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 21 through 30 of 166.00

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  2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By skip - October 19 - 11:43 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat has a great ride. We have the 4Motion GLS model and we are pleased with the whole car, but wish the gas milage was better than 27 to 28 miles to gallon highway, but for an all wheel drive its fair on gas.

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  Great Car For the Money - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Michael B. - October 10 - 11:06 am

  Looked at a lot of other cars in its class and the Passat felt the most substantial, heavy and comes witha lot of standard features. The only other cars that were competition were the A4 and the Acura TSX. The Passat was less and drives just as well as the A4 and tighter then the Acura.

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  Shopped Around a lot to Find Value - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rebecca Ann - September 22 - 2:03 pm

  I shopped around quite a bit before deciding on a VW Passat. I compared this car to Swedens Volvo S60 and the Lincoln LS, both of which are V6 or straight 5-cylinder engines. I was sceptical about the 4-cylinder 1.8T engine in the Passat, however this German built vehicle really shines when you consider the packages and the performance. It is a solid car with great space in the backseat. The standard side curtain airbags and safety went toe toe to toe with Volvo. The S60 had a lot of play in the wheel (boat feeling) and the Lincoln didnt impress me when the dealer couldnt shut the hood when showing me the car. It makes you wonder what else in the car is not quite lined up. The Passat won.

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  Worst Car Ever - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Rainey - July 31 - 10:43 am

  I bought this car used learned my lesson. No one writes reviews of the long term problems. A lot of electrical problems down the road. The gas mileage isnt all that wonderful either when you travel back and forth about a 100 miles a day. Mechanics dont like to work on these cars because they are so difficult to work with. And it is just a money pit. It would be a great car Im sure brand new, dont buy it used.

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  Good Car Poor Realiability - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Dele - June 22 - 3:00 am

  I think VW ought to spend as much time on quality and reliability as they do on style! I bought the 2001 new passat, I pretty much know all the service guys in southeastern wisconsin by name by the second year, even though I do all the required service and do less that 12,000 miles a year! I have had problem from system failure to engine light on to tie rod problems in the first three years. This year alone I have spend over $2000 on the car! Even my friends 2000 Ford Taurus is more reliable! I have called VW to complain, the lady politely told me I am out of warranty and there nothing they can do! I happen to have the 24 months full service warranty they had back in 2001

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  TDI Wagon Still Strong - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By ScottM - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I wrote my last review of my wagon almost 2 years ago. My car now has 55K miles and is better than ever. Since the stock suspension is very wallowy I replaced the shocks & springs @ 50K with H&R springs and Bilstein shocks from the Tire Rack. Wow, feels like driving a brand new A6. A worn CV boot was found and replaced during suspension work. Thats it, no other problems. This car had the Upsolute ECU reflash done to it over two years ago and not a single problem. It adds an extra 30HP and 50ft-lbs torque. This thing pulls like a freight train and gets 38 MPG on long trips. Replaced stock stereo which stinks with a $250 (installed!) Sony from Best Buy. Way better even w/ stock speakers.

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  Completely Unreliable/Expensive Repairs - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By SW - March 12 - 8:50 am

  The Passat looks great, rides great, and is extremely comfortable - WHEN ITS NOT AT THE DEALERSHIP BEING REPAIRED! I have owned a passat for 6 months now, and I know the Service Manager at the local Volkswagen Dealership by name. In the past six months, my 2 year old car has had three separate repairs, all of which were under waranty, but would have been very costly otherwise. Now Im told I have to have my CV Axles replaced due to "normal wear and tear" (meaning not covered under the warranty). Total cost? OVER $1,500!! Once again, this car is two years old - which means that every two years Ill have to pay $1,500 for CV Axles, $75 each for headlights, plus all of the other repairs!

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  I Love My Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Tweetgurl - March 3 - 11:33 am

  I went from a Mitsubishi Lancer to a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. Every time I looked at a Passat on the road, I was envious. Finally, I bought a 2005 Passat that had been a dealer demo so it had less than 5,000 miles on it even though I bought it December 2005. I love my car! It takes some time getting used to, but I enjoy the experience. The ride is fairly smooth and I feel important driving this car. I checked out the 2006 Passat and was appalled at the price. I was able to buy my 05 Passat for thousands of dollars less than the current rate for a new 06 Passat. I dont like the new body style of the 06 Passat, though I do like the chrome in the front. Overall, Im satisfied with my purchase.

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  love mpg, hate electronic issues - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By CAgirl - January 5 - 2:33 am

  I have had this car for 4 years and I have had some issues with the dash mpg display, when the car is hot its half faded, the light doesnt come on when I open the door - I have to wack it to get it on and the lights for the temp controls dont come on anymore. I have taken it in to complain about it but each time the techs tell me it was working fine for them,fog lights and headlights burnout fast. I do love the fuel efficiency, I average 37 mpg on the freeway which is great on the wallet. Leather seats little uncomfortable during a long drive. My daughter kicked off the ashtray and elec plug cover with her legs due to center carseat position. I think this will be my last passat.

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  2005 TDI Owner - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By rw - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Up to 2009 car was great. Volkswagon decided to recall att TDI models for a R8 recall for the glow plugs. Being on top of recalls brought car in for recall and had it done in the spring time period. Well summer went by and winter was setting in (getting colder) my wife started complaining that the car was hard to start sometimes. I of course egnored it till I drove it. Well the problems with the dealership and Volkswagon began. Called Volkswagon direct and knotified them of a possible problem with thier recall. Brought it in and more than 6 months later. I got my car back with original plugs and waiting for volkswagon to find a glow plug that will replace problem plugs. Good luck to tdi owne