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 1 through 10 of 166.00

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  Get one if you still can! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By ttocsffej - December 3 - 10:16 pm

  Torque is the name of the game and it gets very addictive! Our 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI is our first diesel vehicle, and certainly not the last. Weve owned three other Passats, including the 1.8T (manual and tip) and W8 versions, I can say the TDI / tiptronic combination is by far the best and happiest marriage of fuel economy and power in this vehicle. But the EPA rating of 27/38 is a little misleading. Weve never gotten less than 30 mpg average in town, however, weve yet to get more than 37 mpg in 100% highway driving. 32-34 mpg mixed is average, partly because this baby hums along so quietly at 80 mph / 2,350 rpm! 65 mph yields best mpgs. I have had zero issues / problems at 10K miles! TDI is gone after 2005; get one now if you can find it!

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  VW Passat TDI Wagon, Great Car! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jeff Spahn - November 3 - 11:56 pm

  My 2005 Volkswagen Passat GLS TDI Wagon has been very reliable. I have never had a cold start issue, no matter the temps. This is the last year you can run BioDiesel in the Passat (new 06 Brochure says no to Bio). My car has no smoke and gobs of passing power without a downshift. We live 70 miles from the dealership. I was apprehensive about this at first, but we never need to see them. Being able to go 10,000 miles between oil changes is nice. This car has a super quiet engine. Only the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Diesel is quieter in my experience.

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  2005 Passat TDI Wagon - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By James Witt - October 21 - 8:30 pm

  2005 Passat TDI Wagon special order exact color, trim, leather, OnStar sets this wagon ahead from everybody. Tiptronic one finger up / down shift, corners flat, smooth ride 29 mpg city.

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  TDI Passat is fantastic - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Scott M - September 17 - 8:06 am

  I have owned many VWs. GTIs, Rabbits, Busses and Cabrios. I bought the TDI Passat as a knee jerk reaction to the fuel crisis of 08. Let me just say this is my favorite VW of all. We dumped a Ford Expedition to get this and I only lost maybe 25% usable space. I get 28-35 MPG in the city and 38 on long highway trips. The first thing I did when I bought it was have the software reflashed with an Upsolute package for $450. I now have 50 more ft/lbs of torque and 30 more HP. Undetectable by the dealer, doesnt affect reliability, huge difference on the road. Best $450 you will ever spend. If you want a solid family sized car that is fun to drive that looks good and gets good mileage...Passat TDI!

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  Get out of your SUV! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By LP - August 29 - 1:26 pm

  I recently downscaled from an Infiniti QX56, a luxurious, massive, gas guzzling beauty to a wagon? Thats right! Gas is now outrageously expensive and this wagon fit the bill. Almost as much cargo capacity as many SUVs! The Passat Wagon has awesome curb appeal and style, great gas mileage, and all of this for low 20Ks!! The 4cyl turbo engine is surprisingly peppy, fun to drive and one of the quietest cars Ive ever owned. I love the "leatherette" seats...I have two small children and these things clean up great. Both the heat and a/c are VERY strong! Great job VW! This is an Audi A4 wagon w/o the sticker shock! Awesome choice over a minivan - you know what Im talking about guys!

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  Passat Review - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By David Jones - August 9 - 7:23 am

  I purchased a Passat after driving American made cars and felt I had to take the chance. The stability and control I have, have not been found in an American made vehicle. It is extremely comfortable and quiet and get better mileage than the Ford Focus I drove before. I have much more room, better mileage and look much more impressive in this vehicle.

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  Big fun, small dollars - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By traubenberg - June 26 - 11:03 am

  I just recently purchased my 05 Passat GL and I love it. Its got big-car space with small-car moves. In the first week, I averaged almost 24 mpg - and that included quite a bit of turbo- induced fun. During a recent 50-mile morning commute, I got 27 mpg (3/4 highway, 1/4 city). Thats equivalent to the 02 Accord I had, but this car is bigger, faster and less expensive than the Honda was. Im 63" and being able to comfortably fit behind the wheel and have three full-grown adults with me is a huge bonus. My complaints are minor: hate the hubcaps, the stereo is anemic, miss my sunroof. For the money, I think this is one of the best cars out there. The fit and finish is amazing! Go VW!

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  Perfect!! - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Jim - June 18 - 4:36 am

  I traded in a BMW 325xi for a Passat TDI Wagon GLS. I couldnt be happier. The fit and finish is exquisite. The TDI engine is a joy to drive. This caqr has loads of low end torque. its handling is excellent. It has a beautiful classic design, quiet interior, and no rattles.

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  Go New Clean Diesel - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Steve Zinnel - April 20 - 5:23 am

  This is my first diesel engine automobile. Recently took a 5,000 mile trip out West. Average gas mileage for the entire trip was 40 mpg. Never once had to take it out of cruise when going up the mountains. The diesel engine is very quiet when crusing at 75 mph on the freeway and doesnt seem to change a bit when going up mountains. I have been very impressed with the comfortable ride and amazed at the gas mileage. I drive about 30,000 miles a years, with a high percentage of those miles on the freeway, and thats why I decided to try the VW Passat for comfort and safety, and the diesel engine for economy. So far it has exceeded my expectations.

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  Totally Unreliable Car - 2005 Volkswagen Passat
  By Olney - April 4 - 6:06 am

  I love the super positive reviews from people who have owned a VW for all of 1 day! Wow, no problems after 1 whole day! Imagine that! Must be a great car! We have had a 2000 Passat 1.8T B5 for 2 1/2 years. Its a great car if you dont mind spending thousands of dollars a year in repairs. It is the most unreliable car we have ever owned (30 years of driving). VW does not stand behind its products. We have been to three dealers and they are incompetent and occasionally criminal. We have no confidence in either our car, VW dealers or VW of America. As a result, we are trading in on an Infiniti this week. I will never buy a Volkswagen again nor can I recommend one.