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 81 through 90 of 166.00
  • Fun and Powerful car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I used to own a Mercedes 300D. I was amazed with what 40 years have done with diesel technology. Compared to my old Mercedes my new Passat does not vibrate at all, and the noise…what noise…I couldn’t believe it was a diesel. Amazing how this car takes off with this little power plan. My old Mercedes took for ever to pickup speed from standing still. However, my new Passat…oh man…it will easily skid it’s from wheels with three people inside if you push it to hard. In fact, the Passat TDI serves as a fresh reminder of this: After driving torque-rich diesels awhile, gas engines, even very powerful ones, seem anemic, as if theres a hole in their power curves. Diesels, thus, are addicting. Watch out!

  • Passat review - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    This the best and most fun car I have ever driven in my 20+ years of driving. It has lots of power and handles very well. A lot of room inside, able to seat 2 grown ups and a large child seat in the back very comfortablely. Over all just a fun car to drive. I highly recommend the Passat to anyone with a family and still wants to ride in style!

  • Love My Passat - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have owned four VW Jettas since 1997 and in 2005 I decided I needed something with a little more room and AWD. I looked at the VW Passat and fell in love. The 05 Passat 4Motion handles and feels a lot like an Audi A4 with a much lower sticker price.

  • FUNCAR TO DRIVE! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I DROVE A suv FOR 12 YEARS AND WASNT SURE IF I WANTED A CAR, TO LOW TO THE GROUND. THE 5 SPEED PASSAT WAS THE FIRST CAR I DROVE AND NOTHING ELSE IN THIS BRACKET COULD COMPARE. AUTOMATICS WERE TO BORING. THIS CAR DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR WITHOUT PAYING THE INSURANCE ON ONE! COMFORT,RELIABILITY, SAFTY AND FUN TO DRIVE, WHAT MORE COULD A PERSON NEED.

  • Fun, Powerful, Addictive - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I have own my Passat TDI for 10 months already and every day I like it more. This is a really fun car to drive. I have never enjoyed driving a car as I do with my Passat. It is powerful and fast. I also have a Toyota Tundra V8, and it feels anemic compared to the Passat TDI. It provides you with a lot of power at low RPMs. It feels like the car is very powerful in a nice effortless fashion since it doesnt need to shitf gears to accelerate. Now if it shifts...wow...get ready because it feels like a jet. Of course, fun and fual efficiency dont go together, but it is nice to know you have the choice to get 40 mpg if you want to.

  • Excellent Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    Great car. It does not car compare with any American car in its class. The standard model comes with many standard features (ABS, side curtain airbags, etc.) - good value. There were no problems in 18 months - thanks God, because of the customer service.

  • Step up from my Outback - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My 2001 Outback with 95,000 miles averaged 25 mpg, althought the Passat does not have all wheel drive both vehicles are esencially the same size. The Passat averages 36-37 mpg overall. The Passat just hums along, yet has plenty of accerlation with the turbo. Much better ventilation than the Outback. Seats and adjustments are way out from the Outback, especially legroom and right seat comfort. Currently at 6500 miles, will see what the next 100,000 or so tell us.

  • Passat Defines German Engineering - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    No other German mid-size sedan at under $30,000 can compare to the quality, comfort, performance and style of the 2005 VW Passat. The Passat drives and looks as great as its other German rivals without unloading your wallet. I cant wait to drive the redesigned 2006 model.

  • a very fine automobile - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is a high quality vehicle with the bonus of having very good mileage for a vehicle of its size. It has excellent handling. I would prefer a standard transmission, but the automatic is very flexible. The only thing I would change are the sunvisors, they do not provide enough side coverage. I have averaged 34 mpg in the first 9,000 miles in suburban driving and up to a whopping 41 mpg on long trips.

  • Sweet Ride - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
    By -

    I love this car. I just picked up my third Passat in six years. The turbo engine works best with a manual transmission. The ride is smooth and dignified. This is a car that likes to be driven in the same way you should drink a good wine. The 05 model has more body roll than in past years. The tradeoff is a more forgiving ride over bumpy roads, potholes, etc. As for long term problems like "oil sludge", I can only say that VWs are popular with people who like to modify their engines. They turn a 170 horsepower engine into a 240 horsepower engine, dont bother to change their oil at the suggested intervals, and then cry with outrage when their engine goes bye bye...

Volkswagen Passat Reviews By Year:
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