driving, esp. with auto) or a more powerful V6 available (problem solved in the 2006 model, it seems).