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 41 through 50 of 166.00

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  Rocket ship - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Fifthgarrett - March 11 - 6:53 pm

  Second Day with my 05 Passat GLS Auto 1.8 T. Love it. The car handles like a sports car, feels solid and is quiet on the highway. Interior fit and finish is high qualily. 17 inch wheels grip the road. Tip Tronic, fun to accelerate onto highway. High Marks all around.

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  Overrated Junk Box - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Chicken Lips - January 24 - 2:40 am

  What a mistake. I believed all the hype and paid $21,000 for a small cramped poor performance car that needs premium fuel. My 2005 Volkswagen Passat has no pick up at all. Im not a big guy, but the car is so cramped it feels like Im wearing a straight jacket. German engineering, yeah right. Everything rattles and my brakes went at 3,500 miles. It burns oil too. Save your money and by a Hyundai Elantra!

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  Why doesnt everybody buy one? - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jerry Rosen - January 19 - 7:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Passat 1.8 turbo wagon with manual transmission. This is the perfect car. It has pleasing European design, as oppossed to those cookie cutter Japanese and US cars. The interior is of very high quality - on par with cars that are $10,000 more and it is very fun to drive. The low end torque, that is a trademark of VWs, makes the car exciting to drive around town and downshifting really causes the car to "blast." It holds the road superbly. I recently drove from Los Angeles to Pheonix in a blinding rain storm the entire way. Nonetheless I drove my usual speed and made the trip in 6 hours. It has a huge trunk and gets 30 mpg on the freeway. This is a great car. Buy one now.

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  Beware VW Fans!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By iblackwell - December 3 - 11:25 pm

  After owning VWs for years this will be my last. I actually traded the Passat today for a BMW and I couldnt be more relieved. The problems and repairs have been unending from the start. Under 3 mo. old, the sunroof leaked and all of the carpet had to be replaced, I have replaced (3) Front axles, a valve cover gasket, numerous sensors, the thermastat, (3) window regulators, motor mounts, Both headlights because they turned white after three years and wouldnt pass inspection. I even had to replace the antenna and the oil dip stick because they fell apart. Lastly the interior trim peeled off (VW sprays a coating over plastic - ???) All this at 75000 miles! The services every 5K are COSTLY!

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  Underestimated Fun Ride - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jake - November 27 - 4:00 pm

  Have had the TDI Passat for 6000mi now and LOVE it. My experience gives it 28- 30 around town and 40-43 highway at 75- 80 mph. Went through the Smokies up to Canada cruise control doesnt slow down at all going up the mountain grades. All in all my wife and I feel the vehicle performed much better than expected, truly an under rated ride and performance. The little 2 lt diesel will push you into the back of the seat over 2000rpm. Will blow through 100mph easily while passing tractor trailers if not careful. Were in our 60s with back problems and have put in several 10-12hour days and love this vehicle. Quiet rumble sounds great all with no smelly diesel stink. Check it out!

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  Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Lise Waugh - November 15 - 9:16 am

  handles crowds really well. Switches to standard gearing on the fly allowing you to cut through traffic without any concern. Access to rear storage area is easy for kids in back seat by just opening a "tunnel" to get their stuff out. Love this car. VW for life.

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  How sweet it is - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By David - November 1 - 9:03 pm

  I purchased my Passat for fuel economy and comfort of ride. Im not disappointed thus far. My drive one way to work is eighty miles, seventy miles of which is open road. The last ten is in Washington, DC traffic. I have logged 1400 miles on my Passat the past week which includ a trip to VA Beach this past weekend. I average 42.9 MPG. The car is very comfortable on the open road and feel very solid. Im very impressed by the power of this 4 cyl which is very quiet at 65 miles per hour. I must tell you that I did have one situation with the car and that is the Electronic Module Display which displays fuel usage, and outside temp went out the day I took delivery of my passat 18 APR 05.

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  Passat Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By TOMD - November 1 - 11:56 am

  I feel that dollar fo dollar and pound for pound, it is the best value in its class. The standard features far surpass the competition. It has a full sized spare, a rarity these days. The warranty is hard to beat also with free roadside assistance.

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  Just Brought It Home Tonight - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Daniel North - October 25 - 9:06 pm

  I traded a 2001 Dodge Durango (gas hog) for a 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI. I had the Durango for four years. I negotiated the drive-out price on the Passat to mid $24K on last day of month. The torque and cabin layout are excellent! The dealership had only 2 other TDI GLSs on the lot; I got the Gray with ESP.

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  My first diesel car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By EDWARD, A - October 19 - 11:50 am

  The Passat TDI is a fine vehicle, with great fuel economy, I have been getting a constant 35 MPG city / highway mix. I have not taken a trip to check the highway milage yet. The fit and finnish inside and out is first class. The rear seat fold down is a bit clumsy though.