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 151 through 160 of 166.00

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  Rock Solid and Refined - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Zenimage - January 29 - 9:30 am

  I just bought a Passat TDI Wagon and it is a wonderful car. Excellent handling, gutsy acceleration, and is exactly what I need for my 60 mile round trip job commute here in Michigan. It seems to to matter little how many people or how much stuff I have in the car, it just presses on regardless. The only option I have on mine are the 17 Inch wheels. If I had to sum it up: Refined, Rock Solid and Gutsy.

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  2005 TDI Passat Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve - December 20 - 6:56 pm

  I love this car except for an experience last winter. I live in a cold enviroment. I was told the car would always start before I bought it. At minus 10, sitting outside, the car would not start. I had to have it towed to the nearest dealership. Once it warmed up it started without a problem. Everything checked out to be working correctly. I would not take the car back without an external heating device installed. The dealer put on a oil pan heater. VW Corp was contacted and asked to cover the installation. They declined to do so! I was told they would rather pay for a tow each time. What an inconvience for me. I was displeased with the customer service deptartment.

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  Poor choice - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jlub - October 24 - 5:23 pm

  Enjoyed the car when first purchased, Great performance and fun to drive. Then the problems started at about 12,500 miles and haven;t stopped. Have spent more than 8,000 in maintenance and repairs with no help in correcting poor reliability. Biggest problems have been replacing 8 coils (even 2 after recall). Engine light has been on for over a year and they can not find the problem. Just spent 500 on electrical issues which are not repaired. Some of the problems: 1) 8 coils replaced. 2) Triptronic transmission doesnt work in manual. Never fixed as it is over $2000 by VW dealer. 3) AC went out, not getting power. 4) Oil light comes on regularly...waiting for the sludge problem. Bad Choice!

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  Bye Bye V-70 - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff OB - October 24 - 2:50 am

  Leaving my 1999 Volvo V-70 Wagon behind in the lot was very easy to do last week as I stepped into a new stonehenge grey VW TDI wagon. It would have been easy to do, had I felt the desire, despite the direct sunlight above the rear view mirror because the folks from VW decided to put an extra flip down sun visor directly above it. This feature may be trite, yet it demonstrates the amount of thought put into this vehicle. Im looking forward to having a positive experience with this car that is rated at 40 miles to the gallon! This is my first deisel, it sounds normal, it has more engine braking than a gas engine but when the turbo kicks in,it kicks in and you have everything you need.

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  So far, so good - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Mary Anne - October 11 - 6:53 pm

  This little guy keeps on going. I love the styling, comfort(with a "c" not a "k"), gas mileage, interior room. I looked at a BMW before I purchased this and it definitely had more bells and whistles. I LOVE the heated seats. The ride is comfortable. It has its issues, but they have been covered under the warranty. Fun to drive!

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  2005 Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By drcar1 - September 10 - 10:35 pm

  To be honest I havent had any problems with my 2005 VW. It has worked great, it is fun to drive maybe too fun....I get a lot of speeding tickets in it and Ive been pulled over several times going like 5-10 over so maybe it looks fast too!? As for everything else I get regular inspections on the car and it works great. Just have to take car of it. Take it to the dealership at least once a year to run diagnostics and youre good to go.

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  Disappointed in my Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Bernie - August 31 - 6:10 am

  I cannot wait to squirrel away enough money to replace my car, with a non-VW model. I used to be that person that would defend VW and my car selection, but no more. After three recalls, multiple ignition coils going out, faulty electronics and the bottom panel of my car falling out on the freeway, I am done with this car. Not to mention it is a boring sedan. There is nothing outstanding about this car, aside from my repair bills.

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  Another one with "Oil Sludge" issues... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lonzom10 - August 7 - 1:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for over 2 years and it is in constant need of repair. The AC has went out twice, the Coils have had to be replaced, the front axles replaced due to the boots cracking and now the infamous "Oil Sludge" problem which VW says they will not cover even though all but 3 oil changes were completed at the dealer and I have provided them copies of the other 3 receipts. After looking online at all the other 05 1.8 turbo owners with the same problem, it would appear that the issue was not resolved from 04 to 05. Needless to say I will never by a VW again. What can we as a group do to address this issue with VW?

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chris - July 10 - 10:36 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I looked at it for a year, didnt like the looks of the 2006 so purchased the 2005. I am stationed in Germany so I get to drive this US spec car on the autobahn, which is lots of fun. With 4 adults in it, I cruise at 140 KPH and get great fuel economy. You cant beat it. My car has had no defects, and has a solid build.

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  Excellent car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aurelian - July 5 - 11:16 pm

  The 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is an excellent family car. It gets very good gas mileage with its diesel engine. It has all of the possible airbags (side, front, and side curtain), an elegant exterior design, and top quality interior materials.