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

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  Turbocharger Intermittent - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Longfellow - September 21 - 5:36 pm

  To start off with, I like the styling of the 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI. I also enjoy the TDIs fuel economy. However, the Turbocharger stops working intermittently. I have had the car back to two different dealerships on five separate occasions to repair of the turbocharger. The cruise control disengages intermittently, as do the daytime running lights. I too, have experienced the inability to remove the ignition key from its slot on the steering column several times. I still do not know why that has happened. The front seats bottoms are a bit short in length and there is not much padding under the leather. You can feel the closed cell polyurethane foam that lines the seat bottom upon ingress and egress.

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  Good car with some problems - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Brian00074 - September 15 - 11:30 am

  This is an excellent riding vehicle with decent power and good looks. The data display and heated seats are great features. I had two strange things happen with this car. First was minor. The chrome strip along the rear door pulled away somehow and took paint off the front door the next time I opened it. It happened on a very very cold day and I suspect some water froze behind it. The second thing was much more serious. I got home one night and tried to back into my spot but the car would not move. Turned out that I needed a whole new transmission, which Kelly VW replaced with no hassle. Its running well but making a strange noise after rolling a few feet. Im taking it back again.

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  Car is unreliable, CS is pathetic - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By mminch - September 6 - 7:03 pm

  Have had the car three years. The first winter we had it, it did not start on 2 occasions. Both times the dealer did tow it, but could find nothing wrong. We were told misfires. On two other occasions the engine light when on, we took it in, and they told us misfires again. The battery also failed, but the dealer replaced it. The warranty recently expired and the engine light has come on, the repairs have run about $500. In total the engine light has come on at least 6 times in less then 60,000 miles. Very safe car when it starts, very unreliable. Our local dealer takes no accountability, their favorite sayings are "Im sorry" and "I dont know" when I ask what I can do.

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  We Need More Diesels! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Drew - May 24 - 10:30 pm

  I was on the fence over which car to buy, the Camry, Accord, or the Passat. Diesel engine is what sold me, and the wagon option. This car will eventually go to one of my kids when they go to college; I expect it to run that long! Great highway car, will “get-up-‘n-go” and not hurt you at the pump over driving it hard. Dealers are offering KILLER deals right now.

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  Really Durable with V6 and manual. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By VWall the time - April 20 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd Passat; 1999 V6 5-speed Sedan was amazing for 10 years and 140k miles. Despite hard use, reliability was excellent(6,000+ revs common; 50/50 highway/backroads; fast cornering; some rough roads; stored for long periods). The timing belt was expensive, replaced radiator at the same time since front of the car has to be dismantled. Also had to replace control arms/bushings and CV joints. Valve cover gasket prone to leaking. Cracked oil pan 2x on steep driveways/bumps (likely somewhat my fault due to 1/2-inch lower European suspension springs). AC conked out in year 9. Still has original clutch. My other cars are BMW M3s which I race - but cant sell VW, I like it too much!

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  Great car for the dollar. - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jason Elvidge - October 9 - 8:53 am

  I really like this car. It handles like a champ. After purchase I noticed a vibration during shifting. I took it back to the dealership and they uploaded a new flash memory for the computer. It has worked flawlessly since. Not real big on style, but if you are looking for German engineering that feels like a more expensive european model, yet unpretentious enough to not upset your boss and co- workers with envy and jealousy. If that is what you are looking for, you couldnt find a better car for the parking lot or your wallet.

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  Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Napp - September 23 - 1:16 pm

  The Passat diesel has two great qualities and one big poor one. The gas mileage is fantastic, 38 mpg town and 45 mpg or better highway. The performance is fantastic, it feels like a higher end car, more than what you pay for it. The seats are comfortable. However, the interior stinks! The finish on the handles, and all over, flaked in the first month of use. The interior is not just plastic but cheap plastic and things fall apart without much use. Without power seats the hand cranck brings down the appeal of this high perfomance car. The interior easily marks up and cannot be wiped down. The service has been very good, but theres not much they can do to fix the flaking.

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  Audi A6 wagon lite - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By lfbmdpc - August 1 - 3:06 am

  Ive owned a lot of Audis. every bit as good although less stylish. Fun to drive, but a gas hog (so far - 9-12 mpg around town), hopefully will improve with time and break-in. No problems so far except cannot get driver seat memory to work.

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  My VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Betty - April 27 - 8:23 pm

  I have had problems with the skid plate on this car. Problems may have been related to excessive snow this winter. Board is flimsy and expensive to replace. Takes high test fuel which is very expensive. If something drops on floor and rolls under seat, very difficult to reach under the seat. Front bumper low to ground, can easily hit curb or snow bank and easily become damaged. Ride is very smooth. No major problems, just expensive to maintain. Had problem with headlights. During one year I replaced 3 headlights.

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  Great auto - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By James hansel - April 3 - 1:46 pm

  Great auto