5 Star Reviews for 2005 Volkswagen Passat

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.42/5 Average
166 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

Pros:
  • 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.
Cons:
  • 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
  • Excited about driving again - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I bought this car last June 04, not too sure what to think about having a grocery getter. I had Honda Civic which was too small (6’4 frame, plus new baby), so I had nothing to lose. The room inside is much bigger than I thought; it can hold five adults comfortably with no lag on the turbo/engine. The back end is ideal for when my wife goes shopping, now she can buy more. I wish I ordered it with the bigger wheels and engine. Overall its a car that I can trust in going up to Michigan(coming from VA) in the winter or load it up for the beach.

  • The Wow Factor - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I was not sure about buying a car known for its hippie genre. Then my wife convinced me to try it out and give it a drive since she had a VW in Argentina that she said was great. I was so impressed by the way the car handled. It seemed that the faster I went the better the drive got. I am a firm believer now and have been now for 6 years and 4 different VWs.

  • Best Wagon Made! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Due to the current gasoline prices, I did not want to buy an SUV, but I needed cargo room, so a wagon seemed to be the smart choice. After extensive research, I settled on the Passat TDI. The TDI wagon is now hard to find, and I had to drive 250 miles to purchase one. This is by far the best automobile I have ever owned. The build quality, comfort, and ride are every bit as good as my in-laws BMW 525i. If you want an alternative to the gas-guzzling SUVs this is definitely a vehicle worth exploring. If you owned or knew someone who owned a VW diesel in the 1980s, you owe it to yourself to look at the new diesel technology. An absolutely fantastic vehicle!!!

  • Great Car, Great Fuel Economy - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    The new TDI diesel engines are extremely powerful, very reliable and quiet! This is a fantastic mid-size car that is solidly built. It handles like a sports car and has the comfort of a luxury sedan. I have no idea why anyone concerned with fuel economy would bother with hybrids (what do you do with the old batteries?). Gas cars with this kind of fuel economy are small, lightweight and underpowered. This car is solid. I feel very safe in it should I have an accident.

  • Test Drove them ALL - VW Wins - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This is the first new car my wife and I ever bought. As it is her car, I had her test drive every possible car on the market, from GMs to BMWs. Family to sports cars. She said she wanted the VW Passat TDI. I went with her and took it for a drive. Roomy and handles like a sports car. Excellent brakes, excellent everything. Now have 100k on the car and not even a hint of anything wrong. We will keep this one until we cant drive any longer.....in about 20 years!!

  • Dont Pass This Car Up - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This car is amazing! I have had over 48 mpg on two tanks of diesel. It is solidly built, quick, and fun. This car is worth every penny and should not be passed up if its available. I am not sure how it will do for winter driving, but I suspect it will be fine. For me this car is better then any hybrid and compromises nothing in quality for fuel economy. I hope more car makers look toward turbo diesel technology, it is truly awesome.

  • From Honda back to VW - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Planned to downsize from 99 Accord Ex & 02 Civic Si to 1 car in future, but VW pricing & incentives too good to pass up. My foreign car mechanic, who always said buy Honda or Toyota, vouched for the newer TDI engine and Passats. Hes not seeing problems in his shop. Wagon choices are few, and this one meets our needs. (This is not a "sport wagon.") Very happy with fit & finish, plus there are plenty of diesel stations nearby. Have to get used to startup; seems too slow, but more pressure on accelerator is too quick. Have to get used to this along with engine hum, not growl, and low rpms on tach. Letting 5 speed auto do its thing.

  • Great Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This car is not a luxury sedan and its not really supposed to be, but it drives very very well - smoothly with substance and weight to it, the interior is well-done, and daily I appreciate another thoughtful design feature. The seats are quite comfortable and the dash lights are lovely red and blue, another very satisfying aspect of the car. For instance, the trunk is unbelievably well designed and quite packable; I am continually amazed at everything I can fit in it. So far, I have had no trouble with anything. I also like the purr of the diesel, discernable at low speeds and idling, but not intrusive and oh the mileage! It exceeds my expectations.

  • Rocket ship - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    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.

  • Why doesnt everybody buy one? - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    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.

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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