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 31 through 40 of 166.00-
The Wow Factor - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By David Morelli - December 12 - 9:46 amI was not sure about buying a car known for its hippie genre. Then my wife convinced me to try it out and give it a drive since she had a VW in Argentina that she said was great. I was so impressed by the way the car handled. It seemed that the faster I went the better the drive got. I am a firm believer now and have been now for 6 years and 4 different VWs.
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Best Wagon Made! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Patrick - November 24 - 10:00 pmDue to the current gasoline prices, I did not want to buy an SUV, but I needed cargo room, so a wagon seemed to be the smart choice. After extensive research, I settled on the Passat TDI. The TDI wagon is now hard to find, and I had to drive 250 miles to purchase one. This is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. The build quality, comfort, and ride are every bit as good as my in-laws BMW 525i. If you want an alternative to the gas-guzzling SUVs this is definitely a vehicle worth exploring. If you owned or knew someone who owned a VW diesel in the 1980s, you owe it to yourself to look at the new diesel technology. An absolutely fantastic vehicle!!!
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Great Car, Great Fuel Economy - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Sail - November 4 - 3:50 pmThe new TDI diesel engines are extremely powerful, very reliable and quiet! This is a fantastic mid-size car that is solidly built. It handles like a sports car and has the comfort of a luxury sedan. I have no idea why anyone concerned with fuel economy would bother with hybrids (what do you do with the old batteries?). Gas cars with this kind of fuel economy are small, lightweight and underpowered. This car is solid. I feel very safe in it should I have an accident.
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No Problems-Love it - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By caz - August 13 - 10:33 amThis is my 2nd Passat; I had an 03 as well and both were purchased new. Ive never had any issues with either of them. The 1st had 97K on it when I sold it, my current has 80K. Im considering waiting for the new Passat CC to come out. I prefer German cars over Japanese.
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Test Drove them ALL - VW Wins - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Herr Schmidt - July 10 - 7:30 amThis is the first new car my wife and I ever bought. As it is her car, I had her test drive every possible car on the market, from GMs to BMWs. Family to sports cars. She said she wanted the VW Passat TDI. I went with her and took it for a drive. Roomy and handles like a sports car. Excellent brakes, excellent everything. Now have 100k on the car and not even a hint of anything wrong. We will keep this one until we cant drive any longer.....in about 20 years!!
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Loved it & now hate it - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By thomasz - July 3 - 12:40 amWe bought it after our 01 passat starting having problems (bottom pan fell off while on the hwy). The car is great when you do not have any issues. Our passat has been in service for repairs 12 times or more in 3 years. 4 of them I needed to be towed. Had fuel system problems, a/c went out twice (we live in Texas), check engine light blinked several times totally disabling the car (once over x-mas holiday), replaced rear axle beam due to old one bending, & now the oil pressure light came on and showing signs of sludging (found out that sludging is a big problem with the 1.8T engines) and might have to replace engine. We have drove across USA with it and it is unreliable on any type of trip.
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Bad Decision - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By bauerinav - June 14 - 5:39 pmBought a 2005 Passat in Nov, 2010 (less than 2 months ago). Its been in the shop 5 times already with the engine light on. Each time its supposedly fixed, yet within 2 weeks the light is back on again. Thank God its still under warranty - car only has 60k miles on it! Issues have been:misfire, MAF, oxygen sensor, computer update, and vacuum seal. Im beginning to think the car will need to be traded in before the warranty expires! VW has not been helpful at all. Wanted a vehicle with a great service department - have yet to experience that. Shouldve kept my Saturn - at 150k miles it had less issues!
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Dont Pass This Car Up - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Erik - June 12 - 3:40 pmThis car is amazing! I have had over 48 mpg on two tanks of diesel. It is solidly built, quick, and fun. This car is worth every penny and should not be passed up if its available. I am not sure how it will do for winter driving, but I suspect it will be fine. For me this car is better then any hybrid and compromises nothing in quality for fuel economy. I hope more car makers look toward turbo diesel technology, it is truly awesome.
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From Honda back to VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By radin2son - May 15 - 5:36 amPlanned to downsize from 99 Accord Ex & 02 Civic Si to 1 car in future, but VW pricing & incentives too good to pass up. My foreign car mechanic, who always said buy Honda or Toyota, vouched for the newer TDI engine and Passats. Hes not seeing problems in his shop. Wagon choices are few, and this one meets our needs. (This is not a "sport wagon.") Very happy with fit & finish, plus there are plenty of diesel stations nearby. Have to get used to startup; seems too slow, but more pressure on accelerator is too quick. Have to get used to this along with engine hum, not growl, and low rpms on tach. Letting 5 speed auto do its thing.
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Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Aschely Cone - May 7 - 9:26 pmThis car is not a luxury sedan and its not really supposed to be, but it drives very very well - smoothly with substance and weight to it, the interior is well-done, and daily I appreciate another thoughtful design feature. The seats are quite comfortable and the dash lights are lovely red and blue, another very satisfying aspect of the car. For instance, the trunk is unbelievably well designed and quite packable; I am continually amazed at everything I can fit in it. So far, I have had no trouble with anything. I also like the purr of the diesel, discernable at low speeds and idling, but not intrusive and oh the mileage! It exceeds my expectations.
