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 1 through 10 of 166.00-
Money Pit - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By jjroadtrip - August 15 - 1:56 pmBought this car used in 2009, drive only highway miles and this car has been nothing but problems. Last year alone it cost me $6500 in repair bills. VW dealers are no help, even with used car warranty it covers nothing.
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I dont like it. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Dissatisfied - May 5 - 10:03 pmWe bought our Passat new in 2005. Within 3 months plastic pieces began to break. We have stopped having them repaired because the new parts also break. We have had the front tires blow out twice because the car wont hold an alignment. The trunk lid has become so stiff that my wife is not able to open the trunk. Now the car is in the shop with excessive sludge buildup after we used VW for most if not all oil change service. This car has been worse quality than any other car I have ever owned.
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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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Beware VW Fans!!!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By iblackwell - December 3 - 11:25 pmAfter 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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This car awful - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Liza - September 15 - 1:13 pmI have had this car for only a year and a half and I have had the coils replaced twice ($400.00 each). Then I experienced a crack in the cylinder head which cost me $3,800.00 to fix. My mechanic said that such a crack should not happen to a car that had less than 100,000 miles on it. Furthermore, it shouldnt happen to a car that hasnt overheated (which mine didnt) which basically points to bad materials used in the part itself. Besides the mechanical flubs, the oil changes are very expensive $80, because it has a "turbo". Honestly, there is no point for a turbo in this car since it runs worse than most 4 cylinder sedans without one. I hate my car.
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Seriously beware of VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By esther - April 5 - 2:46 amMy overall experience with VW has been terrible. I leased my 2003 Passat and it has broken down 3 times within the last year, all with mysterious, major warranty issues, the final one being called into question even though I have a platinum warranty. It was fun to drive but I am now at the point where Im afraid to drive it. Oil pumps, fuel pumps, cam shaft adjustments, engine trouble? Should that happen all by 50000 miles? They also PROMISE an alternate car yet it was never there.They let me go three weeks without a car for warranty work that I still dont know what was really wrong with it all three times. Looks arent everything!
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Junk - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By Bud - April 30 - 2:30 pmDo not buy the Volkswagen Passat. Ive owned mine for ten months now and its been in and out of the dealership for a total of about two months. My problems started three months after I bought this car. Im plagued with electrical problems and powertrain problems. The dealership and Volkswagen say there is nothing wrong with my car, yet I have to take it back at least once a month because it doesnt run. When I ask about them taking this lemon off my hands both the dealer and VW tell me to take a hike. I am fed up and wouldnt wish this auto on my worst enemy. Whatever you do, do not buy a VW. Save your money and sanity and buy something else!
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what a waste - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By parag - May 23 - 4:00 pmI totally agree that VW doesnt stand behind its products and the dealerships are very incompetent. I have just had my Passat for 8 months and suddenly over the last two weeks the mileage dropped to 10 mpg on highway! I took it to the dealership and they say they cant find any problem and hence cannot help me out! All they did was scanned the computer to see if there were any problems. Further, they took my car for a spin and put 100 miles on it (50 miles more than what the invoice said). This is rediculous. I would never trust them or VW again.
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Bad Decision - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By K Wirth - October 14 - 5:03 pmI bought my VW Passat in August and it has been in the shop more than on the road. I have taken the car to all the VW dealerships in my area for repairs hoping that the service center was to blame for the poor quality. The low quality and poor reliability of the Passat have been more than disappointing. Especially when you consider the higher price of the Passat compared to the other vehicles in its class. VWoA has been difficult to work with.
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Rough Idle and Bad Gas Mileage - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
By john - September 26 - 1:13 amThis has been the worst car I have ever owned. It has a rough idle and gets poor gas mileage. VW has not been any help in resolving these issues.
