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 11 through 20 of 166.00

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  Can VW succeed with the Pheaton ? - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By VW Out to Lunch - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The car is pleasant to drive. The big problem is that VW and their dealers do not seem to be on the same page when it comes to important things like what kind of oil to use for oil changes. The owners manual and VW say to ONLY use 5w40 oil which meets VWs 502.00 standard. That means a synthetic oil. Dealers appearently are tying to not give customers sticker shock on oil changes because they all use conventional motor oil on the order of 5w30 or 10w40. VW has recently issued an 8 year extended warranty for many VWs with the 1.8 turbo gas engine yet they dont seem to be able to convince their dealers to use the very oil that they, VW, says to owners is so very important. Go figure.

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  I own two - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Aldo Waker - November 16 - 6:50 pm

  I own a plain vanilla GL sedan and a GLS wagon with upgraded 17 inch tires. Overall, both are good performing cars. Have never had a mechanical problem. The wagon is a great ride on the highway and the sedan is easier in the city. Handles well and good fuel economy. I wish the seats were a little bigger/wider. Im 6 feet and 200 lbs and have sat in much more comfortable cars. Having said that, the interior is pretty roomy for a small car. Can seat 4 comfortably. There is a bit of turbo lag on the when you you want to accelerate which can be frustrating. Once it kicks in, it is pretty quick. They are very fun to drive. Trunk/rear space is excellent.

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  Extensive Repairs - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jerry Balat - September 15 - 7:38 am

  I purchased a used 2005 Volkswagen Passat in 2011. In less then 4 years of owning this car, I have spent over 5K in car repairs. Its one thing to fix normal wear and tear, such as replacing breaks, and worn out tires, but to replace the engine mounts, hinges on the trunk, the window panel,screws on the door which somehow fell off, replaced the air pump which had water in it, had work done on the sunroof which seemed to have issues closing and lastly, have a ongoing loud engine sound at the start of the car.

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  Luxury Ride, Econobox Mileage - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tomato Pie - June 16 - 11:00 am

  Driving 96 miles each day, I needed to replace my wonderful 1991 Acura Legend that had accumulated 215,000 miles. I wanted to retain the great comfort, safety, and performance of the Acura while improving on the 25 mpg I was getting. Research took me to the TDI Passat, and I got one of the last leftovers for 2005 (cannot get the diesel in the 2006 Passat). I have logged 5,000 miles and I am THRILLED with this car. It is powerful, comfortable, and I am averaging 43 mpg on the highway when I can keep my speed under 65.

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  Diesel is the way to go - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By dapack - March 24 - 2:23 pm

  A sports sedan that gets on average 35 mpg, who could want more! The only negative is diesel fuel is very expensive in the winter months. Friends marvel at the room and trunk size when the car seems almost compact on the outside. Lots of features, very good value. Hopeful I will not have to visit the dealer much, VW can have reliability issues.

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  Terrible Gas Mileage - Passat V6 GLX - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By JCrumley - January 25 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased a new 2005 Passat GLX (V6 Auto) in Sept 05. The comfort of this car is awesome. I really like the car but the gas mileage stinks! I get anywhere from 13-15 mpg in the city and 17-19 mpg on the highway. The dealership states the car is OK....all checks out OK...sure, its not them buying premium gasoline and its a far cry from the "EPA avg. of 19 and 26" which is used in their sales speech! With this gas consumption, I should have bought a Tourag...then I could not complain. Most likely I will be getting rid of the car in the near future simply because of the gas mileage.

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  Well Mannered but boring - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Winter1 - October 9 - 2:46 pm

  This is a well mannered wonderfully smooth vehicle with a gorgeous interior, especially all lit for night driving. Underpowered in summer driving with the A/C on. Smoothest car that I owned, but needs more HP and handling. Winter all wheel drive performance was excellent once I ditched the stock tires.

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  Do Not Make the Same Mistake I Did! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By SCOTT - July 30 - 2:16 am

  I purchased my 05 Passat TDI due to an increase in my daily commute and was sold on VWs diesel reputation for reliability and economy. After several warranty items were addressed(power window switches, bulbs, door seals, ext. brightwork, antenna, MAF and turbo sensor, battery) I wasnt too confident in the car. Despite my constant engine maintenance(oil change 8000 km with correct oil)the camshaft failed at 122km.($2400 repair) At 131km the oil pump chain tensioner failed.($1200 repair) All parts replaced with VW orig parts, not upgraded or any defects corrected. VW Cda had no interest in answering my calls, letters or questions. Now my fuel economy has dropped to mid 20s for some reason.

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  Great Car But..... - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By jtmma - January 13 - 8:11 am

  Purchased this car in 2010 with 67,000KM from VW as a pre-owned certified vehicle with a 40,000KM or 2 year bumper to bumper warranty. It has been exceptional for me during this time. I am now at 200,000KM and have serviced it regularly as required. I still enjoy the drive as I commute up to 2-3 hours daily doing sales. However, just had a major recent issue. My transmission quit completely out of nowhere. It is a self sealed unit and very difficult to service, nor does it say it requires any routine maintenance. This is a $4500 issue to get a factory repaired/replaced transmission from VW. Luckily I had a friend who rebuilt and swapped it for considerably less.

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  Maybe I should have let it burn. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By New Milford - November 28 - 4:46 pm

  Bought the car as a leftover. Within 2000 miles coil pack burned out. Fire self-extinguished. 3 out of 4 Continental tires had tread separation. Transmission failed at 64,000. (VW ate approx $4,000.00 of cost, we paid about $1,000.00) The car is extremely expensive to maintain. New timing belt, waterpump, belt tensioner, thermostat. Cost: over $1100.00.